The finance industry is well-known as one of the biggest, toughest, most competitive, and cutthroat in the world. The international financial services market is worth almost $26.5 trillion, the banking sector $7.9 trillion, insurance $5.2 trillion, and asset management in excess of $100 trillion. These are big bucks and those high up in these industries control or at least have significant influence over a large percentage of the world's money.

Previously, this was a male-dominated industry and while it still is to an extent, women are making waves and becoming more financially empowered. An ever-increasing number of strong, intelligent women are assuming high-level roles in some of the world's biggest companies and sectors. But there is still a lot of work to do. For example, although the Fortune 500 has more female CEOs now than ever before, there are still only 25, and it could be argued that the 'old guard' of the financial sector is not particularly open to change.

That said, there are a number of women making a name for themselves in the financial world. Advisors, CEOs, executives, journalists, and more - here are just a few of finances most inspirational women.

Susan Kaplan, Financial Advisor

Kaplan has an MBA in finance and is a financial planner in the US. The President of Kaplan Financial Services, she has over $2 billion in assets under her management. Her clients have an average wealth of $11 million. In addition to this, she is a regular on leading news programs and publications.

Alison Rose, CEO RBS

Rose joined the company in 1992 and worked her way to the top - a role she accepted in November 2019. She is the first woman to lead a major UK lender and started her career as a trainee in an entry-level job. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in History from Durham University. During her time at RBS, she pledged to bring more women into senior roles.

Gail Koziara Boudreaux, CEO Anthem

Since 2017, Boudreaux has been at the helm of US insurance giant Anthem. Not only is the company one of the largest of its kind in the world, but it's also the second-largest company globally to be run by a woman. She has been compared to Angela Merkel and Marillyn Hewson as one of the world's most powerful women.

Kathy Lien, Forex Trader

Lien began her career on Wall Street when she was 18 years old. Just five years later, she launched her own forex site and has become one of the most authoritative voices in the global forex market. Her in-depth knowledge and sage advice has made her a driving force within the industry. By observing her approach, investors can start working out which are the best forex brokers, where trustworthy reviews can be found, and how to interpret tips and forecasts. With over 20 years of experience in the market, Kathy is one to follow.

Bethany McLean, Journalist

McLean started her distinguished career in the early 90s after graduating in English and Mathematics from Williams College, Massachusetts. She became well-known after writing about the 2008 financial crisis that crippled the world's markets, as well as the Enron scandal. She has written for many important journalistic institutions has been a celebrated columnist for Fortune. But she didn't start out as a journalist. Initially, she was an analyst at Goldman Sachs before joining Vanity Fair. She then started contributing to Slate's 'Moneybox' column before moving into financial writing full time and enjoying a successful, varied career.

Mary Callahan Erodes, CEO Asset and Wealth Management of J.P. Morgan

Erodes assumed her CEO role in 2009 after working for J.P. Morgan for twenty years. She graduated from Georgetown University in Mathematics and then earned her MBA at Harvard Business School. In 2012, she was included in Bloomberg's 50 Most Influential and Business Insiders 25 Most Powerful Women on Wall Street. She has also been named as one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes magazine.

Corrina Xiao, Head of Taiwan Equity Investment at Allianz Global Investors

Corrina has been with Allianz for 12 out of her 15 years in the industry. Today she manages the Taiwan branch of Allianz Global Investors and previously headed up their Intelligence Trend Fund. While she may not be at the same level as some on this list, she is one that is tipped for great things in the future.

As you can see, there are a number of inspirational, powerful, and progressive women in various segments of the financial industry and it is so very refreshing and encouraging to watch these women succeed in their chosen market. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of women out there at the top of their game and working hard for success. These role models, who are sure to be joined by many more in the future, are championing equality and respect for women in the workplace and it is evident that there is a definite shift in the positive direction in the workplace already.


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