At Pay360 in London, Nadia Edwards-Dashti hosts a panel that challenges a big assumption in financial services: if innovation is moving forward, why are so many still being left behind?

Featuring Faith Reynolds, Nick Quin, and Malintha Fernando, this conversation cuts through the noise around financial inclusion and gets to the reality.

From the millions quietly supporting others through everyday banking, to the risks of a fully digital ecosystem, the panel explores where the industry is falling short—and where real progress is happening. There’s a clear message: inclusion isn’t a side initiative, it’s fundamental to how financial systems should be built.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, host Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Sam Emery, FS Executive, NED and Advisor, for a powerful conversation recorded live at PAY360 2026.

With over two decades in payments, spanning leadership roles across the Financial Conduct Authority and Lloyds Banking Group, Sam brings a unique perspective on how inclusion, or the lack of it, is shaping the future of financial services.

Together, they unpack the reality of what’s being called an “inclusion recession” in FinTech. From regressive hiring practices and systemic barriers to the risks of unchecked AI and lack of diverse voices, this episode connects the dots between people, processes, and performance across the sector.

Sam shares candid insights into the structural challenges holding the industry back, why short-term DEI initiatives are not enough, and what needs to change at a systemic level to drive real, sustainable outcomes.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Julia Babahina of SWIFT to challenge outdated thinking around ambition, performance, and inclusion.

From non-linear career paths to returning from maternity leave, Julia shares honest insights on why trust, not pressure, drives performance, and why the real issue isn’t ambition, but systems, access, and opportunity.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

Careers aren’t always linear, and in this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Mel Mills proves exactly why that’s a strength, not a weakness.

From fashion and retail to FinTech leadership, Mel shares how transferable skills, curiosity, and a growth mindset can unlock entirely new opportunities. She and Nadia explore the power of diversity of thought, why hiring for difference drives better performance, and how purpose-led decisions can shape more meaningful careers.

This is a conversation about confidence, connection, and building a career that truly reflects your value.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia speaks with Catherine, a Tech and AI Strategist, about navigating careers in an AI-driven world.

Catherine shares how she helps businesses cut through AI hype to make smarter technology decisions, and why combining your existing expertise with AI is now essential to staying relevant. The conversation also explores the power of networking as a true career accelerator, and why working hard alone is no longer enough.

They also discuss inclusion in action, from the importance of sponsorship over mentorship to the small, everyday actions that can create real change across the industry.

A practical and thought-provoking conversation on careers, AI, and building a more inclusive future in FinTech.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia sits down with Sophia Furber, FinTech Research Analyst (EMEA) at S&P Global, to explore the realities of building a career in financial technology, and why the path isn’t always linear.

Sophia shares her journey from financial journalism into FinTech research, proving that there is no single route into the industry. From navigating imposter syndrome to recognising the value of transferable skills, she offers a powerful perspective on how professionals from non-technical backgrounds can successfully pivot into FinTech.

The conversation dives into the diversity of talent shaping the sector today, highlighting the unexpected backgrounds driving innovation, from academia to cybersecurity and beyond. Sophia also challenges the industry to think more deeply about inclusion, moving beyond visibility to address the structural barriers that still exist in the workplace.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career move into FinTech, as well as leaders looking to create more inclusive, equitable environments where diverse talent can thrive.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

What does it really take to navigate today’s FinTech job market, and how can we build more inclusive, high-performing teams along the way?

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Ingrid Sierra, Brand & Marketing Director at Zego, to explore how hiring, career growth, and inclusion are evolving across financial technology.

With over 20 years of experience across marketing, tech, and FinTech, Ingrid shares honest insights on why traditional job search strategies no longer work, how networking has become the most powerful career tool, and what candidates need to do differently to stand out in a competitive market. She also breaks down how to position transferable skills effectively and why mindset shifts, like reframing yourself as an “in-betweener”, can make a real difference.

Whether you’re hiring, job searching, or leading a team in FinTech, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world perspective.

🎧 Listen now and rethink how you approach hiring, careers, and inclusion in FinTech.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti speaks with Julie Sutton, Head of Growth, Europe at Paymentology, about how transferable skills can unlock overlooked talent in financial technology.

Julie shares her non-linear career journey and explains why hiring based on rigid experience is limiting access to high-potential candidates. From communication and curiosity to ownership and adaptability, this conversation explores what really drives success in FinTech roles.

They also discuss how better onboarding, coaching, and clearer expectations can improve hiring outcomes and retention across financial services.

A must-listen for anyone hiring, leading, or building a career in FinTech.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

What does career security really look like in FinTech today?

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Ronel David, Non-Executive Director, Advisory Board Member and FinTech mentor, to challenge the traditional idea of careers in financial services.

From building a portfolio career to redefining success beyond job titles, Ronel shares powerful insights on career resilience, the importance of networks, and why your skills, relationships and reputation matter more than ever in today’s market.

The conversation also explores inclusion in financial technology, highlighting how access, mentorship and value exchange can shape more diverse and future-ready organisations.

If you’re navigating change, thinking about your next move, or hiring in FinTech, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what it really takes to build a career that lasts.

FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com