Innovate Finance launches Pride in FinTech Powerlist to champion diversity in the sector

Today, Innovate Finance, the industry body representing the FinTech community in the UK, has opened applications for its Pride in FinTech Powerlist, as part of its ongoing diversity programme that aims to champion diversity in the UK FinTech industry.

The Powerlist – the first list of its kind in the sector – aims to celebrate the positive impact members of the LGBTQIA+ community have had in driving a more inclusive, more democratic, and more transparent financial services sector.

The UK FinTech industry has seen immense success and growth in popularity in recent years. Today, 80% of UK adults rely on at least one FinTech tool to carry out their daily routines, and despite macro-economic challenges, UK FinTech remains at the forefront of innovation.

To see continued success, the entire industry must collaborate with government and regulators to address some of the key priority areas for the sector, one of these being diversity and inclusion. Through the Pride in FinTech initiative, Innovate Finance is working to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and inspire future generations of the industry.

The application calls for applicants to give examples of the ways they have contributed towards creating a more inclusive and democratic financial services system, and supported the LGBTQIA+ community. Applicants are also asked to give advice to other members of the LGBTQIA+ community looking to develop their career in FinTech.

Janine Hirt, CEO of Innovate Finance, said: “As part of our ongoing diversity programme, we are delighted to announce the industry’s very first Pride in FinTech Powerlist, which will celebrate 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 and boost inclusion in the sector. We strongly believe that if you can’t see it, you can’t be it, and through this new initiative we will aim to spotlight a generation of leaders who can act as role models for the future of the sector.”

Lou Smith, Chair of Innovate Finance commented: “We are excited to launch the first ever 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.”

Iain Anderson, Executive Chairman at H/Advisors Cicero, Non Executive Director, Innovate Finance and Chair of Trustees at Stonewall, said: “We know the FinTech sector is at the cutting edge of transforming society – so I am really excited Innovate Finance is set to celebrate LGBTQIA+ fintech leaders who do just that. The LGBTQIA+ community deserves recognition for the impact they have made in the sector, and this Powerlist is an important step in ensuring that diversity and inclusion remains a core part of financial services ecosystem.”

This initiative compliments the ongoing commitment from Innovate Finance to champion diversity and inclusion within the FinTech industry, through the likes of the Women in FinTech Programme.

Applications are open and can be submitted via the dedicated page at innovatefinance.com/pride-in-fintech