Celebrating Women in FinTech Ahead of International Women’s Day
As International Women’s Day approaches, it’s a fitting time to spotlight the remarkable women who are reshaping the financial technology landscape. Senior reporter Silvia Iacovcich recently spoke with a group of trailblazers in the industry, who shared their experiences, challenges, and visions for a more inclusive future in FinTech.
Andreea Daly: Founder of MoneySquirrel
Motto: Collaboration Over Competition
Andreea Daly’s journey into the tech world was serendipitous. Initially trained as a paralegal and later running her own residential property services business, she transitioned into recruitment and project management. “My first project management role happened to be for a software company, and I took to it like a duck to water,” she recalls, despite having never written a line of code.
Today, as the founder of MoneySquirrel, a FinTech platform designed to help businesses manage their finances through automated savings, Daly emphasizes the importance of collaboration. She notes the concerning trend of women entering tech but leaving shortly after. “We need to do better on retention; otherwise, we’re just scooping water with a leaky bucket,” she explains.
Daly advocates for women to refine their personal traits and embrace their strengths. Networking is crucial, she insists. “Join a few, select groups or communities, and engage! It will come full circle once you find (or create!) the right communities for yourself.” She believes that women don’t need to be engineers to thrive in tech, highlighting various roles like product management and design.
Emily Neish: Vice President of Professional Services at AutoRek
Motto: If You Can Take the First Step, You’re Halfway There
Emily Neish encourages women to overcome perfectionism and take action. With a background in trading, she transitioned into FinTech, leveraging her industry expertise. “When I realized that being a trader wasn’t really fitting with my personality, I got headhunted in software, and I’ve been in FinTech ever since,” she shares.
Neish has often found herself as the only woman in male-dominated teams, facing implicit bias and slower promotions. However, she notes that the industry is evolving. “There is now more advocacy for women in technology, and as a result, women feel more empowered to speak up if they encounter problems in their careers,” she explains.
She advises women not to let a lack of technical expertise deter them from applying for tech roles. “Don’t let the technical aspects scare you,” she says, encouraging women to apply even if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. Neish also highlights the importance of mentorship and networking, recommending women-focused groups for support.
Mara Pometti: Director of AI and Data Strategy at Mastercard
Motto: Bet on Yourself – Even Harder
Mara Pometti’s career has focused on integrating AI into human experiences, particularly in financial services. “FinTech is one of the most tangible areas to realize my vision of the AI experience,” she says, emphasizing the universal impact of payments and financial decisions.
Pometti advises women to focus on their unique skills, whether technical expertise or strategic thinking. “Find allies and mentors who recognize your potential,” she adds, stressing the importance of adaptability in one’s career path. She acknowledges progress in the industry but notes the ongoing challenge of a lack of female role models in technical fields.
Alice Short: Director at Protiviti
Motto: Lead in Your Own Way, and Bring Others Along with You
Alice Short believes that success is about empowering others. Drawn to FinTech for its dynamic nature, she has observed a growing awareness of the barriers women face. “There’s a recognition of the value of diverse leadership styles,” she notes.
Short encourages women to be assertive and ambitious, reminding them that confidence comes in different forms. “Trust your skills, use your voice, and remember: you can lead in your own unique way,” she advises. She advocates for grassroots changes to increase representation, including mentorship programs and supportive workplace cultures.
Lauren Cave: Associate Director at Protiviti
Motto: Lead with Human Instinct: Approach Technology with Empathy
With a background in retail banking, Lauren Cave transitioned into consultancy, focusing on identity access management. “This area is very human, focusing on the needs of individuals,” she explains.
Cave has witnessed positive shifts in gender equality within the industry but acknowledges ongoing challenges like underrepresentation in technical roles. She encourages women to invest in skills development early and to embrace AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. “Authenticity is a strength,” she says, advocating for flexible working conditions and inclusive recruitment practices.
The Path Forward
As these women illustrate, the FinTech landscape is evolving, with increasing recognition of the need for diversity and inclusion. Their stories highlight the importance of mentorship, networking, and the power of collaboration in creating a more equitable future for women in technology. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the strides made and the work still needed to achieve gender parity in all sectors, especially in the dynamic world of FinTech.
