6) Do you think the trend will continue where we will see more women in leadership roles in fintechs (Yes/No) and why?
Yes, it is increasingly seen as a critical management issue. That said, the challenges women are facing across tech sectors in general andf FinTech in particular are well known. It it important that women begin affirmative programs at an early age in STEM education and to combine these “hard” skills with innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Studies show diverse environments generate better performance. At the same time, women already established in FinTech will play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for other women while also fostering a culture where we are valued. The result will be more women entrepreneurs and exponential delivery for firms. For our part we have increased the number of women in the firm from 13% to 23% in the last two years alone.
Chitra Baskar is the co-founder and Chief Operations Officer at Viteos. Ms. Baskar manages technology and global operations and plays a key role in the overall strategy of the firm. Prior to co-founding Viteos, Ms. Baskar invested more than 20 years in the securities market. She was Chief Operations Officer of Securities and Transaction Processing Services at IL&FS. She holds a bachelor degree in accounting from the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAI), the equivalent of a US Certified Public Accounting degree. She earned a graduate level degree in Cost Accountancy (CWA).