Why FinTech Inclusion Includes YOU

4 Minutes

Why Does FinTech Inclusion Matter?Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. The fina...

Why Does FinTech Inclusion Matter?

Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. The financial technology industry thrives on innovation, yet it still faces stark gender imbalances. While progress has been made, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership, investment, and technical roles.

At Harrington Starr, we believe that true inclusion means everyone has a seat at the table. That’s why our International Women’s Day 2025 event is built around this year’s theme: FinTech Inclusion Includes YOU. We’re inviting not just women but male allies, industry leaders, and future change-makers to be part of the conversation.

What Makes Our IWD Event Different?

This isn’t just another panel discussion—it’s a call to action. Our event brings together some of the brightest minds in FinTech, offering real insights into fostering inclusion and breaking barriers.

We’ve seen firsthand the power of these events. In 2023, our IWD event celebrated the voices of those pushing for change, and in 2024, we challenged the industry to "Be UnconventionALL." Now, in 2025, we’re going even further. This year, we’re making a conscious effort to ensure that male allies are actively engaged, because inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.

Where Are the Women in FinTech Leadership?

It’s a topic that continues to challenge the industry. Despite studies showing that diverse teams outperform homogenous ones, only 14% of executive roles in FinTech are held by women. And when it comes to venture capital, female-led startups receive just 2% of total investment funding.

This event will focus on what’s working, what’s not, and what we need to do next. We’ll hear from those leading the charge, from executives and founders to talent experts who are changing hiring strategies to build a more inclusive workforce.

The Talent Equity List: Shaping the Future of Inclusion

At Harrington Starr, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we act on. Our Talent Equity List  is a testament to that. This initiative highlights underrepresented talent in FinTech, providing them with opportunities, visibility, and connections. Our International Women's Day event aligns perfectly with this mission, bringing together those who are making a tangible impact.

Historic Women in Technology: Paving the Way

It’s easy to think of tech as a male-dominated space, but the industry owes much of its progress to women who shaped its foundation. From Ada Lovelace, the world’s first programmer, to Grace Hopper, who pioneered modern computing, these leaders laid the groundwork for today’s innovation.

Yet, their contributions are often overlooked—just as many women today struggle to receive recognition for their work in FinTech. Our event will not only celebrate today’s change-makers but also honour those who paved the way.

The Business Case for Inclusion

Beyond moral and ethical considerations, inclusion makes strong business sense. Research consistently shows that diverse teams drive higher revenue, improve problem-solving capabilities, and foster greater innovation. According to McKinsey, companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability compared to their less diverse counterparts. FinTech firms cannot afford to ignore these statistics if they want to remain competitive.

The Role of Education in Driving Inclusion

Encouraging greater diversity in FinTech begins long before individuals enter the workforce. Education plays a crucial role in equipping women and underrepresented groups with the skills needed to thrive in the industry. However, the number of women pursuing STEM-related degrees remains disproportionately low, with only 18% of computer science degrees awarded to women in the UK.

Organisations have an opportunity to partner with universities, offer scholarships, and create outreach programs that inspire young talent to consider careers in financial technology. Investment in education today will help build a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the future.

How Organisations Can Take Action

While events like ours help foster conversation, real change happens when businesses commit to measurable actions. Firms can take action by:

  • Setting Inclusive Hiring Goals: Establish targets to ensure diverse representation in leadership and technical roles.
  • Creating Mentorship & Sponsorship Programmes: Support women and underrepresented groups in career progression.
  • Implementing Transparent Pay Policies: Close the gender pay gap by ensuring fair compensation practices.
  • Fostering Inclusive Work Cultures: Encourage open dialogue, bias training, and flexible working arrangements that support all employees.
  • Supporting Women in STEM Initiatives: Partnering with educational institutions to encourage more young women to pursue careers in technology and finance.

Overcoming Unconscious Bias in FinTech

Bias often operates at a subconscious level, making it difficult to detect but impactful on hiring, promotions, and workplace culture. Research shows that gendered language in job descriptions can deter women from applying, and performance evaluations for women tend to focus more on personality traits rather than measurable business outcomes.

To combat bias, firms can implement structured hiring processes, blind resume reviews, and bias training programs for managers to ensure fairer assessments and promotions.

Male Allies: The Missing Piece in the Inclusion Puzzle

One of the biggest challenges to inclusion in FinTech is that gender equality is often seen as a women’s issue when, in reality, it requires collective action. Many men in leadership roles want to support inclusion but aren’t sure where to start. This is where active allyship becomes essential.

Being an ally isn’t about just supporting women from the sidelines—it’s about advocating for policies that promote equality, amplifying female voices in meetings, and mentoring the next generation of diverse talent. Some of the most successful FinTech firms are those that have built male allyship into their culture, fostering an environment where men and women work together to drive meaningful change.

Inclusion Beyond Hiring

While hiring diverse talent is essential, true inclusion extends beyond recruitment. Workplaces must create environments where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. This involves fostering open discussions, eliminating microaggressions, and creating professional development opportunities that are accessible to everyone.

Organisations should also examine their policies regarding parental leave, flexible working, and promotions to ensure they do not disproportionately disadvantage women or underrepresented groups. Equity in career advancement is just as critical as equity in hiring.

The Global Impact of Inclusion in FinTech

The need for inclusion goes beyond company culture—it influences global economies. Studies show that improving gender parity in the workforce could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. FinTech, as a sector, has a responsibility to help bridge this gap by ensuring equal opportunities for all.

By promoting financial products designed with inclusivity in mind, FinTech firms can better serve diverse communities, providing accessible and equitable financial services to underbanked populations. This approach fosters economic growth and drives business success in the long term.

The Future of FinTech Depends on Inclusion

The financial technology industry is evolving rapidly, with AI, blockchain, and digital banking transforming the way businesses operate. If FinTech firms want to stay ahead, they must harness the full spectrum of talent available. By embracing inclusion, companies can future-proof their workforces and remain at the forefront of innovation.

Be Part of the Conversation

How do we move beyond conversations and into action? What strategies have proven successful in fostering inclusion? How can men become more effective allies in the workplace? These are the discussions we’ll be having at our event.

Join us at Harrington Starr’s International Women’s Day 2025 event and be part of the movement towards a truly inclusive industry.

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