Back to Blog
Black women in fintechWomen in FintechFintech InclusionInternational Women's DayDEI

Beyond DEI: Why Black Women Matter in Fintech

International Women's Day 2026

Valerie, Founder, Black in Fintech8 March 20268 min read
Celebrating Black Women in Fintech

The first time I properly celebrated International Women's Day was in 2019 — at work.

Up until then, I wouldn't say I was the most aware of how my gender played into my career. But over the years that followed, something shifted.

I was fortunate enough to work at a company where a male co-founder transitioned out of the CEO role and a woman stepped in. And for the first time, when someone mentioned the word "CEO", I could mentally picture a woman in that seat.

Representation changes what we believe is possible.

But seven years on, I believe the conversation about celebrating women — especially in fintech — needs to go further.

Beyond DEI

Much of the conversation around International Women's Day in fintech focuses on gender representation. We talk about the gender wealth gap. We highlight female founders. We celebrate programmes supporting women in innovation.

These conversations are important — but if fintech truly wants to live up to its promise of innovation and global impact, we need to go beyond DEI and look more closely at who is shaping the financial systems of the future.

Fintech is, by nature, a global industry. We build products used across continents. We move money across borders. We design financial systems meant to serve people with vastly different financial realities.

But if we want to build for global markets, the people building these systems should reflect the world they serve.

While there's no single dataset tracking how many people globally identify as Black — or specifically as Black women — we know that Africa alone is home to over 1.4 billion people, and the African diaspora is estimated at 300–350 million people living outside the continent. By 2050, roughly one in four people in the world will be African.

Yet despite this global presence, Black women remain among the most underserved and underrepresented. This is where the conversation becomes bigger than representation.

The Numbers Tell a Story

When we look at the data, the gap becomes even clearer.

A Tech Nation report in 2023 found that Black women make up just 1.3% of the fintech workforce. At Money20/20 last year, I shared statistics that still sit with me:

28%

of the fintech workforce is made up of women

1–1.6%

of the fintech sector is made up of Black women

53%

of Black women have no money set aside for retirement

£700B

opportunity gap created by the underserving of women in financial services

1 in 5

people from minority ethnic groups report experiencing racial discrimination when dealing with financial providers

These numbers tell a powerful story. This isn't just a representation issue — it's a financial inclusion issue. A product design issue. And a market opportunity issue.

Black women sit at a powerful intersection of race, gender, culture and global markets. Their perspectives are not just valuable — they're critical if fintech wants to design systems that truly work for everyone.

Celebrating the Women in Our Community

Despite these barriers, Black women across fintech continue to build, lead and innovate. Last week saw the announcement of the Women in Fintech Powerlist, celebrating incredible women across our ecosystem — including several from the Black in Fintech community.

Women in Fintech Powerlist

Full list: Women in Fintech Powerlist 2025

200+ Women in Fintech: Speaker Inspiration

Full list: 200+ Women in Fintech Speaker Inspiration

Black Women Powering the Fintech Ecosystem

Beyond award lists, there are countless operators, builders and leaders shaping the global fintech ecosystem. Here are just a few more incredible women doing impactful work:

And the list goes on...

A Message to the Women Building in Fintech

I know that a simple mention in a blog post doesn't solve the deeper issues our industry still faces. There is still a very real need for funding, opportunities, mentorship and access.

But let this be a reminder: you are seen by this community. And where we are today is not where we will remain.

To the Black women already working in fintech — and to those looking to enter the space — continue to:

  • Use your voice
  • Build boldly
  • Share your lived experiences
  • Support one another

We'll get there, one step at a time.

How Readers Can Help

If you're reading this and wondering how you can support — start by connecting with the women mentioned here. Not to ask something of them, but to open doors.

Take time to:

  • Understand what they need
  • Invest in their work
  • Make introductions
  • Amplify their voices

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is create opportunities where they didn't exist before.

Looking Ahead

To the incredible women across this community who continue to build, lead and transform our industry — we see you.

Take a moment this month to celebrate the women around you. Send a message. Make an introduction. Share encouragement.

Together, we will change the face of fintech for good.

Peace and love,

Valerie

Founder, Black in Fintech

References

Back to all posts