Women in Fintech: Spotlight on Paymerang, Zipmex, Chetwood Financial, YAP Global, FinTech Sandbox, and Amadis

Celebrating Women in Fintech: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

This October, The Fintech Times is shining a spotlight on the remarkable women in the fintech industry. With women making up only about 30% of the workforce in this sector, it’s crucial to highlight those who have not only reached the top but have also paved the way for future generations. Here, we hear from inspiring leaders like Gloria Garber, Proud Limpongpan, Sophia Sanders, Samantha Yap, Kelly Fryer, and Catherine Boundjia, who share their journeys of smashing the glass ceiling.

Gloria Garber, Director of People and Culture, Paymerang

Gloria Garber began her journey at Paymerang as the Human Resources Director when the company had just 50 employees. Now, as the Director of People and Culture, she has witnessed the company quadruple in size, expanding her role to encompass people operations, learning and development, and employee engagement.

Garber emphasizes the importance of breaking away from the stereotype of HR as merely administrative. She believes that people departments can provide valuable insights into company culture, which leaders must consider when making strategic decisions. She advocates for more female corporate leaders to inspire younger generations, highlighting the need for diversity in leadership teams to foster innovation.

Navigating her leadership role hasn’t been without challenges. Garber recalls moments when she felt her voice wasn’t heard, but she learned to assert herself despite the discomfort. She encourages women to stay true to their authentic selves, as this authenticity fosters stronger relationships and boosts confidence.

For those climbing the corporate ladder, Garber advises reflecting on personal goals and carving out a clear path to achieve them.

Proud Limpongpan, CMO, Zipmex

Proud Limpongpan, CMO of Zipmex, notes that while globally about 30% of senior management positions are held by women, the figure is lower in the Asia-Pacific region. However, Thailand stands out, ranking second globally for women in senior management roles, particularly in finance and consulting.

Limpongpan credits her father for instilling a belief in her that there were no ceilings to break. She grew up in an environment that encouraged leadership among girls, allowing her to pursue diverse experiences without feeling limited by gender. Her approach to challenges involves staying calm and discerning which issues to address immediately and which to let go, a mindset that helps her navigate the complexities of leadership.

Sophia Sanders, Distribution Lead, Chetwood Financial

Sophia Sanders reflects on the ongoing challenge of translating the encouragement girls receive at home into tangible success in the boardroom. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the glass ceiling while also finding joy in one’s work. Passion, she believes, is key to achieving success.

Sanders advises women to seek out companies that align with their values and to surround themselves with strong female peers. Trusting oneself and advocating for personal ambitions are crucial steps in overcoming barriers. She also highlights the importance of supporting other women in the workplace, asserting that collaboration strengthens everyone’s position.

Samantha Yap, CEO and Founder, YAP Global

Samantha Yap faced significant challenges in establishing YAP Global, particularly in negotiating contracts in the crypto space. She often encountered clients who tried to undervalue her services. However, she views herself not just as a woman in crypto but as a passionate advocate for the industry’s growth.

Yap believes that while societal attitudes may be slow to change, individuals can control their own narratives. By focusing on her goals and celebrating her achievements, she has maintained motivation and resilience in a male-dominated field.

Kelly Fryer, Executive Director, FinTech Sandbox

Kelly Fryer’s journey in fintech began at Bloomberg, where she quickly established herself as a key player in various projects, including the Gender Equality Index. Her experience there propelled her to pursue an MBA and take on leadership roles in fintech and venture capital.

Fryer acknowledges that while she is proud of her accomplishments, there is still much work to be done for women in the industry. As the Executive Director of FinTech Sandbox, she aims to empower startups and support products that enhance financial agency for individuals, particularly women.

Catherine Boundjia, Chief Product Officer, Amadis

Catherine Boundjia grew up surrounded by strong female role models, which shaped her belief in accessible success for women. However, she later realized that being a female leader comes with its own set of challenges. She shares three key strategies that helped her break through in the payments industry.

First, she emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Early in her career, she was entrusted with significant projects, which boosted her confidence and leadership skills. Second, she advises against over-planning, as success doesn’t adhere to a strict timeline. Finally, Boundjia encourages women to step up and take initiative, even before they hold formal leadership positions.

Her experiences have taught her that breaking the glass ceiling is an ongoing journey, requiring continuous effort and resilience.


These stories from Gloria, Proud, Sophia, Samantha, Kelly, and Catherine illustrate the diverse paths women are taking in the fintech industry. Their insights not only inspire but also provide a roadmap for future generations of women aiming to make their mark in this dynamic field.

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