American Banker Magazine - October 2017

The Most Powerful Women in Banking are reshaping not only their institutions, but also their industry. And each is doing so in her own unique way.

Some of these leaders are new to their roles, while others have been in theirs for years. But one thing they all have in common is that they are commanding attention.

Across asset management, investment banking, capital markets and cards, these finance executives stand out for their performance and for helping to create a path to parity for women in sectors that tend to be even more male-dominated than the banking industry.

In our Most Powerful Women rankings, you'll read about a lot of impressive female leaders. But there are still more standouts we'd like to introduce you to. These five offer proof that big changes are possible in just a short time.

Although she oversees one of the world's largest corporate technology teams, Cathy Bessant is not the kind of fervent cheerleader for digital breakthroughs that one encounters in Silicon Valley. That said, Bessant, who is American Banker's Most Powerful Woman in Banking for 2017, is a big believer in the power of technology.

It is up to Mary Mack, a 33-year banking veteran, to convince front-line employees — along with customers and regulators — that Wells Fargo is a changed company.

Mary Callahan Erdoes keeps finding new frontiers to explore.