Women leading the way in financial roles

For many years, the financial services industry was seen as one of the UK’s most male-dominated sectors – but now change is underway. Across banks, insurers, investment firms and fintechs, more women are stepping into senior positions, and the stereotypical image of the “finance bro” is being replaced. Women are helping shape strategy and redefine what leadership in finance looks like.

Gender diversity in financial firms is no longer optional. It’s essential for strong business performance, regulatory compliance, and helps attract top talent in a competitive market. According to the 2025 FTSE Women Leaders Review, women now hold 43.4% of FTSE 350 board positions and 35.3% of senior leadership roles, showing that real progress toward balanced leadership is underway.

As a leading financial training provider, Simply Academy supports the growth of diverse talent, helping aspiring professionals who want to build skills and confidence to thrive in this evolving industry.

This article highlights some of the women leading the way in UK finance and even looks at unconventional paths, from reality TV stars to successful entrepreneurs, showing that financial influence comes in many forms.

Leading women in UK finance

Across the UK, women are taking on senior roles in banking, insurance, and investment, proving that leadership in finance is becoming more inclusive. These women are not only heading top firms, but they’re also influencing how the sector operates and helping promote diversity across the workforce.

Dame Amanda Blanc, Group CEO of Aviva

Widely recognised as one of the UK’s most influential figures in insurance and financial services, Dame Amanda Blanc has been a long-standing advocate for diversity and inclusion. Under her leadership, Aviva has set clear targets for gender balance in senior roles and implemented initiatives to support women’s progression across the company.

Debbie Crosbie, CEO of Nationwide Building Society

After working her way up through the banking sector, Debbie Crosbie now leads the UK’s largest member-owned financial institution. Her focus on customer service, digital innovation and inclusive leadership has made Nationwide a leading example of modern workplace culture. She’s also been a vocal supporter of flexible working and career development for women in finance.

Dame Anne Richards, Vice Chair at Fidelity International

Dame Anne Richards is a prominent figure in the UK financial services sector, renowned for her leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion. From 2018 to 2023, she served as the CEO of Fidelity International and led the company through significant strategic developments. She promoted inclusion, innovation, and long-term thinking, showing how ethical leadership and commercial success go hand in hand.

Anne Boden, Founder of Starling Bank

As the first woman to establish a British bank, Anne Boden transformed digital banking in the UK. Starling grew to over 4 million customers and became a model for fintech innovation under her leadership. Although she stepped down as CEO in 2023, Boden’s leadership at Starling continues to inspire the next generation of female fintech leaders.

These women and many others in the financial services industry show that diverse perspectives lead to stronger, more resilient businesses. They help show that inclusive leadership is shaping the future of finance.

From reality TV to real financial influence

Some have built their influence through entrepreneurship and unconventional platforms to make an impact in the financial world.

Vicki Gunvalson, best known from The Real Housewives of Orange County, built a successful career in insurance specialising in life, health, and retirement planning. Before her TV fame, she ran a financial services company and would often discuss her work on the show. Her success highlights how financial expertise can emerge in unexpected ways.

Bethenny Frankel, from The Real Housewives of New York City, is one of the franchise’s most successful entrepreneurs. She built her brand Skinnygirl from scratch and sold it for an estimated $100 million, demonstrating her talent for business and finance.

Both Gunvalson and Frankel help challenge stereotypes about women in finance. Their stories show that financial leadership isn’t limited to boardrooms, and they inspire the next generation of women to pursue financial careers, whether in traditional roles or entrepreneurial ventures.

Breaking barriers and changing culture

Challenges still persist, with women in UK financial services still earning approximately 22% to 28% less than their male counterparts. HSBC reported a mean gender pay gap of nearly 41% in 2024, while Barclays noted a 39% gap, despite some progress in reducing it.

Long hours, traditional hierarchies, and limited access to mentors can make progression harder. However, attitudes are shifting. Hybrid working and flexible schedules have helped more women stay and succeed in senior positions.

Inclusive leadership is also on the rise. Many firms now embrace collaborative, empathetic leadership. These values are reshaping workplace culture and helping diverse teams thrive.

The future of financial leadership

Diverse leadership benefits the whole industry. Research consistently shows that companies with gender-balanced teams are more innovative, better at risk management, and are more profitable.

Women leaders are also influencing ethical finance and sustainable business practices, aligning profit with purpose. Their leadership is helping finance evolve into a sector that’s not only successful, but socially responsible too.

Shaping the future of finance

The journey toward gender equality in UK financial services is far from over, but the progress is undeniable. Women are leading, influencing, and reshaping the sector from within and inspiring the next generation to follow.

At Simply Academy, we believe education drives progress. By giving future finance professionals the skills and qualifications they need, we’re helping shape a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.