Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for accelerating gender equality. In the world of fintech, a traditionally male-dominated industry, women are steadily making their mark. According to a 2021 report from Findexable, women now represent approximately 30 percent of the total fintech workforce and hold key leadership roles as executives, board members, and founders. 

At the forefront of this progress is Finiti, a female-founded fintech sales recruitment firm that has been championing excellence and inclusivity since 2007. Founded by Kate Sharland and Alison Power, two trailblazing women with a shared vision, Finiti has redefined what it means to recruit for fintech sales roles. With a global reach and a commitment to transparency, diversity, and client partnership, Finiti continues to take charge of placing exceptional talent and advocating for gender equity in fintech.

Building Finiti: A Story of Vision and Purpose

Kate Sharland and Alison Power’s journey began at Loughborough University, where their shared passion for leadership and innovation laid the foundation for Finiti. Recognizing a significant gap in the recruitment landscape for fintech sales, they set out to create a firm that not only addressed this need but also championed values of transparency and excellence.

From the beginning, Finiti was built on principles that set it apart:

• Transparency and Communication: Open and honest dialogue with clients and candidates alike.
• True Partnership: Building long-term relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect.
• Commitment to Excellence: Striving to exceed expectations with every placement.

Though Finiti operates with a small but mighty team of fintech specialists, its reach is truly global, helping connect top-tier sales talent with innovative fintech companies.

At the heart of Finiti’s success are its founders whose leadership and vision inspire their team and clients.

Kate Sharland

Kate’s background in competitive field hockey shaped her as a leader and team player. These skills seamlessly transitioned into her professional life, where she quickly rose through the ranks of sales recruitment before specializing in fintech. Kate’s real passion is working with high growth businesses and matching talent to fit their needs. And on the flip side, Kate takes a lot of pride and responsibility in really changing a person’s career and life direction. 

Alison Power

Alison’s early passion for competitive football and leadership roles at Loughborough University fueled her drive for success. She transitioned from strategic marketing into fintech recruitment, where she found her true calling. An advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Power balances her professional pursuits with philanthropic efforts to empower underrepresented groups in fintech and the community.

Breaking Barriers as Female Leaders in Fintech Recruitment

As women in a male-dominated industry, Kate Sharland and Alison Power have faced their share of challenges. Yet, they’ve consistently turned obstacles into opportunities. By building a global network of top-tier fintech sales talent, Finiti has not only become the go-to recruiter for fintech sales but also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion. Their work has played a vital role in reshaping the landscape of fintech, ensuring that more women have a seat at the table in leadership roles.

When Kate and Alison reflect on the industry that stats really do tell a story. In 2017 10% of the salespeople in fintech were women. Now that number looks more like 30% of salespeople are women. 

The journey toward gender equity in fintech is not without obstacles, but progress is undeniable. By breaking down systemic barriers, prioritizing diversity, and fostering a culture of inclusion, the industry can unleash its full potential. 

Clarity AI and GDS Link are great examples of inspiring businesses that have female figure-heads leading the charge. 

Trailblazing leaders like Cristina Junqueira, Co-Founder of Nubank, and Emilie Choi, President and COO of Coinbase, serve as powerful examples of what’s possible. Their stories remind us to stay inspired and committed to shaping a fintech landscape where opportunity is accessible to everyone.

For those eager to support and elevate female talent in fintech, several organizations are driving meaningful change. Initiatives like the Female Innovators Lab and 100 Women in Finance are excellent starting points to turn advocacy into action and help create a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry.

As we look to the future, Finiti Search remains committed to championing excellence in fintech recruitment and advocating for a more diverse and equitable industry. Here’s to the women leading the charge and inspiring the next generation of fintech leaders!

If you’re ready to partner with a team that values diversity, inclusion, and excellence, connect with us today.