By Francisca Sinjae
The finance industry has long been controlled by men, but change is happening. Women now hold 53% of entry level finance roles, but their numbers drop as they move up. Only 24% of senior leadership positions in financial services belong to women, and just 6% of financial CEOs are women.
Despite these figures, Ida Liu, Mary Callahan Erdoes, and Adena Friedman have moved to the top, managing wealth, leading markets, and influencing global finance.
1. Ida Liu: The Visionary Behind Citi Private Bank
As the Global Head of Citi Private Bank, Ida Liu oversees financial services for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. She has introduced personalized financial planning, technology-driven solutions, and client-focused services.
Before working in finance, Liu built her career in fashion at Vera Wang, where she learned the importance of strong relationships and service. She later launched the North America Asian Clients Group at Citi, providing customized wealth management for an underserved market. Her ability to identify opportunities and serve diverse clients has helped expand Citi’s reach in private banking.
2. Mary Callahan Erdoes: Managing Trillions At J.P. Morgan
As the CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management, Mary Callahan Erdoes oversees $4 trillion in client assets. With a background in mathematics and engineering, she has led expansion into alternative investments, digital banking, and risk management.
Women make up just 14% of fund managers, but Erdoes has worked to bring more women into leadership. She has focused on mentorship, performance driven hiring, and expanding financial opportunities for women in the industry. Erdoes believes in hard work, discipline, and preparation, and her success at J.P. Morgan reflects these principles.
3. Adena Friedman: Running Nasdaq
As the Chair and CEO of Nasdaq, Adena Friedman is responsible for one of the largest stock exchanges in the world. She was the first woman to lead a global stock exchange and has made major changes in market technology, trading security, and corporate governance.
Under her leadership, Nasdaq has integrated AI driven trading algorithms, cybersecurity tools, and blockchain technology. She also introduced new policies requiring Nasdaq-listed companies to report board diversity, pushing for more women and minorities in leadership. With women holding only 26% of CFO positions in finance, Friedman’s efforts have drawn attention to the lack of diversity at the top levels of the industry.
Women In Finance: What’s Next?
Ida Liu, Mary Callahan Erdoes, and Adena Friedman have moved beyond limits that kept women out of financial leadership. They have built profitable businesses, managed global assets, and influenced how markets operate.
Women in finance still face obstacles, with just 6% of financial CEOs being women. But these leaders show that talent and expertise, not gender, should define who gets a seat at the table. Their work has changed private banking, wealth management, and stock markets, creating opportunities for more women to follow.
As more firms recognize the need for a broader talent pool, stronger hiring practices, and fair promotion opportunities, the future of finance will include more women at the top.
