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Sharmyn Powell Honored as “Most Empowering FinTech Leader of the Year 2025”

Sharmyn Powell, Director and Chief Risk Officer at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), has been awarded the prestigious title of “Most Empowering FinTech Leader of the Year 2025” by CToday Awards. This accolade celebrates her outstanding contributions to financial innovation, risk management, and digital transformation within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

Pioneering Financial Inclusion and Resilience

Sharmyn Powell has been at the forefront of the ECCB’s efforts to modernize financial systems and promote financial inclusion. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the ECCB’s digital transformation strategies, including the launch of DCash, the ECCB’s revolutionary central bank digital currency (CBDC), successfully implemented across all eight ECCU member countries from March 2021 to June 2022.

As the Chair of the ECCB Fintech Working Group, Sharmyn has driven initiatives that align cutting-edge technology with strategic risk management frameworks, ensuring the ECCB remains resilient and forward-looking.

Achievements and Global Impact

Sharmyn’s accomplishments include:

  • Global Recognition: Her leadership helped ECCB secure the FinTech & RegTech Global Award for CBDC Infrastructure from Central Banking Publications.
  • Policy Innovation: Spearheading the creation of the ECCB’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Policy and Framework and the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) Policy.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Leading successful negotiations with De La Rue to pilot a Currency Management Solution.
  • International Advocacy: Representing the ECCB at key conferences in Dallas, Texas, and Auckland, New Zealand.

These achievements highlight her ability to address complex financial challenges while fostering innovation across the region.

A Visionary Leader with Purpose

Reflecting on her recognition, Sharmyn described the award as a humbling and motivating milestone. “This honor is not just mine but a shared achievement with the incredible teams and mentors who have supported me,” she said. “It inspires me to continue expanding my knowledge and empowering others to drive financial inclusion and resilience.”

Future Focus: Innovation and Empowerment

Looking ahead, Sharmyn is committed to modernizing risk management systems, building strategic partnerships, and mentoring emerging leaders in FinTech. She envisions a future where financial technology fosters inclusion, trust, and innovation across the ECCU.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

To aspiring FinTech leaders, Sharmyn emphasizes the importance of building technical expertise, embracing lifelong learning, and adapting to technological advancements. She also highlights the critical role of communication and leadership in driving impactful change.

A Catalyst for Change

Sharmyn Powell’s visionary leadership continues to transform the financial landscape of the Eastern Caribbean. Her commitment to empowering others and driving innovation cements her legacy as a trailblazer in FinTech and risk management.

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