Innovate Finance, the independent industry body that represents and advances the global fintech community in the UK, has introduced its first ‘Pride in FinTech Powerlist’ to recognise outstanding contributions made by representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The list celebrates the achievements and positive impact of the LGBTQIA+ community in driving positive change towards a more inclusive and democratic financial services sector.
Supported by Google, the initiative is also part of Innovate Finance’s ongoing diversity programme to increase diversity and inclusion in fintech, create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and inspire future generations of the industry leaders.
Fintechs including Airwallex, ClearBank, Funding Circle, Monzo, Starling Bank, Thought Machine, TrueLayer, Wise, WealthKernel as well as Zopa have contributed to the list.
“As part of our ongoing diversity programme, we are delighted to announce our very first 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,” said Janine Hirt, CEO of Innovate Finance.
While Lou Smith, chair of Innovate Finance, also 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 more action’s needed to boost levels of diversity and inclusion in the industry. 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.”
Innovate Finance’s membership ranges from seed stage startups and global financial institutions to investors, professional services firms, as well as global fintech hubs. A Pride in FinTech Powerlist reception will take place in December at the Google Academy, Victoria, London.
