TechEquity: Women in Inclusive Tech Regulation Program
Empowering future leaders in technology and financial inclusion.
This multi-week program equips the next generation of diverse policymakers, regulators and supervisors with the knowledge and mindset to be at the cutting edge of technology and accelerate efforts to close the gender gap in financial inclusion. The program is delivered by leadership, financial inclusion and global policy experts from Women’s World Banking, Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR), and faculty from the NYU and UPenn Schools of Business.
Beginning in August 2024 and ending in November 2024, participants come together for interactive online classes (approx 2-4 per month), team assignments, advisory sessions and two dynamic days of in-person learning. Participants will learn from expert speakers and be exposed to the latest thinking and strategies to understand and utilize technology trends to ensure an inclusive digital financial future. Along the way, participants will build connections and exchange ideas with peers from across the globe.
Attendees will leave the program with:
- Strategies to navigate today’s and tomorrow’s tech advances and trends
- A foundation of knowledge on some of the most catalytic technologies facing the financial services industry
- An understanding of how to drive innovation, influence stakeholders and lead change in their organization
- Access to a global network of women working in regulatory technology
- A mentor to support and guide
This program is designed to give participants the ability and confidence to grow into progressively more responsible roles at the intersection of technology regulation and women’s financial inclusion, supporting the women tech of tomorrow.
What it is
A multi-week program delivered via virtual sessions, team-based action learning and expert advisory, with a 2-day intensive in-person workshop.
Program Start: Mid-August
Program End: End November
(Approx. 2-4 virtual sessions per month)
The program is taught by leadership, financial inclusion and global policy experts from Women’s World Banking and inclusive policy experts from the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR), with faculty from New York University’s School of Professional Studies and the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
Why it is unique
For nearly 20 years, Women’s World Banking has trained leaders from more than 90 countries. This is the only training program available that equips regulators to make sure financial and regulatory technologies work for women – while also investing in gender-diverse talent.
It equips the next generation of diverse policymakers, regulators and supervisors with the knowledge to be at the cutting edge of technology and accelerate efforts to close the gender gap in financial inclusion. The program uses a blended learning approach, giving participants the opportunity to learn from expert speakers, be exposed to the latest inclusive technology trends and exchange experiences and ideas through team based learning and interactive sessions with peers and industry experts from across the globe. Each participant will be matched with a mentor with decades of experience in emerging financial technologies and inclusive regulation.
What participants gain
Leadership Skills: Learn core skills such as trendspotting, innovation strategies, change leadership and persuasive communication.
Women’s Financial Inclusion Knowledge: Understand the technology trends impacting women’s financial inclusion, missed opportunities of not addressing gender bias and what it means to design digital financial services with women in mind.
A Global Network: Engage in an action learning methodology that leverages peer-to-peer learning and support. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates join the Women In Regulatory Innovation (WIRI) network, which is creating a community of women across the globe with the aim of building meaningful diversity and inclusion within the financial regulatory system, and also receive invitations to exclusive events hosted by Women’s World Banking that bring together global regulators, policymakers and financial inclusion experts for peer learning and knowledge sharing on a variety of topics.
This year, all successful participants will be eligible for a full scholarship. This covers all tuition, program materials, lunch and snacks during the in-person workshop.
Participants or their institutions must cover all travel, travel associated costs and accommodation during the in-person workshop.
This program is designed for women mid- to senior-level professionals from regulatory, policymaking and supervisory institutions in emerging markets:
- 5+ years of professional experience
- Financial inclusion division
- Innovation team
- People managers preferred
Women already occupying a leadership role and looking to take the next step into the most senior levels of their organization, or working in regulation and looking to move into technology are encouraged to apply.
What is the difference between this and the Leadership and Diversity Program for Regulators (LDR)?
This program is focused on supporting the women leaders of tomorrow to regulate technology in a way that considers women’s financial inclusion. These are two different programs with different content and outcomes.
If I have attended LDR, can I apply for this program?
Yes! However, if you are part of the 2024 LDR cohort, we do not recommend it, due to the time commitment.
Who should I choose as my internal senior stakeholder and what is their role in the program?
Successful applicants must identify a senior stakeholder from within their institution to sponsor their participation. This person should have a direct mandate in the technology and innovation space or otherwise have a high degree of influence within the institution. Sponsors will be engaged at key moments along the learning journey to ensure their buy-in and support.
Will I receive a certificate?
Upon successful completion of the program, each participating leader will receive a certificate of completion from Women’s World Banking and the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR).
About Visa Foundation
Visa Foundation seeks to support inclusive economies where individuals, businesses, and communities can thrive. Through grantmaking and impact investing, Visa Foundation prioritizes the growth of inclusive small businesses around the globe. The Foundation also supports broader community needs and disaster response in times of crisis.
About Alliance for Innovation Regulation (AIR)
The Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR) is a nonprofit, non-membership organization working to make the financial system fully inclusive, fair and resilient through responsible use of new technology.
Program Funder
Program Partner
