The financial industry has long been dominated by men, but a new generation of pioneering women is redefining the landscape. The Markets Media Group's 10th-annual U.S. Women in Finance Awards, set to take place in New York on November 21, 2024, celebrates the remarkable achievements of these trailblazers. As we look back at the award winners from the inaugural event in 2015, their stories inspire us to envision a more diverse and inclusive financial sector.
Empowering the Next Generation of Female Investors
Stacey Cunningham: Shattering Glass Ceilings at the NYSE
Stacey Cunningham's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and leadership. In 2018, she became the 67th president of the New York Stock Exchange, making her the first woman to lead the exchange since its founding in 1792. Cunningham's tenure at the helm of the NYSE was marked by her unwavering commitment to innovation and her ability to navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape. Her recent move to private equity firm Advent International as an operating partner, while maintaining her position on the NYSE board, underscores her versatility and her continued influence in the industry.
Seema Hingorani: Empowering the Next Generation of Female Investors
Seema Hingorani's impact extends far beyond her own achievements. As the founder and chair of Girls Who Invest, a non-profit organization launched in 2015, she has dedicated her efforts to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership roles in investment management. Hingorani's vision is to have 30% of the world's investable capital managed by women and gender nonbinary individuals by 2030, a lofty goal that reflects her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her recognition by the French government, with the award of the insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) in 2021, underscores the global impact of her work.
Blythe Masters: Pioneering the Future of FinTech
Blythe Masters' career has been marked by her ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the financial industry. After a distinguished 27-year tenure at J.P. Morgan, where she became known as the creator of the credit default swap, Masters joined the enterprise blockchain fintech company Digital Asset as its chief executive. In 2019, she transitioned to Motive Partners, where she currently serves as the chair of Motive Ventures, the firm's early-stage investment capability. Most recently, in August 2024, Masters was appointed as the group chief executive of FNZ, a wealth technology platform and global fintech with assets under administration of .6 trillion, further cementing her position as a trailblazer in the FinTech industry.
Michele McCloskey: Excelling in Investment Management
Michele McCloskey's career in investment management has been marked by her unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership. In 2015, she was recognized for her Excellence in Investment Management, and her subsequent achievements have only solidified her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. McCloskey's journey has taken her from her role as president of Man FRM to her current position as the executive chair of the Strategic Investment Group in Arlington, Virginia, where she continues to serve on the boards of various organizations, leveraging her expertise to drive innovation and growth.
Ann Neidenbach: Transforming Trading Technology
Ann Neidenbach's career has been a testament to her ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving world of trading technology. Beginning her journey at Nasdaq OMX Group, Neidenbach later joined Convergex, where she was responsible for defining the strategic direction of the firm's trading and clearing businesses. Her expertise and vision caught the attention of the London Stock Exchange Group, where she served as the chief information officer for capital markets and the global head of LSEG technology. In 2022, Neidenbach joined the board of Pico, a leading technology provider in the financial markets, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the industry.
Amanda Pullinger: Championing Women in Finance
Amanda Pullinger's impact on the financial industry extends far beyond her own achievements. As the chief executive of 100 Women in Finance, a role she held from 2014 to 2023, Pullinger has been a tireless advocate for the advancement of women in the industry. Under her leadership, the organization has embraced a guiding principle known as Vision 30/40, which aims to have women occupy 30% of senior investment roles and executive committee positions by 2040. In 2024, Pullinger embarked on a new journey as the founder and principal of Global Female Investors Management, a global advisory firm focused on providing strategic and practical solutions to increase the number of female investors across asset classes.
Rana Yared: Shaping the Future of Strategic Investing
Rana Yared's career has been marked by her ability to navigate the complex world of strategic investing. After rising through the ranks at Goldman Sachs, where she became the first partner in the Principal Strategic Investments Group and later in GS Growth, Yared joined Balderton Capital, a venture firm focused on European founders, as a general partner in 2020. In addition to her role at Balderton, Yared also serves on the board of Tradeweb Markets, further demonstrating her versatility and her commitment to driving innovation in the financial sector.The stories of these remarkable women serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the financial industry continues to evolve, the trailblazers recognized by the Markets Media Group's U.S. Women in Finance Awards are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future, inspiring the next generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.
