The digital transformation of financial services presents both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges. Nowhere is this more evident than in the role of regulators and policymakers, who must navigate a rapidly evolving landscape while ensuring financial stability, inclusion, and consumer protection. Alongside the growing influence of technology in financial services are parallel challenges of financial inclusion and the gender gap within financial regulatory agencies, women remain significantly underrepresented in regulatory leadership and decision-making roles.
Recognizing these critical gaps, Women’s World Banking (WWB) and the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR) designed the TechEquity Program, an initiative designed to equip the next generation of diverse policymakers, regulators, and supervisors with cutting-edge technology knowledge and leadership skills.
At its core, TechEquity was a multi-month immersive experience, blending virtual learning, peer engagement, and expert-led sessions with a high-impact, in-person intensive in London. Participants benefited from insights delivered by leading figures in regulatory innovation, financial technology, and leadership, including from Moody’s, IBM, Circle, Microsoft, Intel, PayPal, BioCatch, Global Digital Finance and faculty from the Wharton School of Business (University of Pennsylvania) and NYU’s School of Professional Studies.
The program was designed to address two key challenges: the knowledge gap in technology and digital financial services and the leadership gap for women in regulatory roles. TechEquity focused on:
• Providing participants with the confidence and expertise to navigate digital financial services.
• Strengthening leadership capabilities to drive innovation and lead change within regulatory institutions.
• Fostering international collaboration and peer learning by connecting women across diverse jurisdictions to tackle shared challenges.
• Creating a supportive network of mentors and peers to sustain long-term professional growth.
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“It was a privilege for us to co-design and deliver this program and to spend such quality time with over 30 women from 25 diverse markets. These women approached the program with curiosity and passion and shared their challenges, wisdom and ideas so generously. We were all invigorated and inspired and learnt a great deal.”
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The financial landscape is inherently global, and regulatory challenges—such as digital fraud, financial stability, and consumer protection—extend far beyond national borders. No single regulator or policymaker can tackle these issues in isolation. The TechEquity program emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration, enabling participants to work in global, cross-functional teams to address ‘wicked industry challenges’ that had specific impacts on women
This approach was particularly valuable for women leaders, who often have fewer opportunities to exchange knowledge with their global peers. By fostering international collaboration, TechEquity helped participants break down silos, share best practices, and build relationships that extend beyond the program itself. This kind of global cooperation is not just beneficial, it is essential for designing effective, inclusive regulatory frameworks in the digital age.
A transformative aspect of the program was its mentorship component, which paired participants with senior women leaders in regulatory innovation, financial supervision, and fintech. The Women in Regulatory Innovation (WIRI) community played an essential role in this, providing a mentorship network that supported emerging female leaders during the program.
Participants described the mentorship experience as career-defining, offering them:
• Practical guidance on leadership and navigating male-dominated spaces.
• Exposure to real-world regulatory challenges and how to influence change, facilitated through critical experience exchange.
• The opportunity to build lasting professional relationships with experienced mentors and peers.
Notably, the mentorship was a two-way experience, and mentors also found the engagement rewarding, gaining fresh perspectives from the next generation of women leaders. This reciprocal learning reinforced the importance of sustained networks and communities in advancing women’s leadership in regulatory technology.
The program’s impact was profound, with participants reporting:
• Significant knowledge gains in digital financial services, leadership, and regulatory innovation.
• Increased confidence in engaging with technology and leading change.
• High value in international collaboration, emphasizing the need for cross-border cooperation.
• Transformative mentorship experiences, which empowered them to step into leadership roles.
• A strong, lasting network of peers and mentors for continued learning and professional growth.
| “The program has empowered me to become an effective leader in my organization.” “It was interactive and dynamic thanks to the structure of the sessions, which encouraged participation and exchange of ideas.” “It was great to understand different cultures and regulatory environments through peer interactions.” |
TechEquity demonstrated that when women regulators are equipped with the right skills, networks, and support, they can drive meaningful innovation and financial inclusion.
The success of the program underscores the importance of international collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning in shaping the future of financial regulation.
The program produced over 20 capstone projects focused on advancing women’s financial inclusion, protection, and empowerment. We are confident that the talented, passionate, and skilled TechEquity alumni will carry these projects, and many others, forward, drawing on the networks, experiences, and capabilities they developed throughout the program.
As we look ahead, initiatives like TechEquity must be scaled and sustained. Bridging the gender gap in regulatory leadership is not just about fairness—it is about ensuring that financial regulation is as diverse, inclusive, and effective as the societies it serves.
To women in regulatory roles: You are not alone. Your voice is critical.
With the right knowledge, mentorship, and networks, the next generation of women leaders will shape the future of financial oversight—and drive the innovation and inclusion our systems urgently need.
Want to stay informed about AIR’s future initiatives, programs, and opportunities to get involved?
• Learn more about Innovation Elements: Cohort for Regulators
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