Innovate Finance celebrates LGBTQIA+ leaders with new powerlist

The Pride in Fintech Powerlist celebrates the positive impact members of the LGBTGIA+ community have made across the financial services sector

Lucas Germanos, Tara Ryan, Nektarios Liolios, Asay Bradley, Terrance Knox, Julia Streets/Zopa, Monzo, Radish, Kinly, Guava, Streets Consulting (clockwise L-R)

Innovate Finance has launched its first Pride in Fintech Powerlist to celebrate the impact of members of the LGBTQIA+ community in creating a more inclusive financial services sector.

The industry body launched a Women in Fintech Powerlist in 2015 and has introduced the new powerlist as part of an ongoing commitment to championing diversity and inclusion in fintech.

Through the initiative, Innovate Finance says it is working to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community, and hoping to inspire future generations of the industry.

“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,” Innovate Finance chair Lou Smith said.

“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.”

An often overlooked and under-recognised community within fintech, the list is a testament to the impact those listed are having on the community to enact positive change to make the industry more inclusive, democratic and transparent.

There are 59 people included on the list, including seven anonymous entrants, and they have each shared their story, their impact and their advice.

The list celebrates individuals from across the fintech community, including Monzo, Wise, Zopa, Starling Bank and ClearBank.

“Increasing and celebrating representation in UK fintech will help build an environment where progress, equitable outcomes, diversity, and inclusion can be realities both in industry and for the consumers we serve,” Google UK head of financial services strategy and partnerships Jeremy Goro said.

“I'm thrilled to support the launch of the Innovate Finance Pride in Fintech Powerlist and look forward to seeing the role it will play in further diversifying and accelerating the trajectory of the LGBTQIA+ fintech community.”