From Banking to FinTech
The latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, hosted by Nadia, features an inspiring conversation with Katherine Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Juice. Katherine takes us through her transition from a career in banking to launching her own FinTech company, sharing invaluable insights on leadership, inclusion, and the challenges faced by SMEs seeking funding. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to financial accessibility, shedding light on how financial technology is redefining the future of capital access and workplace inclusion.
Juice and Harrington Starr share a common mission: driving innovation and accessibility in the FinTech space through talent and technology. While Juice is transforming SME funding by leveraging data and financial technology, Harrington Starr is enabling FinTech firms to find the best talent to power these innovations. Both companies recognise that people are at the heart of progress, whether it’s building cutting-edge financial solutions or fostering inclusive workplaces. As Juice addresses the £22 billion SME funding gap, Harrington Starr ensures that the right professionals—across data, product management, quantitative finance, and software engineering—are in place to support the growth of game-changing companies like Juice. By bridging the gap between businesses and world-class talent, Harrington Starr continues to be the trusted partner for companies pushing the boundaries of FinTech innovation.
Navigating the Path from Banking to FinTech
Katherine’s career began in the corporate banking world, where she quickly realised that autonomy and direct impact were missing from her role. She longed for more control over her work and the ability to drive meaningful change, which led her to explore the startup ecosystem. Founding Juice was not initially a planned destination, but rather the result of seizing opportunities as they arose. Through each experience, she cultivated a mindset of adaptability, learning how to navigate challenges and embrace uncertainty. The structured environment of banking had its advantages, but Katherine saw gaps in efficiency that inspired her to build a solution-driven business in FinTech. Her journey showcases the importance of entrepreneurial vision and the ability to spot gaps in traditional industries and create innovative solutions.
Bridging the SME Funding Gap
During her time in banking, Katherine noticed a persistent issue: SMEs were struggling to access the capital they needed in a timely and efficient manner. The traditional banking system, constrained by outdated processes and limited data accessibility, was failing to meet the needs of small businesses. This realisation became the foundation for Juice, a company focused on leveraging technology and data to close the £22 billion SME funding gap in the UK. With FinTech innovation, Juice is empowering businesses by offering faster and more equitable access to funding, demonstrating the power of financial technology in reshaping lending and credit assessment models. The ability to harness data-driven decision-making has allowed Juice to offer a more transparent, accessible, and efficient financial service, filling a critical void in the SME ecosystem.
The Mindset Required for FinTech Startup Success
Moving from a well-established corporate structure into the unpredictable world of startups requires a unique mindset. Katherine reflects on the qualities that define successful founders, emphasising grit, determination, and a willingness to embrace risk. Many individuals working in corporate roles may feel the pull towards entrepreneurship but hesitate due to fear of the unknown. For Katherine, the decision to step into the startup world was fuelled by an intrinsic belief that there was more impact to be made outside of traditional finance. The ability to persevere through obstacles, maintain unwavering resilience, and continuously seek growth are the core attributes that helped her navigate the journey. She discusses the emotional rollercoaster of launching a startup, balancing calculated risk with unyielding optimism, and how learning from setbacks became an integral part of her growth as a business leader.
Lessons Learned and the Importance of Asking for Help
When reflecting on her early days of launching Juice, Katherine admits that one of her biggest lessons was the importance of building a strong team early on. Initially, she took on too much herself, believing that needing help was a sign of weakness. However, she soon realised that surrounding herself with the right people could accelerate growth and improve decision-making. Seeking mentorship, collaborating with industry experts, and leveraging networks within the FinTech and financial recruitment sectors proved essential in scaling Juice. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace the power of partnerships and knowledge-sharing, recognising that no one succeeds in isolation. Katherine also shares how investing in leadership development and creating a culture of collaboration played a crucial role in her success.
Creating Inclusive Workplaces in FinTech
A key theme in this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions is the need for greater inclusion within financial technology. Katherine highlights the barriers faced by underrepresented groups, particularly women returning to work after career breaks. She challenges the assumption that there is a lack of female talent in senior leadership roles, pointing instead to structural challenges such as limited access to flexible working arrangements and affordable childcare. Companies need to be proactive in creating pathways for diverse talent to return to the workforce, ensuring that opportunities are accessible and equitable. She also discusses how the shift towards hybrid and remote working has created new possibilities for inclusion and retention, but more must be done to level the playing field.
At Juice, Katherine has taken tangible steps to support professionals who have taken career breaks. By offering a supportive and flexible work environment, her company helps individuals rebuild their confidence and re-enter the job market on their own terms. This commitment to workplace inclusion is crucial in ensuring that FinTech companies continue to attract top-tier talent from all backgrounds. She believes that inclusion should not be a checkbox exercise but a strategic business priority that strengthens long-term growth and resilience.
Why Inclusion in the FinTech Workplace Benefits Everyone
One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is that inclusion isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s a business imperative. Katherine discusses how diverse teams drive better decision-making, innovation, and long-term success. Companies that invest in inclusive hiring practices and partner with FinTech recruitment specialists like Harrington Starr are better positioned to attract, retain, and develop high-calibre talent. The financial technology sector thrives on innovation, and true innovation happens when different perspectives are brought to the table. She emphasises that organisations must build inclusive leadership pipelines, ensuring that diversity efforts translate into real career progression for underrepresented groups.
Looking to the Future in FinTech: What Needs to Change?
As the conversation comes to a close, Katherine reflects on the future of FinTech and the steps that must be taken to create a more inclusive and dynamic industry. She highlights the need for better childcare support, enhanced return-to-work programmes, and more flexible working policies to accommodate the evolving workforce. Additionally, companies must take active measures to ensure that hiring processes are fair, transparent, and free from bias. She argues that by creating a sustainable culture of mentorship and career development, businesses can future-proof their workforce while driving positive change in the industry.
The financial technology sector has the potential to be a leader in workplace inclusion, but only if companies are willing to take meaningful action. By working with specialist FinTech recruitment agencies and continuously evolving their approach to talent acquisition, businesses can create environments where everyone—regardless of background—has the opportunity to thrive.
Driving Real Inclusion in FinTech
This episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions underscores the importance of actionable inclusion strategies in financial technology. Katherine Chan’s journey from banking to FinTech entrepreneurship serves as an inspiration for aspiring founders and business leaders alike. Her insights on workplace inclusion, funding accessibility, and the realities of startup life provide a roadmap for anyone looking to make a tangible impact in the industry.
As FinTech continues to evolve, so too must the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By investing in diverse hiring strategies, fostering inclusive cultures, and breaking down systemic barriers, companies can position themselves as true leaders in the financial sector. Katherine’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the unwavering belief that change is possible when we walk the talk. Her parting message? The future of FinTech is inclusive, but only if we commit to making it so.
This episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions aligns closely with Harrington Starr’s mission as a FinTech recruitment specialist, showcasing the critical role talent plays in driving innovation and inclusion within the financial technology sector. Katherine Chan’s journey from banking to founding Juice highlights the importance of hiring individuals with the entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and adaptability necessary for success in FinTech startups. At Harrington Starr, we understand that finding top-tier talent for high-growth companies is essential, whether it’s in leadership roles, product development, or data-driven decision-making—all key themes explored in this discussion. As businesses strive to close gaps in funding and financial accessibility, having specialist FinTech professionals at the helm is crucial to success.
Our expertise in Cloud Engineering & DevOps, Cyber Security & IT Risk, Data, Infrastructure Support, Network Engineering, Product Management, Quantitative Finance, Sales & Marketing, and Software Engineering makes us the go-to recruitment partner for businesses looking to scale with top-tier talent. If your company is building inclusive hiring strategies or seeking FinTech professionals to drive innovation, we can connect you with the best candidates in the market. Get in touch today to find out how Harrington Starr can help you build a world-class team.
