Celebrating the Trailblazers: Honoring Women's Excellence in Capital Markets

The European Women in Finance Awards, hosted by Markets Media, recently shone a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women in the capital markets industry. Held at the Pan Pacific Hotel in London on September 25th, the event brought together a fantastic crowd of peers and supporters to recognize the best and brightest for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.

Empowering Women, Transforming the Industry

Diversity and Inclusion: Driving Positive Impact

The Instinet Positive Impact Award for Diversity & Inclusion was presented to Kimiya Minoukadeh of ING, recognizing her exceptional efforts in promoting inclusive practices and fostering a more diverse and equitable work environment. Minoukadeh's leadership has been instrumental in creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, ensuring that the capital markets industry reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences that are essential for driving innovation and progress.

Excellence in Asset Management: Navigating the Complexities

Fabiana Fedeli of M&G was honored with the Excellence in Asset Management award, showcasing her exceptional skills in navigating the intricate world of asset management. Fedeli's deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with her strategic vision, has enabled her to deliver consistent and impressive results for her clients, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

Banking Excellence: Redefining the Landscape

Briana O'Hare of Nomura was recognized for her Excellence in Banking, demonstrating her ability to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving banking sector. O'Hare's innovative approach, coupled with her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, has positioned her as a driving force in shaping the future of the banking industry.

Hedge Fund Mastery: Navigating Volatility with Precision

Ellie Sharkey of Citadel was honored with the Excellence in Hedge Funds award, showcasing her exceptional skills in navigating the complex and volatile world of hedge funds. Sharkey's deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with her ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities, has made her a highly sought-after professional in the industry.

Compliance and Legal Excellence: Upholding Integrity

Trish McMenamin of Virtu Financial was recognized for her Excellence in Compliance & Legal, highlighting her unwavering commitment to ensuring that her organization operates within the bounds of regulatory frameworks. McMenamin's expertise and attention to detail have been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of compliance, contributing to the overall integrity and stability of the capital markets.

Regulatory Excellence: Shaping the Future

Kate Finlayson of JP Morgan was honored with the Excellence in Regulation award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the development and implementation of regulatory policies that have had a profound impact on the capital markets industry. Finlayson's deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, coupled with her ability to navigate the complexities of the system, has made her a highly respected and influential figure in the industry.

HR and Talent Management: Empowering the Workforce

Sheila Butterly of Ninety One was recognized for her Excellence in HR & Talent Management, showcasing her ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent within the capital markets industry. Butterly's strategic approach to human resources has been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence, ensuring that her organization is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the ever-evolving market landscape.

Operational Excellence: Driving Efficiency and Resilience

Anna Neumann-Regan of Citadel Securities was honored with the Excellence in Operations award, recognizing her exceptional skills in optimizing and streamlining operational processes. Neumann-Regan's ability to identify and implement innovative solutions has been crucial in enhancing the efficiency and resilience of her organization, contributing to its overall success in the highly competitive capital markets industry.

Sales and Trading Excellence: Navigating the Complexities

Lu Fu of Mizuho was recognized for her Excellence in Sales & Trading, showcasing her exceptional skills in navigating the intricate world of sales and trading. Fu's deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with her ability to build strong client relationships, has made her a highly respected and sought-after professional in the industry.

Buy-Side Fixed Income Trading: Mastering the Complexities

Sabina Awan of Fidelity International was honored with the Excellence in Buy-Side Fixed Income Trading award, recognizing her exceptional skills in navigating the complex and ever-evolving fixed income markets. Awan's ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities, coupled with her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, has solidified her reputation as a leader in the industry.

Buy-Side Equities Trading: Driving Innovative Strategies

Marie Geekie of BlackRock was recognized for her Excellence in Buy-Side Equities Trading, showcasing her exceptional skills in developing and implementing innovative trading strategies that have delivered consistent and impressive results for her clients. Geekie's deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with her ability to adapt to changing market conditions, has made her a highly respected and influential figure in the industry.

Trading Platforms Excellence: Enhancing Connectivity and Efficiency

Alessandra Stagliano of Tradeweb was honored with the Excellence in Trading Platforms award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the development and implementation of cutting-edge trading platforms that have transformed the way capital markets participants interact and execute trades. Stagliano's vision and technical expertise have been instrumental in driving the industry forward, ensuring that market participants have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape.

Exchanges Excellence: Fostering Transparency and Liquidity

Tina Hasenpusch of CME Group was recognized for her Excellence in Exchanges, showcasing her exceptional skills in managing and optimizing the operations of one of the world's leading exchange platforms. Hasenpusch's deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with her ability to navigate the complex regulatory landscape, has been crucial in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the exchange, contributing to the overall stability and growth of the capital markets industry.

Leadership Excellence: Inspiring and Empowering

Pauline Bernard of BNP Paribas was honored with the Excellence in Leadership award, recognizing her exceptional ability to inspire and empower her team to achieve remarkable results. Bernard's strategic vision, coupled with her unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, has been instrumental in driving her organization's success in the highly competitive capital markets industry.

Trailblazing Excellence: Paving the Way for the Future

Gemma Lloyd of R J O'Brien was recognized as the Trailblazer, acknowledging her pioneering efforts in breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the capital markets industry. Lloyd's innovative approach, coupled with her unwavering determination, has made her a role model and inspiration for aspiring professionals who seek to make their mark in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

Rising Stars: Shaping the Future of Capital Markets

The Rising Stars category celebrated the exceptional achievements of Reesha Radia of LSEG, Simona Composto of Goldman Sachs, Cristina Velloso of PIMCO, Leah Goldsberry of Virtu Financial, and Emily Facchina Fluet of Jain Global. These talented individuals have demonstrated their ability to excel in their respective roles, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent that is shaping the future of the capital markets industry.

Crystal Ladder: Ascending to New Heights

Anna Dragesic of PIMCO was recognized with the Crystal Ladder award, acknowledging her exceptional career trajectory and the remarkable progress she has made in her professional journey. Dragesic's unwavering commitment to her craft, coupled with her ability to navigate the complexities of the industry, has positioned her as a role model for aspiring professionals who seek to achieve similar levels of success.

Individual Achievement: Inspiring Excellence

Valérie Noël of Syz Group was honored with the Individual Achievement award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the capital markets industry. Noël's dedication, expertise, and innovative approach have made her a highly respected and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others to strive for excellence in their own pursuits.

Sustainability Leadership: Driving Positive Change

Stephanie Niven of Ninety One was recognized with the Instinet Positive Impact Award for Sustainability, acknowledging her exceptional efforts in promoting sustainable practices and driving positive change within the capital markets industry. Niven's leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the industry's approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, ensuring that the pursuit of financial success is balanced with a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Lifetime Achievement: Leaving an Indelible Mark

Sharon Ruffles of SSGA was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the capital markets industry over the course of her distinguished career. Ruffles' unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and commitment to mentoring and empowering the next generation of professionals have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and strive for excellence in their own pursuits.

Fintech Excellence: Driving Innovation and Transformation

Kate Karimson of R3 was recognized for her Excellence in Fintech, showcasing her exceptional skills in developing and implementing cutting-edge financial technology solutions that have transformed the way capital markets participants interact and execute trades. Karimson's vision and technical expertise have been instrumental in driving the industry forward, ensuring that market participants have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape.

CEO of the Year: Visionary Leadership

Delphine d'Amarzit of Euronext Paris was named the CEO of the Year, acknowledging her exceptional leadership and strategic vision in guiding her organization to new heights of success. d'Amarzit's ability to navigate the complexities of the capital markets industry, coupled with her unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, have positioned her as a highly respected and influential figure in the industry.