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As regulations and compliance become increasingly intricate, we face challenges from geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, and disruptions in supply chains. The rising pressures of credit risk, along with ongoing competition from neobanks, fintech companies, and major technology firms, complicate matters further. Innovations such as digital assets, stablecoins, and the potential rise of tokenized money market funds threaten traditional deposit and payment services. Despite these challenges, operational risks—especially concerning fraud and relations with third-party vendors—remain significant as banking institutions strive to innovate and uphold essential partnerships.
This year’s honorees of The Most Powerful Women in Banking’s Women to Watch have not only encountered these challenges but have also excelled. They have embraced AI, broadened their institutions’ service offerings through enhanced small business lending, and ventured into new markets, all while skillfully managing liquidity and interest-rate fluctuations.
Leading this year’s list is Sharon Miller, president and co-head of business banking at Bank of America, who takes the #1 spot. Following her is Lisa Oliver, president, CEO, and chair of the board of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, ranked #2. Oliver, a longtime Watch honoree, will be retiring in October after over three decades in banking.
Jennifer Smith, EVP and chief operations and technology officer at Zions Bancorporation, secures the #3 position, followed by #4 Jodi Richard, vice chair and chief risk officer at U.S. Bank. Both Smith and Richard were recognized in last year’s honors as well.
Completing the top five is Christiana Riley, president and CEO of Santander U.S., a newcomer to this esteemed list. Among the additions this year are seven new faces, including Debopama Sen, head of payments at Citigroup Services, ranking #9, and Ericka Leslie, COO of global banking & markets at Goldman Sachs, taking the #12 position.
Community banks, crucial to their local economies, are also represented, with six community bank executives in the rankings—five of whom are CEOs. Notable among them is Kelly Skalicky, CEO of Stearns Bank, and the returning honoree Laurie Stewart, CEO of Sound Community Bank.
Collectively, the accomplishments of these women showcase their skill in navigating unpredictable market dynamics, leveraging emerging technologies, and committing to a customer-centric approach characterized by personalized, efficient, and economical digital services.
