For seven years, the Women in Finance Awards Asia (WIFAA) has recognized exceptional women shaping the financial industry. This prestigious event celebrates the achievements of women in finance, fosters knowledge exchange, and strengthens professional networks. The 2025 edition will take place on May 29, 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, featuring a gala dinner that will bring together leaders and innovators from across Asia. The awards highlight top talent in key areas such as buy-side and sell-side trading, investment management, fintech, venture capital, corporate finance, and technology. By honoring the contributions of women in the industry, WIFAA continues to empower and inspire the next generation of female leaders, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the financial sector. This event is a significant milestone in driving progress and creating opportunities for women to excel and lead in finance.
Nominations Now Open
Nominations are now open for the Women in Finance Awards Asia (WIFAA), inviting professionals to nominate colleagues, clients, and peers who have made exceptional contributions to the financial sector. The awards recognize achievements across multiple fields, including buy-side and sell-side trading, investment management, fintech, venture capital, corporate finance, and technology. WIFAA celebrates excellence and highlights the critical role women play in shaping the future of finance, not only in Asia but globally. By acknowledging outstanding women, the program aims to empower and inspire future generations of leaders while promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. This platform provides an opportunity to honor those who have demonstrated innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the financial sector. Nominations offer a chance to spotlight the incredible work being done by women who are driving change and progress across finance.
The WIFAA event is part of a global initiative by Markets Media, which also includes the well-established Women in Finance programs in New York and London. These events have gained significant recognition and influence, providing a platform for women across the financial industry to connect, share insights, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Over the years, the programs have fostered a strong community, empowering women to build networks, gain inspiration, and elevate their professional profiles. By gathering industry leaders, innovators, and rising talents, the events contribute to advancing gender equality and promoting diversity within the financial sector. WIFAA, alongside its global counterparts, continues to play a pivotal role in recognizing and supporting women who are making a lasting impact in finance, while also encouraging the next generation of female leaders to rise and thrive in the industry.
The seventh edition of WIFAA promises to be a landmark event, bringing together senior professionals, emerging leaders, and passionate advocates from Asia’s major financial hubs. This year’s gathering will serve as a platform to reflect on the progress made within the financial industry, celebrate the achievements of women, and emphasize the continued push for greater representation across all sectors of finance. The event will highlight the vital contributions of women in areas such as trading, investment management, fintech, venture capital, corporate finance, and technology. It will provide a space for reflection on the strides made toward gender equality while reaffirming the commitment to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and opportunities for women to lead. By uniting influential figures from across the region, WIFAA aims to inspire and drive further progress in the industry, ensuring women continue to shape the future of finance.
Leadership and New Board Members
This year, the WIFAA Advisory Board welcomes three distinguished new members. These leaders, along with the founding members, will guide the future of the event and ensure its continued success. One of the new additions to the board is Julia Raiskin, CEO of Millennium APAC. Julia, with over 25 years of experience working across Asia and Europe, was previously Citi’s Head of Markets for the Asia Pacific region. She emphasizes the importance of identifying talented women early in their careers and offering mentorship opportunities to support their growth in the financial industry. “The board comprises a group of leading women in our industry, and I am proud to be among such an inspiring group of peers,” says Raiskin.
Another key figure is Stella Jaeger, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. Jaeger has built and led teams across multiple markets and is a founding member of 100 Women in Finance in Singapore. She advocates for the power of peer-to-peer mentorship, emphasizing how important it is for women to learn from and support one another throughout their careers.
Tim Smith, Managing Director of CME Group, also joins the board as a male ally. With over three decades of experience in trading and multi-product sales across Hong Kong, London, and Sydney, Smith brings a wealth of knowledge to the advisory board. He emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership and how it leads to better outcomes for the industry. “As a male ally, I understand that talent is not based on gender. Diversity contributes to enhanced outcomes,” says Smith.
A Founding Member’s Perspective
One of the founding members of WIFAA, Azila Abdul Aziz, CEO of Kenanga Futures, reflects on the significant impact the awards have had over the past seven years. “WIFAA remains the go-to platform where talented women in finance congregate. It’s a space where women empower women, and seeing the continued recognition of leaders in our industry is truly rewarding,” Azila remarks.
Having led Kenanga Futures for over 18 years, Azila is a firm believer in mentorship and leadership development, particularly when it comes to increasing representation in finance. “Early in your career, you need three things—courage, tenacity, and passion. And to succeed in career progression, you need that X-factor,” Azila adds.
She also highlights the vital role male allies have played in her own career development. “Men and women complement each other with their respective strengths and weaknesses, and that 360° perspective is essential for important decision-making,” says Azila. Through her career, Azila has had the privilege of working with several male mentors who have helped guide her, something she believes has been crucial to her success.
The Impact of Sponsorship and Industry Support
WIFAA’s success would not be possible without the support of its sponsors, who are committed to championing diversity and leadership in the financial sector. This year, BlackRock, BNP Paribas, Broadridge, Citadel, Citadel Securities, Citi, CME Group, Instinet, Kenanga Futures, Liquidnet, Marex, MarketAxess, PIMCO, Principle Partners, SGX Group, and Tradeweb are all sponsors of the event. These firms are not only committed to fostering talent and innovation but also to driving the industry’s efforts toward greater inclusivity.
The continued support from these organizations highlights the critical role they play in advancing gender equality in finance and creating an environment where women can thrive. The event provides an invaluable opportunity for women to network, share experiences, and inspire the next generation of female leaders in the industry.
Looking Ahead
As the financial sector continues to evolve, WIFAA will remain a pivotal platform in shaping the future of women in finance. The recognition of outstanding women in finance not only promotes individual achievements but also sends a strong message about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The success of this initiative over the past seven years is a testament to the growing recognition of women’s contributions and the ongoing need to foster an environment where women are empowered to lead and excel.
This year’s event promises to be another milestone in the journey toward greater representation and equality in the financial industry. The gala dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore will provide an opportunity for leaders from across Asia to gather, reflect on their achievements, and commit to continuing the push for greater gender parity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the WIFAA event?
The 2025 WIFAA event will take place on May 29, 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore.
Who can nominate for the awards?
Professionals from the financial sector can nominate colleagues, clients, and peers who have demonstrated exceptional contributions.
What categories are recognized?
WIFAA honors achievements in areas including buy-side and sell-side trading, investment management, fintech, venture capital, corporate finance, and technology.
How can I attend the event?
Details for attendance and registration will be provided closer to the event date. Keep an eye on official announcements for updates.
Who organizes the event?
The WIFAA event is organized by Markets Media, which also runs similar Women in Finance programs in New York and London.
Conclusion:
The Women in Finance Awards Asia (WIFAA) continues to be a pivotal platform for celebrating and empowering women in finance. As it enters its seventh edition, the event remains a driving force in promoting gender equality, inspiring future leaders, and recognizing outstanding achievements across the industry. WIFAA’s impact continues to grow, uniting professionals to push for progress and inclusivity within the financial sector.
