Alison Donnelly on double award win and women in payments

It’s no secret that women are still underrepresented in the world of payments. While progress is being made, we’re still a long way from achieving the gender balance we want to see, to allow for the innovation we all need to move forward.

This is why women doing great things in payments should be honoured. It’s exciting and refreshing, then, that Alison Donnelly, Director and Head of Advisory at fscom, has recently been awarded not only one, but two top industry awards.

Alison picked up UK Advisor of the Year in AML and Payment Services at the Finance Monthly Fintech Awards 2018.

In addition to this outstanding achievement, Alison also received an award for Most Influential Woman in AML & Payment Services at the 2018 UK Corporate Excellence Awards.

“To be acknowledged and awarded two prestigious awards for my work in the AML and Payment Services arena serves to recognise the importance of diversity in excellence,” Donnelly told PaymentEye.

The Finance Monthly Fintech Awards recognise true innovators who help to drive the Fintech sector forward and make the sector what it is today. The Awards acknowledge the individuals, firms, start-ups and banks who are regarded as leaders in their area of expertise.

The prestigious 2018 UK Corporate Excellence Awards seek the very best of the best from across the UK’s vibrant and continually evolving business market. Sector, business size and location within the UK are not factors in deciding the winners; the aim is to showcase the very best firms and the people driving them to success.

“Women are currently underrepresented in the financial services and payment sectors. Yet, it is widely known that the inclusion of diverse backgrounds and views within a business, can vastly improve the performance of corporate and social governance,” Donnelly continued.

“My specialism lies with the fintech firms who are developing new payment methods for both consumers and business. To play an integral part in shaping the payment ecosystem is inspiring, especially as we move away from traditional payment methods and develop new technologies to meet the needs and demands of the modern market.

“Given the centrality of payments in everything we do, it is vital that the broad range of needs are met with skilled, articulate experts drawn from a range of backgrounds and experiences. I would therefore encourage more women into these sectors, whether that be technology, operations or compliance, where your input will make a valuable difference.

“I would also like to thank all of those involved in both the Finance Monthly Fintech Awards and the 2018 UK Corporate Excellence Awards for highlighting the impact and influence women have the potential to create.”

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