For a long time, financial services was viewed as one of the most male-dominated industries in the UK. That picture is now starting to shift. Across banking, insurance, investment and fintech, more women are moving into senior roles, gradually replacing the outdated stereotype of the “finance bro”. Women are increasingly shaping business decisions and redefining what leadership in finance looks like.
Gender balance is no longer just a nice idea for financial firms. It plays a real role in business success, meeting regulatory expectations, and attracting skilled professionals in a competitive market. The 2025 FTSE Women Leaders Review shows that women now make up 43.4% of board positions across FTSE 350 companies and 35.3% of senior leadership roles, reflecting genuine progress towards more balanced representation.
As a financial training provider, Simply Academy supports the development of diverse talent by helping people build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in a changing industry.
This article explores some of the women driving change in UK finance, as well as more unconventional routes into financial influence, from reality television personalities to entrepreneurs, proving that leadership in finance can take many different forms.
Leading women in UK finance
Across the UK, women are stepping into top roles in banking, insurance and investment, showing that the sector is becoming more open and representative. These leaders are not only running major organisations, but also influencing how the industry operates and encouraging more inclusive workplace cultures.
Dame Amanda Blanc, Group CEO of Aviva
Dame Amanda Blanc is widely regarded as one of the most powerful figures in UK insurance and financial services. She has been a strong advocate for equality and inclusion, setting clear gender targets at Aviva and introducing initiatives designed to support women’s career progression throughout the business.
Debbie Crosbie, CEO of Nationwide Building Society
Debbie Crosbie rose through the banking industry before becoming CEO of the UK’s largest member-owned financial institution. Her leadership has focused on customer experience, digital transformation and building an inclusive workplace. She has also championed flexible working and professional development for women across the sector.
Dame Anne Richards, Vice Chair at Fidelity International
Dame Anne Richards is a well-known leader in financial services and a vocal supporter of diversity. She served as CEO of Fidelity International from 2018 to 2023, guiding the firm through major strategic changes while promoting long-term thinking, innovation and inclusive leadership.
Anne Boden, Founder of Starling Bank
Anne Boden made history as the first woman to launch a British bank. Under her leadership, Starling Bank grew into one of the UK’s leading digital banks, reaching over four million customers. Although she stepped down as CEO in 2023, her impact on fintech continues to inspire future female founders.
Together, these women show how different perspectives strengthen businesses and help build a more resilient financial sector. Their leadership reflects a broader shift towards a more inclusive future for finance.
From reality TV to real financial influence
Some women have taken less traditional routes into financial success, using entrepreneurship and public platforms to build influence.
Vicki Gunvalson, known for The Real Housewives of Orange County, built a career in insurance, specialising in life, health and retirement planning. Long before appearing on television, she ran her own financial services business, often referencing her work on the show. Her story shows that financial expertise can develop in unexpected places.
Bethenny Frankel, from The Real Housewives of New York City, is one of the franchise’s most successful business figures. She built her brand Skinnygirl from the ground up and later sold it for an estimated $100 million, highlighting her strong commercial instincts.
Both women challenge traditional ideas about who belongs in finance. Their journeys suggest that financial leadership isn’t limited to corporate boardrooms and can emerge through entrepreneurship and personal brands.
Breaking barriers and changing culture
Despite progress, challenges remain. Women in UK financial services still earn around 22% to 28% less than men on average. In 2024, HSBC reported a mean gender pay gap of close to 41%, while Barclays reported a 39% gap, showing that pay inequality is still a major issue.
Long working hours, rigid structures and limited access to mentors can slow career progression. However, workplace attitudes are gradually changing. Flexible and hybrid working have made it easier for more women to remain in senior roles and continue developing their careers.
Leadership styles are also evolving. Many organisations now value collaboration, emotional intelligence and empathy, helping to create healthier working cultures where diverse teams can perform at their best.
The future of financial leadership
A more balanced leadership landscape benefits the entire industry. Studies consistently show that companies with diverse leadership teams are more innovative, manage risk more effectively and achieve stronger financial performance.
Women are also playing a growing role in ethical finance and sustainability, pushing businesses to balance profit with social responsibility. Their influence is helping reshape finance into a sector that is not only commercially successful, but more responsible and future-focused.
Shaping the future of finance
The path to full gender equality in financial services is ongoing, but the momentum is clear. Women are increasingly leading from the front, driving change and inspiring the next generation to enter the industry.
At Simply Academy, we believe education is key to that progress. By supporting people with the right training and qualifications, we aim to help build a more inclusive, skilled and forward-thinking financial sector.
