Latest news with #financialempowerment
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former teacher who created award to showcase inspirational women honoured
The Bolton woman who created an awards ceremony 10 years ago has herself been given a national award by the Daily Mail for her inspiration. Gulnaz Brennan, a former teacher living in Blackrod, is well known as the driving force behind the annual SheInspires Awards. These recognise outstanding females locally, nationally and internationally. The Daily Mail asked its readers to nominate women across the country who 'go the extra mile for other people' and selected five to become Inspirational Women of the Year. Gulnaz won her award for her campaign to help women take greater control of their finances and their lives. The paper described how it was the realization that many of her friends let their partners control their finances that 'lit the feminist fire in her". SheInspires Awards' founder Gulnaz Brennan has been given a national award by the Daily Mail (Image: Supplied) Gulnaz said: 'One couldn't afford to do the supermarket shop because her ex had run up debts on her credit card. "Another discovered after her relationship broke down that her ex had taken a loan out in her name. 'Saddled with his debt, she faced losing her home. It was heartbreaking.' She felt that 'too many women are ignorant about finances and uncomfortable talking about money, but it's vital to stay in charge of our finances and not let anyone – even a partner – take over". Gulnaz started her campaign Let's Talk Money and now runs monthly seminars, podcasts, webinars and networking events, helping thousands of women. READ NEXT > Best villages near Bolton for a day out according to locals READ NEXT > Age UK Bolton and council partnership 'changing lives' for residents READ NEXT > Alarming children's mental health condition fact revealed in Bolton conference Last year, she launched a programme to set up financial workshops helping girls from nursery school upwards understand how to manage money. 'We need to target children as young as possible and ensure they grow up with a healthy attitude to money,' she said. 'A world where girls are financially empowered is a world where they have control over their futures. 'Being recognised with this award is a wonderful feeling. "It's a pat on the back – and a real motivator to do even more.'
Bloomberg
08-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Meet the Women at the Top of Wall Street
Demographics don't lie: Women are rising in the world of wealth. A little more than a decade ago, they controlled less than a third of total US assets. By 2030, that's expected to jump to 38%, reaching an estimated $34 trillion. The biggest banks, investment firms and wealth managers have taken note. Many have been investing in women at their highest ranks, in part with the belief that their own staffing should represent their clients and the broader society. But there's still a long way to go before reaching parity, particularly on Wall Street. On this episode of the Bloomberg Originals series Bullish with Sonali Basak, we sit down with women at the very top of the pyramid, learning how hard it was to get there and what comes next.
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why More Money In Women's Hands Changes The World
Why More Money In Women's Hands Changes The World Money isn't just currency, it is power, access, and influence. Currently, far too little of it is in the hands of women. Women make up half the population yet control less than one-third of global wealth. But when women have more money, everyone benefits. Families thrive, communities grow stronger, and economies become more resilient. This isn't about financial feminism as a feel-good concept; it's about smart economics and sustainable impact. More money in the hands of women doesn't just change lives. More money in the hands of women changes the world. The Ripple Effect of Women's Wealth When women have wealth, they tend to put it to work in ways that lift others up. Studies show that women are more likely than men to reinvest their earnings into their families, their children's education, and their local communities. This kind of investment creates impact that builds stronger foundations for the next generation. Women-led businesses also operate differently. Research shows that female founders are more likely to prioritize inclusive hiring, flexible work environments, and sustainable practices. They lead with empathy and long-term vision, not just short-term profit. And in many cases, their revenue doesn't just support a lifestyle; it funds a mission. When women lead, profit and purpose often go hand in hand. Closing the Gender Wealth Gap Isn't Just Fair—It's Smart Equal participation in the economy isn't a nice-to-have as it's a global economic growth strategy. According to McKinsey, if women participated equally in the economy, global GDP could rise by as much as $28 trillion. That's a complete transformation. When you unlock the earning and investing potential of women, it isn't charity. It's the way to innovation and prosperity. But to close the gender wealth gap, we need more than encouragement. We need access. When there is more funding for women founders, it means more job creation, more diverse solutions, and stronger, more resilient businesses. Financial literacy also plays a critical role. When women understand how to manage, grow, and leverage money, they build true financial independence and become unstoppable. Barriers Still Exist Let's not pretend the playing field is level, because it's not. Venture capital firms invest less than two percent of their funding in women-led startups. That stat isn't from decades ago; it's current. Women still earn less, own fewer assets, and face more hurdles when trying to access capital, scale a business, or even get taken seriously in the room. And beyond the financial systems, there's the weight of generational conditioning. Many women have been raised to be 'nice,' not bold. They have been taught to save, not invest and to play it safe, not build wealth. These beliefs don't just shape mindset, they shape outcomes. So yes, the barriers are real, but acknowledging them is step one. The next step is breaking them down. How You Can Help Put More Money in Women's Hands Changing the system doesn't require a million-dollar check, it starts with everyday choices. You can support women-owned businesses. Hire them, buy from them, refer them. Your dollars are votes, and where you spend them matters. If you have the means, you can take it one step further. You can invest in funds or startups led by women. Angel investing, crowdfunding, and equity platforms are opening the door to more accessible, values-aligned investing. If you're not an investor, you can still move the needle. Teach financial literacy, mentor an up-and-coming entrepreneur, or use your voice to advocate for equity in your networks. Money in women's hands doesn't just get there by accident, it gets there because we push for it. The bottom line is that more money in women's hands isn't just about equity, it's about fueling a better future. When women build wealth, they uplift families, strengthen communities, and reshape economies. The data backs it, the stories prove it, and the impact is undeniable. If we want a more just, prosperous world, the path forward is clear: invest in women, fund their businesses, and help close the wealth gap.
CBS News
01-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
CBS Philadelphia's Josh Sidorowicz wins 2025 MMI Financial Learning & Empowerment in Communities Award
CBS News Philadelphia investigative reporter Josh Sidorowicz has won Money Management International's 2025 Financial Learning & Empowerment in Communities Local Excellence award, MMI announced Tuesday. Sidorowicz joined CBS Philadelphia in October 2024, where he specializes in consumer issues and misinformation. At CBS Philadelphia, Sidorowicz launched an "In Your Corner" series. Throughout the week, Sidorowicz works to answer viewers' financial questions, sheds light on scams, and helps people in the Delaware Valley find ways to save money. During last week's heat wave, Sidorowicz was in Philadelphia's corner, helping viewers save on their energy bills as the city and surrounding area dealt with excessive 100-degree temperatures. Since launching "In Your Corner," Sidorowicz has investigated high medical bills, tax refunds, and even how to spot fake memorabilia when the Birds craze was at its highest in February before the Philadelphia Eagles crushed the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIX. Sidorowicz, an Emmy Award-winning reporter and anchor, previously worked at the CBS affiliate WTSP in Tampa, Florida, as well as stations in his home state of Michigan. MMI Financial Learning & Empowerment awards "celebrate excellence in storytelling, innovation, and accessibility by recognizing the individuals and platforms that are breaking down barriers to financial health and helping Americans rewrite their debt stories," according to a press release.
Associated Press
18-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Correcting and Replacing: Visa unveils Flex Credential in Vietnam, ushering in a new era of payment flexibility and financial empowerment for consumers
HCMC, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2025 - Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, announced the launch of Visa Flex Credential, offering new ways for consumers to manage and spend their money, with Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB) becoming the first bank in Vietnam – and Southeast Asia – to offer this feature. Starting today, ACB Visa cardholders can seamlessly switch between debit and credit cards via the ACB One app. By the end of 2025, additional issuers will expand Visa Flex Credential to more Vietnamese consumers, enabling expanded use-cases. Visa Flex Credential - ACB One app According to Visa's latest Green Shoots Radar survey[1], Vietnamese consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, lead Southeast Asia in financial confidence and ambition. Today's young Vietnamese are prioritising investments in education (66%), healthcare (65%), electronics (63%), and travel (61%), showing a readiness to make big-ticket purchases and take control of their financial futures. Visa Flex Credential is reimagining the credential for the next generation, designed to put the power of choice directly in consumers' hands at every transaction – enabling them to opt for debit on daily purchases, credit for larger expenses, or even redeeming loyalty points when checking out, whether it's for everyday essentials or a dream vacation. 'Visa is committed to empowering consumers with innovative solutions that put them in control of their financial future. Flex Credential is Visa's breakthrough solution that enables the integration of multiple funding sources through a single card credential, providing cardholders with maximum flexibility to efficiently manage and utilize their payment forms. In specific markets such as the U.S. and UAE, Visa Flex Credential allows cardholders to choose to pay now or pay over time directly from the app, as well as access multiple currency accounts through a single credential – making cross-border payments simple and seamless. We are proud to bring this solution to Vietnam, making digital payments more accessible and contributing to Vietnam's digital and financial inclusion and overall economic growth,' said Ms. Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Vietnam & Laos. Mr. Nguyen Tam Khoa, Deputy Head of Consumer Division at ACB, shared: 'The Visa Flex Credential truly speaks for itself, elevating the customer experience to a new level. While there are quite a few similar solutions in the market, the Visa Flex Credential stands out by meeting all customer needs, such as flexible payment source selection, a variety of transaction methods from offline to online, and the ability to choose from a wide range of suitable offers, all while ensuring independent, clear, and transparent spending management for each card.' Visa first launched Flex Credential in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company (SMCC), known as Olive, two years ago in Japan. Today, more than 5 million Olive account holders are benefitting from the Visa Flex Credential. The Olive card continues to outperform, with cardholder transactions averaging 40% higher than the national average in Japan over the past year. Visa and SMCC have expanded the Visa Flex Credential to support small businesses with the flexibility to switch between business and personal accounts using the same Olive card, enhancing access to credit and cash flow management. Key features of Visa Flex Credential: Visa and ACB are proud partners of Cashless Day 2025, demonstrating their commitment to promoting digital payment solutions in Vietnam. This collaboration further highlights their shared vision of fostering economic empowerment through innovative technology. [1] The Green Shoots Radar study is conducted quarterly by Visa to track consumer sentiments across financial services, commerce, travel, and other categories. The total sample size is 14,250 respondents across 14 Asia-Pacific countries, including Vietnam, with male and female participants aged 18 to 65 years old. Hashtag: #Visa #VisaFlexCredential #DigitalEconomy #AsiaCommercialJointStockBank(ACB) #ACBOneApp The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Visa Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at
