The following is part of our LinkedIn article series, the Leadership Lens. 

In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, one thing is clear: innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It is shaped by the people driving it, the perspectives they bring and the questions they are willing to ask. At the intersection of finance and technology — from digital banking to blockchain-enabled investment products — thoughtful leadership is essential to shaping a future that is both dynamic and inclusive. 

Monika Ploc is a senior member of the financial services team at RF|Binder, where she leverages deep experience in strategic communications to help some of the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders tell their stories. Prior to joining RF|Binder, Monika served as head of communications for Diamond Standard, a company focused on investment products that combine diamonds and blockchain technology. Her work spans everything from fintech’s foundational trends to the narratives that drive capital formation and market adoption. 

In the following Q&A, Monika shares her insights on how fintech has evolved and the importance of communications in the industry. 

Fintech is often described as a relatively new industry. How do you define it, and how did we get here? 

Monika Ploc: While the term “fintech” has been in use since at least the early 1990s — and even earlier in academic writing — the sector as we understand it today accelerated in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Financial technology itself has been evolving for decades, from ATMs and electronic trading to online and mobile banking. What has changed is the pace and scale. Today, fintech spans payments, digital banking, embedded finance, crypto and capital markets infrastructure, fundamentally reshaping how we move, store and invest money. 

At the same time, the industry’s rapid growth has revealed a persistent gap: women haven’t been equally represented in shaping fintech’s evolution. That imbalance matters, because fintech isn’t just about technology. Rather, it is about people, trust and access. 

Where do you see the biggest challenges for women in fintech and financial services today? 

Monika Ploc: The data reflects what many women experience firsthand. According to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2025, women hold fewer than 20% of executive leadership roles across financial services and fintech. At the same time, the venture capital landscape is contracting. The number of U.S. VC firms has dropped significantly in just a few years, which means capital is becoming more concentrated and harder to access for underrepresented founders, especially women-led startups. 

I have tremendous respect for my colleagues across venture and fintech. Some of the sharpest thinkers and strongest partners I’ve worked with are men who actively mentor and challenge me. But even the most talented teams perform better when a broader range of perspectives is at the table.  

Do you think the media has been responsive and open to female experts in the fintech industry?  

Yes — both broadcast and print media are actively looking for more female voices in fintech, including crypto and commodities. There’s a clear understanding now that audiences want a range of credible experts, and media outlets are eager to showcase them. 

The media landscape has also expanded beyond traditional gatekeeping. With nonstop news cycles and digital platforms, there is a constant demand for clear, confident experts, and women are increasingly stepping into that space. The real upside is that many of the people making booking decisions today are women themselves — anchors, producers and editors — who can shift the narrative quickly and elevate female experts as true authorities, not just a checkbox. 

Why does representation matter so much in a sector like fintech? 

Monika Ploc: Women make up the majority of household financial decisions, yet their voices are often missing from product design and leadership roles. When that happens, products can overlook realities like career breaks, caregiving responsibilities, irregular income streams or longer life expectancies. Those gaps aren’t theoretical; they directly affect how people experience financial tools. 

Multiple perspectives don’t just build fairer products; they build smarter ones. Companies with leadership teams that represent balance across genders consistently outperform on profitability, risk management and innovation.  

You’ve spoken about access as a key lever for change. What does that look like in practice? 

Monika Ploc: Access shows up in very real ways: who gets invited into rooms, who’s on stage and who’s part of the conversations where deals and narratives are formed. Conferences and professional networks aren’t just about visibility; they’re where partnerships start and opportunities take shape. Yet women remain underrepresented in many of these spaces. 

Visibility drives credibility. Credibility opens doors. And those doors lead to funding, leadership roles and long-term impact.  

Where have you personally seen the most impact from being in those rooms? 

Monika Ploc: Industry events and networks have played a meaningful role in shaping my perspective and my career. Conferences like iConnections, Opal Group events across the U.S., Women in VC and Crypto Mondays have given me opportunities to share expertise, build relationships and engage directly in conversations about where fintech is headed. 

These experiences aren’t just about networking. They influence how I approach building, investing in and advocating for more inclusive financial systems. Being present in these spaces leads to tangible outcomes, new partnerships, better insights and a stronger ability to shape the future of the industry. 

What practical steps can organizations take to help change the game for women in fintech? 

Monika Ploc: There are several actions that can make an immediate difference. First, fund attendance. Women in product, engineering, operations and capital formation need access to major industry events. That may mean dedicated sponsorships, travel grants or flexible virtual options to ensure representation. 

Second, invest in speakers. Women are still underrepresented on main-stage panels, especially outside of diversity-focused sessions. Supporting women as speakers through mentorship, nominations and pitch guidance helps ensure their expertise is visible and valued. 

Finally, redefine what we mean by “expert.” Too often, that label defaults to the most visible founders or executives, overlooking operators and builders who drive innovation behind the scenes. Expanding whose voices we elevate strengthens the entire ecosystem. 

How can local networks and firms play a role in advancing women’s leadership? 

Monika Ploc: Local networks are powerful. Building relationships with VCs, advisory firms and startup ecosystems isn’t just about visibility. It’s about influence. These connections open doors to early-stage companies, advisory roles, board opportunities and leadership pathways. 

I’m encouraged to see organizations stepping up. Groups like @OpalGroup, for example, are intentionally bringing women into the conversation as central voices, not afterthoughts. That kind of leadership sets the tone for meaningful change. 

What’s your message to leaders shaping the future of fintech? 

Monika Ploc: Fintech’s future won’t be defined by technology alone. It will be defined by who gets heard, who gets funded and who is empowered to lead. Women belong at the table, building, communicating and deciding. 

​​​At RF|Binder, we are committed to supporting emerging fintech leaders and connecting innovators with media opportunities that help build their visibility and reputation. The more perspectives we include, the more insightful the coverage of the fintech industry will be.