An annual event dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in finance is set to take place in Singapore, bringing together top professionals from across Asia. The Women in Finance Awards Asia (WIFAA) will once again showcase trailblazers who are driving change within the financial sector, offering a platform for networking and recognition. This year's gala dinner at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Singapore on May 29, 2025, aims to unite industry leaders to honor exceptional talents across various domains such as trading, investment management, fintech, venture capital, corporate finance, and technology.
A diverse range of voices contributes to the impact and success of WIFAA, including seasoned executives like Julia Raiskin, CEO of Millennium's APAC division, Stella Jaeger from Morgan Stanley, and Tim Smith of CME Group. These individuals emphasize the importance of mentorship, early career development, and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages female participation. Ms. Raiskin advocates for identifying talent early through academic channels and ensuring women participate actively in hiring forums and professional gatherings. Meanwhile, Ms. Jaeger highlights the value of peer-to-peer mentorship alongside traditional guidance, stating that seeing successful role models inspires others to aim higher. Mr. Smith adds his perspective as a male ally, stressing that recognizing talent should transcend gender boundaries while appreciating the benefits of diverse viewpoints in leadership roles.
The program continues to grow with new additions to its advisory board and unwavering support from founding members like Azila Abdul Aziz, CEO of Kenanga Futures. Over the past seven years, WIFAA has established itself as a pivotal platform for empowering women in finance by amplifying their visibility and promoting leadership development. According to Azila, key attributes such as courage, tenacity, and passion play crucial roles in career advancement, along with having a unique differentiating factor. She also acknowledges the significant role played by male mentors in her journey, advocating for cross-gender mentorship to enrich decision-making processes with comprehensive perspectives. Supported by prominent sponsors committed to diversity and inclusion, this year's edition promises to be another milestone in advancing women’s contributions to the financial world.
Gathering outstanding talents and recognizing their accomplishments not only celebrates individual successes but also propels collective progress toward gender equality in finance. By highlighting remarkable stories and fostering connections among professionals, events like WIFAA inspire future generations to pursue careers in finance and strive for excellence. As nominations remain open until April 15th, 2025, it is an opportune moment for colleagues, clients, and peers to acknowledge those making impactful contributions across Asia's dynamic financial landscape. Together, these efforts pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous industry where everyone can thrive.