Championing Women in Fintech: Spotlight on Trailblazers

This October, The Fintech Times is shining a spotlight on the remarkable women in the fintech industry. Despite women making up only about 30% of the fintech workforce, many have risen to the top, overcoming significant hurdles and paving the way for future generations. Here, we hear from six inspiring leaders—Samantha Yap, Bettina Hosp, Anna Curzon, Andrea Dunlop, Sahar Salama, and Lissele Pratt—who share their journeys and insights on fostering inclusivity in fintech.

Samantha Yap: CEO and Founder of YAP Global

Samantha Yap, the visionary behind YAP Global, emphasizes that "actions speak louder than words." She believes that by focusing on building her firm, she is creating opportunities for women and minority groups in the DeFi, crypto, and PR sectors. Yap challenges stereotypes and encourages others to do the same, stating, “Let the quality of your work and accomplishments define you rather than your race or gender.”

At YAP Global, she has implemented a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, ensuring that recognition is based on merit. Her commitment to diversity has led to rapid growth, expanding her team from five to over twenty employees across multiple countries in just one year. Yap’s approach highlights the importance of leveraging diverse skill sets to foster innovation and inclusivity.

Bettina Hosp: VP, Operations of Cake DeFi

Bettina Hosp believes that true meritocracy is essential for a thriving workplace. At Cake DeFi, she champions a culture where everyone can express their opinions openly, fostering a safe and flexible environment. “We empower our people to forge their own paths to leadership,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of unique ideas in driving positive change.

Hosp’s initiatives aim to create a friendly work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. By ensuring that hiring practices are based solely on ability, she is helping to dismantle barriers that have historically hindered women and minorities in fintech.

Anna Curzon: Chief Product Officer at Xero

Anna Curzon shares her experiences navigating unconscious gender bias in the tech industry. As a single mother in a male-dominated leadership team, she often felt isolated. However, she learned to leverage her unique perspective, realizing that diversity leads to better business outcomes. “Being the odd one out in the room meant that you were probably the most valuable,” she asserts.

Curzon has implemented programs at Xero to foster an inclusive workplace, including unconscious bias training for all leaders. With over 60% of Xero’s global leadership team being women, she is proud of the strides made toward gender equality. Her commitment to creating an environment where everyone can thrive is evident in the success of her product leadership team, which is comprised of 50% women.

Andrea Dunlop: Managing Director of the Payment Division at the Access Group

Andrea Dunlop’s journey began with a desire to support other women facing similar challenges in their careers. Recognizing a gap in networking opportunities, she collaborated with industry leaders to create events that empower women. “I wanted to make a difference not only within my own company but much wider within the industry,” she explains.

Through mentorship and sponsorship, Dunlop has helped many navigate their careers, including ex-military personnel transitioning into civilian roles. Her commitment to fostering a supportive network has led to the creation of ongoing platforms that encourage confidence and knowledge sharing among women in fintech.

Sahar Salama: CEO of TPAY MOBILE

Sahar Salama highlights the ongoing challenges of workplace diversity, particularly for women and minority groups. She advocates for retention strategies that empower diverse talent within the fintech industry. “We work hard to promote an inclusive work culture,” she states, emphasizing the importance of anti-discrimination policies and diversity mentoring programs.

Salama believes that confidence is key for those entering the fintech market. By encouraging individuals to speak up and share their ideas, she aims to dismantle the misconceptions that hinder progress for underrepresented groups in the industry.

Lissele Pratt: Director and Co-founder of Capitalixe

Lissele Pratt is dedicated to increasing gender diversity in finance. She has implemented entry-level traineeships specifically for young women, recognizing the need for more female representation in the field. “I think it’s imperative to give young women the opportunity to thrive in a finance career,” she asserts.

Pratt’s hands-on approach to mentoring and training reflects her belief that passion and dedication can lead to success, regardless of educational background. By fostering a collaborative environment through mastermind groups and monthly mentoring sessions, she is helping aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their goals.

These six women exemplify the strength and resilience needed to navigate the fintech landscape. Their stories not only inspire but also serve as a call to action for the industry to continue championing diversity and inclusion. As they pave the way for future generations, their commitment to empowering others remains a beacon of hope in the ongoing journey toward equality in fintech.