Impactful Women in Finance, 2026
ON THE COVER
Coastal Finance
Samantha Haines began her career in finance in 2011 with a clear intention. She did not enter the industry simply to work with numbers or policies. She entered with a deep desire to help people feel confident about money rather than intimidated by it. Growing up in regional Tasmania, she saw firsthand how important access to the right financial advice was for families and small businesses.
HSBC Innovation Bank UK
Catherine Wright is a Director in the Corporate Banking team at HSBC Innovation Bank UK, where she leads the Consumer Internet, Deep Tech and Climate Tech sectors. She is responsible for originating and executing innovative debt funding solutions for both listed and private mid-market technology businesses.
Nayax UK
Lynda Clarke is a seasoned financial services leader with more than two decades of experience in the payments industry. As General Manager of Nayax UK, she leads the company’s growth and market strategy in one of the most dynamic fintech environments in Europe.
VYNCKE
Elke Toye is a finance leader who has built a strong and inspiring career in the energy sector. She is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of VYNCKE, a global company based in Belgium that designs and builds clean energy systems. Elke is 36 years old and brings both professional skill and personal dedication to her work.
Nelson Capital Management, LLC
Darcy Smoot began her career in finance in 2006 at Bloomberg LP in New York City, where she gained experience across multiple asset classes and markets before specializing in equity derivatives. She later worked as an equity derivatives sales trader at Susquehanna International Group, assisting institutional clients with their derivative needs.
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