Checkout.com Champions Women in FinTech at BBC Broadcasting House
FinTech Leader Sponsors WomenHack London at Iconic Venue
When Checkout.com—a company processing payments in 150+ currencies for clients like Samsung, Virgin, and Adidas—sponsors a diversity event, the tech world takes notice. In May 2018, the payments technology company brought WomenHack to the iconic BBC Broadcasting House in London, creating an unforgettable setting for connecting talented women with leading FinTech employers.
As announced on the Checkout.com blog, their sponsorship of WomenHack London demonstrated their commitment to building a more diverse payments industry.
The State of Women in FinTech
Financial technology has emerged as one of the most dynamic sectors in the global economy, but it has historically struggled with gender diversity. Women hold only about 30% of positions in the FinTech industry globally, and that number drops significantly at the leadership level. In payments technology specifically, the gap is even more pronounced.
This underrepresentation isn’t due to a lack of qualified women—it’s a pipeline and access problem. Traditional recruiting methods often fail to reach diverse candidates, and the industry’s reputation can discourage women from applying in the first place. Companies like Checkout.com are working to change this by actively participating in diversity-focused recruiting events.
Why Checkout.com’s Sponsorship Matters
Checkout.com isn’t a small startup making token gestures toward diversity—it’s a major player in the global payments infrastructure. The company processes transactions for some of the world’s most recognized brands across more than 150 currencies. When a company of this scale commits to diversity recruiting, it signals to the entire industry that inclusive hiring practices are compatible with high performance.
The choice of venue was particularly significant. BBC Broadcasting House is one of London’s most recognizable buildings and a symbol of British media and technology. Hosting WomenHack at such a prestigious location elevated the event and underscored the importance that Checkout.com places on diversity initiatives.
London’s Position as a Global FinTech Hub
London has established itself as one of the world’s leading FinTech centers, home to numerous unicorns and a thriving ecosystem of startups and established players. The city’s combination of financial expertise, technology talent, and regulatory environment has made it a magnet for FinTech innovation.
However, this success story will only be sustainable if the industry can attract and retain diverse talent. As London competes with other global tech hubs, its ability to tap into the full talent pool—including women who have historically been underrepresented in finance and technology—will be a crucial competitive advantage.
Events like WomenHack London help ensure that the city’s FinTech success includes opportunities for everyone. By bringing together companies actively seeking diverse candidates with talented women looking for opportunities, WomenHack creates connections that benefit individuals, companies, and the broader ecosystem.
The WomenHack Approach to FinTech Recruiting
WomenHack’s signature format—5-minute speed interviews between candidates and companies—is particularly well-suited to the FinTech industry. The format allows:
- Efficient evaluation: Companies can meet many qualified candidates in a single evening
- Reduced bias: The structured format helps level the playing field
- Direct access: Candidates connect directly with hiring managers and engineers, bypassing traditional gatekeepers
- Authentic conversations: The brief format encourages genuine dialogue rather than rehearsed interview responses
For FinTech companies competing for talent in a tight labor market, events like WomenHack provide access to candidates who might not apply through traditional channels. Many talented women in tech are approached constantly by recruiters; the WomenHack format offers a more personal, respectful way to connect.
Building the Future of Payments
The payments industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by mobile technology, cryptocurrency, and changing consumer expectations. Building the next generation of payment systems requires diverse perspectives to ensure that these systems serve all users effectively.
Checkout.com’s sponsorship of WomenHack London demonstrated that leading FinTech companies understand this connection between diversity and innovation. By investing in events that expand the pipeline of women in FinTech, they’re helping to build an industry that better reflects and serves its global customer base.
Thank you, Checkout.com, for your commitment to women in FinTech and for bringing WomenHack to such an iconic London venue.