Women Powering AI to Combat FinCrime

If AI is the future of financial crime compliance, then diversity is the force driving it forward. The fight against financial crime has never been more complex—or more critical. Trillions of dollars move through the global financial system daily, and criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities. To stay ahead, we need solutions that think differently, challenge assumptions, and adapt in real time. And that requires diverse teams that bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.

At ThetaRay, we don’t just talk about diversity; we live it. Women are shaping the future of AI-powered financial crime compliance across product development, data science, customer success, and leadership. Our approach isn’t about checking a box—it’s about building an inclusive culture where talent thrives, where the best ideas win, and where women have the space to lead with confidence.

Women at the Forefront of AI and Compliance

Women remain under-represented in AI technology and compliance, but that’s changing. The World Economic Forum reports that women hold just 22% of AI roles globally, and the numbers are even lower in leadership positions. Yet, research consistently shows that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, leading to better problem-solving, more innovative solutions, and stronger business outcomes.

Angeles Blanco, one of our Data Scientists captures this perfectly:

“Women at ThetaRay represent a central force of success. Amongst other factors, it all comes down to diversity. Simply put, it is well known that diverse teams are superior at solving problems and achieving sustained impact. Innovation and the conceptualization of new paradigms in any industry is realized through divergent thinking, and through challenging conventional beliefs.”

Women at ThetaRay aren’t just part of the conversation—they are leading it. From developing advanced AI models to detecting financial crime patterns in real time, they are building solutions that protect the integrity of the global financial system.

Why Diversity Fuels Better AI

AI is only as good as the people building it. Without diverse perspectives, AI systems risk inheriting biases that weaken their effectiveness. In financial crime compliance, where AI must detect subtle nuances in vast streams of transaction data, diversity isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s mission-critical.

As Kateryna Romanchuk, Senior Test Automation Engineer explains:

“There are many women in our team. In general, at ThetaRay, every specialist contributes to the development of technology, and women are an integral part of this process. They actively participate in introducing new ideas, optimizing processes, and fostering team collaboration.“

The power of diverse teams is well-documented. Studies by McKinsey show that companies with diverse leadership teams are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors. At ThetaRay, we see this in action every day—where divergent thinking leads to stronger AI models, more effective compliance strategies, and ultimately more resilient compliance solutions.

Women Driving AI Adoption

Beyond developing technology, women are shaping how AI is applied in real-world compliance environments. Financial institutions have traditionally been cautious in adopting AI, often citing concerns over explainability, false positives, or regulatory challenges. But the reality is that AI is not replacing human expertise—it’s enhancing it. And women at ThetaRay are on the front lines, helping banks, fintechs, and payment providers embrace AI-powered compliance with confidence.

Daniel Farkash, our Customer Success Manager puts it simply:

“ThetaRay is a highly inclusive company, with women represented at all levels—from VPs to directors and the data team. As more women take on leadership roles in tech and the compliance industry, I believe they will continue to drive innovation and shape the future of our industry.”

Building A Wolfpack: The Future of AI in Compliance

There’s a quote from the football legend Abby Wambach that resonates deeply with our culture at ThetaRay: “Make failure your fuel. Champion each other. Demand the ball.”

Emma Jackson, our Director of Product Marketing illustrates this point vividly:

“At ThetaRay, women are empowered to own their space, lead with confidence, and drive meaningful impact. Our culture fosters equality, inclusion, and opportunity, ensuring that women’s voices are heard, valued, and influential in shaping both our technology and industry. Leadership is based on merit, and women are promoted, celebrated, and supported just as equally as men, creating an environment where talent thrives regardless of gender.”

That’s exactly how we approach AI adoption in financial crime compliance. We’re not just building a company—we’re building a wolfpack. One that thrives on collaboration, challenges the status quo, and drives AI adoption forward in an industry that needs it more than ever.

The next chapter starts now

The role of women in AI and compliance is only growing stronger. But inclusion isn’t just about representation—it’s about impact. Women in this space are not only driving innovation; they’re shaping the future of financial crime compliance.

As Moran Wilf, Manager of Regulatory Affairs, states: 

“Every day, I have the chance to connect with clients worldwide, each dealing with unique challenges in combating financial crime. This exposure gives me a deeper understanding of the field and its complexities. The privilege of working alongside colleagues all driven by a shared mission to make a meaningful impact is what makes all the difference.”  

At ThetaRay, we believe that AI has the power to make the financial system safer, more transparent, and more inclusive. And we believe that diverse teams are the key to unlocking that potential.

If you’re a woman in AI, compliance, or fintech—or an ally looking to drive change—join the conversation. Champion diversity in your organization. Support the women leading the charge. Because when we build AI together, we build a better, safer financial system for everyone.