Innovate Finance has expanded its Pride in FinTech initiative with the launch of new mentorship and leadership channels designed to support LGBTQIA+ professionals across the financial technology sector.
The UK fintech industry body has opened applications for its fourth annual Pride in FinTech Powerlist 2026, while also introducing two new long-term support structures: the Pride in FinTech Mentorship Programme and the Pride in FinTech Leadership Council.
The expansion marks a move beyond annual recognition, positioning the programme as a year-round platform for professional development, industry collaboration and inclusive leadership in fintech.
Pride in FinTech Powerlist 2026 Applications Open
The Pride in FinTech Powerlist was first launched in 2023 to recognise LGBTQIA+ leaders, rising talent and allies helping to shape the future of financial services.
Now entering its fourth year, the 2026 edition will continue to spotlight individuals working to improve representation, inclusion and workplace culture across fintech and financial services.
According to Innovate Finance, previous Powerlist honourees have represented more than 50 organisations across the fintech ecosystem. These include challenger banks, payments companies, digital infrastructure firms, blockchain businesses, regulators and global financial institutions.
The list has featured professionals from companies including Monzo, Revolut, Starling Bank, Zopa, ClearBank, J.P. Morgan, Santander, Airwallex, Alloy, Funding Circle, PensionBee, Ripple, TrueLayer, Thought Machine and Xero.
New Mentorship Programme to Support LGBTQIA+ Fintech Talent
A key part of the expanded Pride in FinTech initiative is the new Mentorship Programme, which will run from June to December 2026.
The programme is designed to connect LGBTQIA+ professionals in fintech and financial services with experienced leaders from across the sector. It aims to support early and mid-career professionals by giving them access to guidance, industry insight and career development opportunities.
Mentors will include senior executives and established professionals from fintech, banking and financial services. Innovate Finance plans to make mentor profiles available through a public platform, allowing eligible participants to review backgrounds and connect with mentors who align with their goals.
The first mentorship cycle is expected to conclude with a networking event in December 2026.
For fintech firms competing for talent, initiatives like this can help create stronger career pathways for underrepresented professionals. Mentorship can also improve retention, leadership development and access to networks that are often critical for career progression.
Leadership Council to Drive Inclusion Across Fintech
Alongside the mentorship programme, Innovate Finance has introduced the Pride in FinTech Leadership Council.
The council will bring together LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies from across the financial technology industry. Its role will include supporting strategic direction, promoting industry engagement, encouraging collaboration and helping expand the impact of the wider Pride in FinTech programme.
The council is also expected to help recruit future mentors, strengthen partnerships and provide a platform for thought leadership on inclusion in fintech.
By creating a leadership body around the initiative, Innovate Finance is aiming to make Pride in FinTech more than a recognition campaign. The council gives the programme a formal structure that can support long-term progress across the industry.
Why Inclusion Matters in Fintech
Fintech is one of the fastest-moving areas of financial services, with companies competing to build better digital banking, payments, lending, compliance and infrastructure solutions. As the sector grows, the need for diverse leadership and inclusive workplaces has become increasingly important.
Diverse teams can bring broader perspectives to product development, customer experience, risk management and innovation. In a sector that serves people and businesses across different backgrounds, inclusive leadership can help fintech companies build services that are more accessible and better aligned with real-world customer needs.
The expansion of the Pride in FinTech initiative reflects a growing industry focus on moving from symbolic support to practical action. Recognition lists, mentorship programmes and leadership councils can each play a role in building more visible, connected and supported professional communities.
Innovate Finance CEO Highlights Programme Impact
Janine Hirt, CEO of Innovate Finance, said the Pride in FinTech programme is focused on celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community across fintech and financial services.
She noted that the Powerlist has recognised individuals transforming financial services for the better over the past four years, while the new Mentorship Programme and Leadership Council are intended to increase the initiative’s positive impact across the sector.
A Year-Round Framework for Fintech Inclusion
The expansion of the Pride in FinTech initiative shows how industry organisations are looking to build more sustainable diversity and inclusion frameworks.
Rather than limiting activity to Pride Month or annual awards, Innovate Finance is creating channels that support professionals throughout the year. The combination of recognition, mentorship and leadership engagement gives the initiative a broader role in shaping the future of fintech talent development.
As the fintech sector continues to evolve, programmes that support underrepresented communities may become increasingly important for companies seeking to attract talent, strengthen leadership pipelines and build more inclusive financial technology ecosystems.
With applications now open for the Pride in FinTech Powerlist 2026, Innovate Finance is calling on the industry to recognise the individuals and organisations helping to make fintech more inclusive, representative and accessible.