Sharmyn Powell Awarded 2025 Times Caribbean Online “Most Empowering FinTech Leader” Title

Sharmyn Powell, the Director and Chief Risk Officer at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), has been recognized as a leading figure in the FinTech world, receiving the prestigious “Most Empowering FinTech Leader of the Year 2025” award from CToday Awards. This accolade acknowledges her significant contributions to revolutionizing the financial landscape within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), particularly in driving innovation, managing risk, and leading the digital transformation of the region’s financial systems. Her work is characterized by a dedication to financial inclusion, ensuring that advancements in technology benefit all members of the ECCU community, and strengthening the resilience of the region’s financial structure against emerging challenges.

Powell’s leadership has been pivotal in modernizing the ECCB’s approach to finance, a key example being the successful implementation of DCash, the ECCB’s groundbreaking central bank digital currency (CBDC). This initiative, rolled out across all eight ECCU member countries between March 2021 and June 2022, showcases her vision for a more inclusive and technologically advanced financial system. As Chair of the ECCB Fintech Working Group, she has skillfully navigated the complexities of integrating cutting-edge technology while simultaneously establishing robust risk management frameworks, ensuring the ECCB remains at the forefront of financial innovation while safeguarding the stability of the region’s financial ecosystem.

Powell’s impact extends beyond the ECCU, garnering international recognition for her achievements. Her guidance was instrumental in the ECCB winning the FinTech & RegTech Global Award for CBDC Infrastructure from Central Banking Publications, showcasing the global significance of her work. Furthermore, she has played a crucial role in developing key policies for the ECCB, including the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Policy and Framework and the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) Policy, contributing to a more resilient and robust financial system. Her strategic leadership also facilitated a successful pilot program for a Currency Management Solution with De La Rue, further demonstrating her commitment to practical solutions for modernizing financial operations. Her presence at international conferences, including events in Dallas, Texas, and Auckland, New Zealand, has allowed her to share her expertise and advocate for the innovative work being done within the ECCU on a global stage.

Powell’s vision for the future of finance is rooted in empowering individuals and communities through technology. She views the “Most Empowering FinTech Leader of the Year 2025” award as both a humbling recognition of her efforts and a motivator to continue her work. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and acknowledges the contributions of her teams and mentors in achieving these milestones. For Powell, this award is not simply a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective effort to transform the financial landscape of the ECCU and serves as inspiration to continue pushing the boundaries of financial innovation for the benefit of the region.

Looking ahead, Powell remains focused on advancing the financial landscape of the ECCU. Her priorities include further modernizing risk management systems, forging strategic partnerships that expand the reach and impact of her work, and mentoring emerging leaders in the FinTech field. She envisions a future where financial technology serves as a catalyst for greater inclusion, fosters trust within the financial system, and promotes continuous innovation, ultimately empowering individuals and communities across the ECCU. This commitment to mentorship underscores her belief in cultivating the next generation of FinTech leaders who will continue to drive positive change in the region.

Powell offers valuable advice to aspiring FinTech professionals, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a strong technical foundation, embracing continuous learning, and adapting to the ever-evolving technological landscape. She stresses that technical expertise alone is insufficient; effective communication and strong leadership skills are essential for driving meaningful change and ensuring that technological advancements translate into real-world improvements for individuals and communities. Her journey and accomplishments serve as an inspiring example for those seeking to make a difference in the world of FinTech and beyond, demonstrating the power of combining technical proficiency with a vision for positive social impact. Sharmyn Powell’s leadership is not merely transforming the financial landscape of the Eastern Caribbean; she is building a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and resilience, inspiring future generations of FinTech leaders to create a more inclusive and technologically advanced financial future.