As a Director and Chief Risk Officer at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Sharmyn Powell has been honored as the “Most Empowering FinTech Leader of the Year 2025” by CToday Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights Sharmyn’s exceptional contributions to financial innovation, operational resilience, and strategic leadership, underscoring her pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion and digital transformation in the ECCU.

Selected for Driving Impactful Change in FinTech and Risk Management
Sharmyn leads ECCB’s risk management and digital transformation strategies, steering initiatives to strengthen institutional resilience and promote financial inclusion. Her role encompasses designing and implementing foundational policies, leading groundbreaking projects, and advocating for economic innovation across the region. By aligning risk management frameworks with strategic goals, Sharmyn ensures ECCB remains a trusted and forward-looking financial institution.

Awards and Achievements

Sharmyn’s leadership and vision earned her numerous accolades. She was instrumental in the ECCB capturing the prestigious FinTech & RegTech Global Award for CBDC Infrastructure from Central Banking Publications. Her achievements include successfully leading negotiations with De La Rue for piloting their Currency Management Solution, and representing the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) at conferences in Dallas, Texas, and Auckland, New Zealand. She also spearheaded the creation of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Policy and Framework, along with the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) Policy, which serves as the foundation of ECCB’s risk and business continuity programs. As Chair of the ECCB Fintech Working Group, Sharmyn oversaw the launch of DCash, ECCB’s groundbreaking CBDC project, successfully rolled out across all eight Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) countries over the period March 2021 – June 2022. These accomplishments underscore her ability to deliver impactful initiatives that address complex challenges while fostering innovation.

Visionary Leadership with a Purpose
Reflecting on her recognition as the “Most Empowering FinTech Leader of the Year 2025,” Sharmyn views the honor as both humbling and motivating. For her, the award signifies a shared accomplishment with the individuals, teams, and mentors who have supported her journey. “This recognition inspires me to expand my knowledge, seize new opportunities, and create pathways for even greater contributions,” she shares. It also fuels her commitment to empowering others and advancing financial inclusion and resilience in the digital era.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Sharmyn envisions a future where financial technology drives inclusion, innovation, and trust. Her focus remains on modernizing risk management systems, fostering strategic partnerships, and mentoring the next generation of leaders in FinTech and risk management. “Our mission transcends technology; it’s about building a resilient and inclusive financial ecosystem,” she asserts. Her visionary leadership continues to reshape the financial landscape, inspiring others to embrace opportunities for growth and innovation.

Advice to Aspiring FinTech and Finance Professionals
For those aspiring to excel in FinTech and international finance, Sharmyn emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in technical skills, risk management, and regulatory compliance. “A deep understanding of the fundamentals is the cornerstone of effective leadership,” she explains. She also highlights the importance of lifelong learning, adaptability to industry changes, and the ability to align financial strategies with technological advancements. Additionally, she advises young professionals to cultivate strong communication and leadership skills, as these are essential for driving meaningful change and fostering collaboration.