Forging a Path: Women of FIX

In the latest episode of FinTech Focus TV, hosted by Toby Babb, we gain unparalleled insight into the transformative efforts of Emiko Kamoda and Katie Kolchin, founding members of Women of FIX. This groundbreaking conversation, recorded live at the FIX Americas Trading Conference in New York, delves into the importance of mentorship, community building, and allyship in reshaping the traditionally male-dominated FIX trading industry. With an emphasis on creating opportunities for women and fostering inclusivity, this episode highlights how initiatives like Women of FIX are catalysing change across the financial technology landscape.

Women of FIX: A Bold Vision for Inclusion and Progress

Katie Kolchin sets the stage by introducing the origins of Women of FIX, a group dedicated to empowering women within the FIX trading ecosystem. Founded on the principles of inclusivity and collaboration, Women of FIX addresses key challenges faced by women in the industry by focusing on four core pillars: events, career mentorship, community building, and knowledge sharing. Katie explains that the group’s mission is to provide opportunities for professional and personal growth, offering a platform where women can support each other and thrive.

Emiko Kamoda elaborates on the group’s purpose, pointing out that FIX trading is a niche market with unique dynamics. Women of FIX seeks to amplify the voices and achievements of established female professionals while identifying and nurturing rising stars. This dual approach ensures that women at all stages of their careers have access to the resources, networks, and guidance they need to succeed. By focusing on these areas, the group is building a more inclusive and supportive community that benefits the entire industry.

The Power of Collaboration in FIX Trading

Collaboration and inclusivity are recurring themes throughout the discussion. Emiko underscores the importance of creating spaces where professionals from diverse backgrounds and roles can come together to share knowledge and ideas. She explains that the FIX trading community, with its distinct functions across buy-side, sell-side, regulatory, and vendor roles, is uniquely positioned to benefit from such collaboration. By breaking down silos and fostering open dialogue, Women of FIX is helping to drive innovation and strengthen the industry.

Toby acknowledges the traditionally male-dominated nature of financial services and praises the efforts of Women of FIX in addressing this imbalance. Katie emphasises that while the group’s primary focus is on empowering women, the inclusion of male allies is vital for achieving lasting change. She notes that men play a crucial role as supporters and advocates, helping to dismantle barriers and create a more equitable industry.

Addressing Challenges and Driving Innovation

The conversation moves to the broader challenges and opportunities within the FIX trading space. Emiko discusses the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the evolving regulatory landscape. She highlights how these developments are reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities and challenges for professionals. Women of FIX aims to equip its members with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate these changes effectively.

Katie reflects on the unique career trajectories of women in FIX trading and the barriers they often face. From navigating male-dominated workplaces to balancing professional and personal commitments, women encounter challenges that underscore the importance of mentorship and community support. Women of FIX is addressing these issues by providing a platform where members can share their experiences, exchange ideas, and support one another.

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Change

Mentorship is a central focus of Women of FIX’s mission, and both Emiko and Katie highlight its transformative impact. Emiko explains that the group has established committees to address specific areas such as sponsorships, nominations, and events. These committees create structured opportunities for members to connect and grow, fostering meaningful relationships that help women build confidence and advance in their careers.

Katie shares her personal experiences with mentorship, describing how guidance from seasoned professionals helped her navigate critical moments in her career. She notes that mentorship is a two-way street, where both mentors and mentees benefit from the exchange of knowledge and perspectives. This ethos of mutual support is deeply embedded in the Women of FIX initiative, ensuring that members have access to the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.

Breaking Barriers in Financial Technology

Toby and his guests delve into the broader implications of initiatives like Women of FIX for the financial technology sector. Toby reflects on the increasing diversity at industry events and the growing recognition of the value women bring to the table. However, he also acknowledges that there is still significant work to be done to achieve true gender parity.

Emiko and Katie discuss the importance of breaking down barriers, not just for women but for all underrepresented groups in financial technology. They argue that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a business necessity, driving innovation and improving decision-making. By fostering inclusivity, Women of FIX is helping to create a more dynamic and resilient industry.

The Role of Networking in Building a Stronger Community

Networking plays a vital role in the success of Women of FIX, and Emiko and Katie discuss how the group facilitates meaningful connections among its members. Emiko explains that networking within the FIX trading community allows professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions to industry challenges. This collaborative approach is particularly valuable in addressing complex issues such as regulatory changes, technological advancements, and market dynamics.

Katie highlights the importance of building networks that extend beyond the FIX trading community. She notes that Women of FIX encourages collaboration with other women’s networking groups and initiatives, creating a broader ecosystem of support and opportunity. This approach ensures that members have access to a wide range of resources and perspectives, enriching their professional journeys and strengthening the community as a whole.

A Vision for the Future of FIX Trading

As the episode draws to a close, Toby asks Emiko and Katie to share their vision for the future of FIX trading. Katie expresses optimism about the progress made so far, highlighting the increasing representation of women in leadership roles and the growing recognition of their contributions. She envisions a future where gender equality is the norm, and initiatives like Women of FIX are no longer necessary because inclusivity is embedded in the industry’s culture.

Emiko shares a similar vision, emphasising the importance of sustaining the momentum and building on past successes. She highlights the role of education, advocacy, and collaboration in driving lasting change. By empowering the next generation of leaders, Women of FIX is ensuring that the industry continues to evolve and thrive.

Why Inclusivity Matters in FinTech Recruitment

At Harrington Starr, we understand the transformative power of diversity and inclusion in the financial technology sector. As a leading FinTech recruitment business, we are committed to helping organisations build inclusive teams that reflect the values and aspirations of the industry. The insights shared by Emiko and Katie in this episode of FinTech Focus TV resonate deeply with our mission to connect talented professionals with opportunities that allow them to make a meaningful impact.

Through our expertise in FinTech recruitment, we support organisations in finding exceptional talent across areas such as trading technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. We believe that fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces is essential for driving innovation, enhancing decision-making, and achieving sustainable growth. By partnering with forward-thinking organisations, we are helping to shape the future of financial technology.

This episode of FinTech Focus TV featuring Emiko Kamoda and Katie Kolchin is closely aligned with Harrington Starr’s mission to transform the future of financial technology through diversity, collaboration, and innovation. As a leading FinTech recruitment business, Harrington Starr is dedicated to building inclusive workplaces that empower talent and foster industry-wide progress. The conversation with Emiko and Katie sheds light on these very principles, highlighting the importance of mentorship, community building, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the FIX trading space.

At Harrington Starr, we recognise that diversity is a driving force for innovation and a key differentiator in today’s competitive FinTech landscape. The Women of FIX initiative, with its focus on knowledge sharing, career development, and inclusivity, mirrors the values we champion. Just as Women of FIX provides a platform for women to connect, grow, and succeed, Harrington Starr partners with organisations to ensure they attract and retain diverse talent who can make a meaningful impact.

By sharing stories of trailblazers like Emiko and Katie, this podcast reinforces our commitment to advancing diversity in financial technology. It’s a powerful reminder of the role we all play in shaping a more equitable and innovative future for FinTech.