Updated on:12/15/2025 04:41 PM 
The digital asset industry stands at a pivotal moment in its evolution, with an urgent need to address the significant gender gap that persists in blockchain and cryptocurrency leadership. The recent "Women in Crypto for Boards" roundtable in London brought together influential C-suite and board-level women from across the Web3 ecosystem to explore actionable strategies for creating a more inclusive future. This comprehensive discussion revealed both the systemic challenges facing women in crypto and innovative solutions that promise to transform the industry's landscape.
The conversation illuminated the substantial gender disparity within the cryptocurrency sector, where women remain dramatically underrepresented in leadership positions. Elizabeth Rosiello, CEO and Founder of AZA Finance, identified a fundamental issue: the unconventional structure of many crypto companies that often lack traditional governance frameworks. "A significant portion of the crypto ecosystem operates without traditional board structures," Rosiello explained. "This inherent characteristic immediately reduces the available leadership pathways for women seeking advancement.
Hedwige Nuyens, Chair of 'European Women on Boards' and CEO of the International Banking Federation, emphasized how the crypto industry's challenges are compounded by its intersection of two historically male-dominated fields: technology and finance. "We're essentially navigating a space that combines the gender imbalances of both tech and traditional finance," Nuyens noted. "This dual challenge requires targeted approaches to foster meaningful change."
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the critical importance of visibility and intentional networking for women in the crypto space. Jeanette Seng, Global Partnerships Managing Director at FIS, highlighted the power of women supporting and advocating for one another in professional settings. "When women actively recommend each other for board positions and leadership roles, we create a powerful network effect that accelerates progress across the industry," Seng stated.
Hemilly Rodrigues, Founder & CEO of R&Co web3 AI agency, emphasized maintaining authentic relationships while navigating professional interactions. Rodrigues noted that successful networking in the crypto ecosystem requires both genuine connection and strategic positioning.
The panelists collectively agreed that women must proactively build their professional profiles and expand their networks. Nuyens offered practical advice for enhancing visibility: "Optimize your professional presence by clearly articulating your career ambitions and value proposition. On platforms like LinkedIn, position yourself for the next role you're targeting by highlighting how you contribute to organizational success."
Education and institutional support emerged as critical components for advancing gender diversity in the blockchain industry. Panelists called for comprehensive company training programs designed to educate employees about the tangible benefits of diverse leadership teams. These initiatives would help cultivate more inclusive workplace cultures where women can thrive.
The potential role of regulatory frameworks in driving change also received significant attention. Nuyens pointed to the European Banking Authority's successful implementation of diversity mandates in banking boards, which has correlated with more profitable and stable financial institutions. "Similar regulatory approaches could yield transformative results in the crypto industry," Nuyens suggested.
The contentious yet impactful topic of implementing gender quotas in crypto governance sparked vigorous debate. Several participants advocated for quota systems as essential mechanisms for accelerating change, particularly in areas like conference panel representation.
Elizabeth Rosiello emerged as a passionate advocate for quota implementation, arguing that voluntary diversity initiatives have consistently fallen short of meaningful impact. "The resistance to change within our industry is substantial," Rosiello asserted. "Quotas represent the necessary intervention to overcome deeply entrenched biases and create pathways for qualified women."
Nuyens provided historical perspective on quota effectiveness, noting that while initially controversial, diversity mandates have consistently demonstrated positive outcomes across various industries. "The evidence is clear: organizations with gender-diverse leadership teams consistently outperform their less diverse counterparts," she emphasized.
The roundtable also explored how media representation can influence industry perceptions and inspire future generations of women in crypto. Panelists proposed leveraging both traditional and digital media platforms to showcase successful women leaders and highlight their contributions to the blockchain ecosystem.
By amplifying diverse voices and sharing compelling success stories, media can help dismantle stereotypes and create more aspirational imagery for women considering careers in Web3 and cryptocurrency.
The discussion concluded with a recognition that while progress has been made, significant work remains to achieve gender parity in the crypto industry. The panelists outlined several actionable strategies:
As Nuyens aptly summarized, "Success in this space isn't just about articulating your perspective—it's about gaining entry into the conversations that shape our industry's future."
The "Women in Crypto for Boards" initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaborative dialogue in driving meaningful change. By continuing these important discussions and implementing the proposed solutions, the blockchain industry can work toward a more inclusive and equitable future that leverages the full spectrum of talent available.
