Financier №1 (41) 2026

Natalia Kharlashina
Publishing Editor
The New Driving Force
When American Mary Barra took the helm at auto giant General Motors, the company was grappling with a serious crisis of confidence: certain vehicles had been found to have defects that led to accidents. The woman not only implemented sweeping changes in production but also pioneered an open dialogue about automotive safety issues - a first for the industry. Since then, GM shares have more than doubled, and the role has established Barra as one of the world’s most influential and wealthy women.
A similar story unfolded in the tech sector. Lisa Su became CEO of chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices when the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. Today, AMD is one of the flagships of the global semiconductor industry, and its market capitalisation has soared more than 130‑fold since then - reaching $338 billion.
Such examples demonstrate that when women take the reins of leadership, they become agents of transformation: they identify new technological solutions and unlock markets that once seemed inaccessible.
Recent studies back this trend. Businesses led by women often show more sustainable growth and higher profits. Moreover, the volume of global capital managed by women is growing rapidly, and analysts estimate that its share will only continue to rise.
Another telling fact: in the US today, seven out of ten women invest. However, many of them still tend to underestimate their financial competence - especially compared with men. This paradox well reflects the state of today’s economy: the role of women in business and investing is growing faster than public perceptions of it.
The issue of the Financier you are holding is dedicated precisely to these changes. Here, we spotlight women who are reshaping industries - from finance and technology to entrepreneurship, analytics, and creative fields. The magazine features a range of formats: biographies, analytical pieces, research reports, and interviews. They share one core idea: women can do anything today.
Enjoy reading!