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“As part of our ongoing diversity programme, we are delighted to announce our 2025 Innovate Finance Pride in FinTech Powerlist, which celebrates the incredible work, achievements, and impact of members of the LGBTQIA+ community in driving positive change across financial services. Our hope is that this Powerlist will inspire current and future generations.”
– Janine Hirt, CEO, Innovate Finance
“As part of our ongoing diversity programme, we are delighted to announce our 2025 Innovate Finance Pride in FinTech Powerlist, which celebrates the incredible work, achievements, and impact of members of the LGBTQIA+ community in driving positive change across financial services. Our hope is that this Powerlist will inspire current and future generations.”
– Janine Hirt, CEO, Innovate Finance
“We are excited to launch the 2025 Pride in FinTech Powerlist in celebration and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community within the FinTech sector. We know there is more action needed to boost levels of diversity and inclusion in the industry, and this initiative will help spotlight the diverse voices already part of the FinTech story in the UK. At Innovate Finance, we recognise the importance of our members and the people we serve; this is why we have taken this important step in recognition of those who have helped us build the sector into what it is today.”
- Lou Smith OBE, Chair of Innovate Finance
“We are excited to launch the 2025 Pride in FinTech Powerlist in celebration and recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community within the FinTech sector. We know there is more action needed to boost levels of diversity and inclusion in the industry, and this initiative will help spotlight the diverse voices already part of the FinTech story in the UK. At Innovate Finance, we recognise the importance of our members and the people we serve; this is why we have taken this important step in recognition of those who have helped us build the sector into what it is today.”
- Lou Smith OBE, Chair of Innovate Finance
“We know the FinTech sector is at the leading edge of transforming society – so I am really excited Innovate Finance is set to celebrate LGBTQ fintech leaders who do just that”
– Iain Anderson, Non Executive Director at Innovate Finance
“We know the FinTech sector is at the leading edge of transforming society – so I am really excited Innovate Finance is set to celebrate LGBTQ fintech leaders who do just that”
– Iain Anderson, Non Executive Director at Innovate Finance
“FinTech is at its best when it reflects the diverse global communities it serves, and that requires a continuous commitment to fairness and belonging across our industry. I am incredibly proud to once again support Innovate Finance’s Pride in FinTech initiative and celebrate the extraordinary LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies whose unique talents are shaping the future of finance.”
– Jeremy Goro, Head of FS Strategy & Partnerships, UK, Google
“FinTech is at its best when it reflects the diverse global communities it serves, and that requires a continuous commitment to fairness and belonging across our industry. I am incredibly proud to once again support Innovate Finance’s Pride in FinTech initiative and celebrate the extraordinary LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies whose unique talents are shaping the future of finance.”
– Jeremy Goro, Head of FS Strategy & Partnerships, UK, Google
“Visibility matters. With the Pride in FinTech Powerlist, the Mentorship Programme and the Leadership Council, we are building something that goes far beyond recognition — we are creating the structures, connections and support that help LGBTQIA+ talent not just be seen, but truly thrive. At Innovate Finance, we believe diversity fuels progress, and we are proud to be driving that change across the FinTech sector.”
– Roberto Napolitano, CMO, Innovate Finance
“Visibility matters. With the Pride in FinTech Powerlist, the Mentorship Programme and the Leadership Council, we are building something that goes far beyond recognition — we are creating the structures, connections and support that help LGBTQIA+ talent not just be seen, but truly thrive. At Innovate Finance, we believe diversity fuels progress, and we are proud to be driving that change across the FinTech sector.”
– Roberto Napolitano, CMO, Innovate Finance
Applications are open until 15 September and the full Powerlist will be announced in the autumn of 2026.
Please note that this is not a judged list, but rather a celebration of all of those individuals who want to share their positive contributions towards creating a more inclusive and democratic financial services sector, and who self-select themselves onto the list.
To apply to the Pride in FinTech Powerlist you will need to meet the following criteria:
The Pride in FinTech Mentorship Programme pairs early-to-mid career LGBTQIA+ professionals with experienced senior leaders from across FinTech and financial services on a 1:1 basis. Running June to December 2026, the six-month programme offers guidance, networks, and confidence to the next generation of diverse talent in the industry.
How it works: Confirmed mentors will be listed on the Pride in FinTech page on the Innovate Finance website, where mentees can browse profiles and apply online via a form by selecting their preferred mentor directly. Innovate Finance will then review your application and confirm whether the mentorship match can go ahead.
The Pride in FinTech Leadership Council brings together senior LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies from across the FinTech ecosystem to provide strategic direction, year-round governance, and advocacy for the Pride in FinTech initiative. Council members guide programme priorities, champion LGBTQIA+ inclusion across the sector, oversee the Mentorship Programme, and leverage their networks to strengthen the UK FinTech community.
Leadership Council Members 2026
SVP of People & Talent, Zilch
Head of FS Strategy & Partnerships, EMEA, Google
Founder, Streets Consulting
Chief People Officer, Alloy
VP, Communications & External Affairs, Zopa Bank
Chief Marketing Officer, Innovate Finance (Chair)
Become a vital part of the 'Pride in Fintech Powerlist' as a distinguished partner. This exceptional initiative celebrates the LGBTQ+ trailblazers and allies who are transforming the financial industry.
By partnering with us, you'll showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion while gaining prominent visibility among industry leaders.
Please note that the Innovate Finance Pride in FinTech powerlist will not be vetted. It is not a judged list.
Derogatory and abusive language used in the applications will not be tolerated. Applications with derogatory and abusive language will be removed.
You may use your personal email to apply. Professional emails are preferable. Please do not use generic email addresses.
Once you submit your application you will receive an email notification. If you have not applied but have received a notification please let us know as soon as possible and we will remove the application from the list.
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