This Women’s History Month, we passed the mic to Token.io’s all-star team of women in fintech to help us celebrate the achievements of individuals who identify as women, and to highlight where work is still needed to ensure gender equity across the fintech industry. Let’s hear from more women in fintech — #InHerVoice!
“Several years ago, my developer colleagues used to say that the only domain that is more difficult for Java engineers than healthcare (where I was working at that time) is fintech. But it didn't stop me. I joined my first fintech project related to mutual funds, and I still remember learning tons of new abbreviations, reading Investopedia and asking a lot of questions... I didn't have any fintech background, so understanding processes was complicated. When the war in Ukraine started, I needed to find new job in Germany and I decided to continue working in fintech to "change the financial world" — and Open Banking can really accomplish this. Working in fintech, I meet amazing women specialists who inspire me to perform even better: high-skillled engineers, Scrum masters, managers.... Each year, more and more women join fintech and engineering, and I am really glad to see it!”
Anna Bohun, Connectivity Engineer
“The most pressing issues for women in fintech are the same as in any other industry: equity, not just equality.
I'd never worked in fintech until two years ago. Having decided that it was an area I could see industry growth potential, and enough of a personal challenge, I wasn't going to let lack of "industry experience" get in my way. In the end, it's finTECH — and the tech part is where I had lots of relevant experience and great insight to bring and share. Our specific industry will grow in a healthy way, with diverse perspectives, and an eye on the needs of the end consumer, after all.
Regarding my female role models: that's anyone who stays true to their values in the face of adversity and sticks up for what's right and carries on regardless. Just think of all the women doing that today in places where their freedom and rights are inhibited — stuck in or fleeing war zones, occupied territories, extreme poverty, pollution, climate change, etc. These women are everyday heroes and role models to us all.”
Saskia Donald, Chief People Officer
“I made the move into Fintech mainly because of the innovation that seems to be at the centre of the industry. This gave me a 'green flag' that possibly the way women, especially young women, would be treated and viewed based on ideas, innovation and being an asset to the company rather than just a stat. I think it's important for executives within male dominated environments to look inwardly to see whether they are creating a space where those identifying as females can thrive. Understanding gender-based microaggressions (and microaggressions as a whole) is key to proactively addressing discourse within your corporate culture that impacts women and I believe is the beginning of real change. Like Cyber Security, fintechs still have progress to make in terms of recruiting women. Supporting organisations such as Women in Tech is a great starting point.”
Sarah Burr, Information Security Manager
“I saw a post the other day that said “I don’t want to be a woman in Fintech. I just want to be in Fintech”. It really resonated with me as a reminder that we want to get to a place of complete gender equality, where women working in fintech is no longer an anomaly. Unfortunately, women are still significantly underrepresented in the fintech industry, particularly in leadership roles (Globally, within financial services institutions, women held 21% of board seats, 19% of C-suite roles, and 5% of CEO positions in 2021.) The lack of female representation can perpetuate the imbalance further - I read that 75% of women in leadership roles have experienced imposter syndrome in the workplace. The main reason for this was because they didn’t know other women in similar positions. At Token.io, I’m proud to lead a team made up of 50% women. We empower each other by sharing guidance, advice, and support. We’ve still got a long way to go, but we’re taking the right steps to making this the status quo. “
Annabelle Thomas, Customer Support Manager
“For me, as People Operations Coordinator at Token.io, it is important that we do our best to include all people who identify as women in all our processes. This starts with recruitment, and includes writing our job descriptions in such a way that they are not based on male ideals but address all genders equally. This means including women's habits and social challenges in a dominant way in our company policies. It also means offering women a platform where they are treated equally to men, can develop at the same pace and, of course, are paid equally. There is for sure a lot more that we can do in the future, and I'm psyched to be part of that journey towards inclusion!”
Joules Schnabel, People Operations Coordinator
”We need to do more to understand the reasons for inequality in fintech. Although there has been some progress in recent years, it is still nowhere near representative of society. I think a lot of this stems from a lack of diversity. Diversity attracts talent and inspires diverse ideas, helping to democratise fintech by including voices from across society who otherwise wouldn’t have a seat at the table.
Initiatives like International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month are great for expanding the visibility of women in the sector, helping to spread awareness and inspiring others to start a career in the field. This gives rise to the much-needed diversity in the industry.
Also, for women who are looking to break into fintech, it’s important to do your research and find a company like Token.io that strives for an inclusive working environment and values all voices equally, regardless of gender, race, position or background. In a company where all voices are heard, you will have the best chance of reaching your potential.
One of my role models is Audrey Tang, the first transgender official in Taiwan’s executive cabinet as the Minister of Digital Affairs. She has been recognised for her work in promoting open-source software, transparency and digital democracy, as well as her contributions to gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights in Taiwan. Her visibility in government has inspired many, many people to go into careers in technology and politics, gradually improving diversity in the process. Since I started my career in fintech, I have always looked to inspirational women like Audrey Tang for guidance.
However, looking back now, I would tell my younger self to follow their lead – network more and be much more confident in my abilities, be more vocal and don’t be afraid to build relationships, reminding myself that I have as much right to be in the conversation as anyone else.”
Yi Chang, Customer Support Specialist
“As a woman at the beginning of my career in fintech, to other women at the beginning of theirs: I can advise you to seek advice from women who have experience in this industry and understand how to navigate it. I have personally found their guidance invaluable. They have pushed for women’s future in fintech, and to level the playing field. We need to ensure we continue doing the same. Learn from their experience and take it further so that other women coming into the industry will not have to face the same challenges.”
Ellen Marshall, Customer Success Manager
“If I was to give myself some advice at the beginning of my career in fintech, I'd tell myself to be bolder. From the salary negotiation stage when being considered for roles, to vocal participation in work meetings, to highlighting my accomplishments in the workplace and amongst my industry peers. To get noticed, you have to be bold. I think many women try hard to come across as agreeable and pleasant as a priority, forever worried about how they are perceived by others. Competence in what you do is imperative, but confidence is equally important.” — Kay Adele-Reynolds, Implementation Manager
“Unfortunately, every person who identifies as a woman will experience sexism in some shape or size during their career. Particularly for women at the beginning of their careers, I have two pieces of advice. First: talk to other women about how they have navigated the unique challenges of being a woman in the workplace. In my experience, other women are generous in sharing what has (and hasn't) helped them thrive despite this. Secondly: call out sexism when you see it. And most importantly, ask the men around you to do the same. It's not for women to change the status quo. And you can't change what you can't name.”
Jess Gerrow, VP Marketing