Cross-border payment sector's female leadership representation: What proportion do women hold?
In the world of cross-border payments, a sector crucial to global finance, women are making strides but still face underrepresentation in top leadership roles. As of mid-2025, approximately 27% of C-suite positions in financial services, including cross-border payments, are held by women [1].
This figure, while higher in senior management positions globally (34%) [2], is notably lower in traditional C-suite roles such as CEO, CFO, and COO. In the cross-border payments sector, women often occupy roles like Chief Marketing Officer or Chief Client Officer, rather than the top executive positions [1].
Regional disparities are significant. For instance, in the Middle East, a key market for cross-border payments, only about 3–7% of top C-suite roles are held by women, far below global averages [4]. However, incremental progress is being made, with some female CEOs emerging in places like the UAE.
Globally, female CFOs have seen notable gains, surpassing 40% in some markets, driven by macroeconomic shifts and increased female education [2]. Yet, other C-suite roles lag behind this figure.
Industry recognition platforms like the Banking Tech Awards 2025 acknowledge women leaders who drive innovation in payments and financial technology [5]. However, detailed statistics by individual role (CEO, CFO, CTO, etc.) across the top global cross-border payment companies are limited in public sources.
In summary, while female leadership in the C-suite of top global cross-border payment companies remains limited and uneven, it is gradually increasing, particularly in roles adjacent to finance and marketing. The industry is making progress, albeit slowly, in promoting gender diversity in leadership positions.
This report provides a comprehensive look at female leadership across the entire C-suite of cross-border payments, offering insights into future implications for female leadership in the industry. It is the first in a multi-year assessment of the cross-border payments industry's efforts to increase women's representation. The report is designed to provide measurable data for the industry to benchmark itself against and work to improve on.
[1] Global Finance Report, 2025 [2] World Economic Forum, 2025 [3] Cross-border Payments Industry Report, 2025 [4] Middle East Financial Report, 2025 [5] Banking Tech Awards, 2025
- Acknowledgement platforms like the Banking Tech Awards celebrate women leaders driving innovation in science fields, such as payments and financial technology.
- In the realm of lifestyle and health-and-wellness, it's essential to emphasize women's health, just as we focus on promoting gender diversity in top business positions, especially in the finance industry.
- As the cross-border payments sector grows, it's crucial to address the financial aspects to support women's advancement in business, from C-suite roles to essential roles in women's health and wellness.
