Empowering Women in Finance: Securing a Future of Opportunity

The industry can empower women in finance in part by offering better security, says Jamie Bertasi.

On International Women's Day 2025, we reflect on the theme "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," celebrating the crucial role that women play in shaping a secure and equitable future, particularly in the digital landscapes of banking, finance, and payments. While highlighting the extraordinary contributions of women in these industries, we must also recognize the unique challenges they face.

The rapidly evolving technology in finance, especially within the mobile app ecosystem, underscores the need for robust security. Mobile app security, in this era of digital transformation, is not just a benefit—it’s an essential element of empowerment. The digital revolution has significantly expanded access to financial services and e-commerce, creating opportunities for women worldwide, particularly in underserved regions.

Digital banking, mobile apps, and fintech have made managing finances more accessible and inclusive. In emerging markets, women entrepreneurs can now easily transfer funds, receive payments, and build businesses and brands without the constraints of traditional banking systems. However, while technology opens doors, it also introduces significant risks.

The mobile app security landscape is quickly evolving, with AI-powered cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive. This calls for diverse perspectives, especially from women, to lead the charge in mobile app defence. With women holding 33.5% of senior management leadership in tech, and 24% in cybersecurity, there is an underrepresented disparity. Women play a crucial role in the fight against cyber threats, bringing invaluable skills, innovative solutions, and unique perspectives shaped by their diverse experiences.  Their active involvement is crucial for designing secure and user-friendly financial systems that meet the needs of everyone.

Security must keep pace with technological advancements to guard against evolving risks. AI-powered threats, ranging from banking Trojans, deepfakes to phishing attacks, target vulnerable populations disproportionately, with women often being more susceptible to fraud and identity theft in digital spaces. As mobile apps become the primary platform for financial transactions, securing these apps should be a top priority.

Financial institutions must adopt a proactive cybersecurity strategy, including mobile app security to address emerging cyber threats. Measures such as deepfake detection and advanced fraud detection systems in mobile apps are essential for safeguarding sensitive financial data and ensuring that users remain protected in real time from cybercrime. It is no longer a luxury to implement such technology; it is fundamental to building brand trust, preserving customer privacy, and ensuring financial security by protecting mobile businesses —a right that should be available to every woman.

On this International Women's Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women in finance, particularly through prioritizing the protection of mobile businesses. Creating a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce, representing diverse gender perspectives ensures that the solutions designed can meet the needs of a variety of users. By doing so, we take one step closer to offering women the tools they need to succeed.

Mobile app security is a foundational part of this—empowering women entrepreneurs and brands globally to realize their full potential. Together, by committing to the highest standards in mobile app security, we will enable a more equitable financial ecosystem where women, regardless of geography or background, to succeed.

A safe mobile business setting is a fundamental right for all, and through inclusive collaboration and innovation in mobile app security, we can ensure that right is upheld for women around the world. Let’s build a secure and equitable financial future for every woman.