Women in FinTech: A new era of innovation

Diana Paredes, CEO and Co-Founder of Suade, has been recognised by the Financial Technology Partners as one of 25 women leading the charge in fintech innovation. Her inclusion in this special report highlights her ongoing impact on regulatory technology and her work transforming how financial institutions meet regulatory requirements through modern, data-driven solutions.

How did you begin your career and what led you to founding Suade?

I started my career in investment banking, where I saw firsthand the challenges financial institutions faced with regulatory compliance. Following the 2008 financial crisis, the regulatory landscape became increasingly complex, yet many firms were still relying on outdated, manual processes. I saw an opportunity to leverage technology to make regulatory reporting more efficient, data-driven, and scalable. This led me to co-found Suade in 2014 with the mission of transforming regulatory reporting through innovative technology.

Tell us more about Suade, the scope of its offerings, and its key differentiators in the RegTech space. After more than ten years in business, how has the Company expanded?

Suade is a global leader in RegTech, providing end-to-end regulatory solutions that leverage automation and data standardisation to streamline reporting processes. Our unique approach, based on our open-source Financial Regulatory (FIRE) data standard, enables financial institutions to automate compliance, reduce costs, and enhance data transparency. Over the past decade, we’ve expanded globally, working with top-tier banks, regulators, and financial firms to simplify regulatory requirements and drive efficiency in the industry.

How is AI a game-changer for regulatory compliance vs. the status quo? How have you seen Suade’s solutions improve financial institutions' data-intensive regulatory processes?

AI is revolutionising compliance by enabling automation, accuracy, and predictive insights that were previously unattainable. At Suade, we use AI to streamline data ingestion, validation, and reporting, significantly reducing the manual workload and risk of errors. Our clients have seen substantial efficiency gains, improved data quality, and faster regulatory submissions. AI also enables proactive compliance, allowing firms to anticipate regulatory requirements and act before issues arise.

Conversely, what are some of the challenges in using AI in your business? How do you manage regulatory, legal, and compliance considerations?

AI in compliance presents challenges around explainability, data privacy, and accuracy. At Suade, we prioritise transparency and auditability in our AI models to ensure regulatory alignment. We work closely with regulators and legal experts to ensure our technology meets compliance standards. Additionally, we implement rigorous testing and validation processes to maintain accuracy and reliability, ensuring financial institutions can trust AI-driven outcomes. Finally, because of our deep expertise in the topic we also understand the limitations of AI in the space which is key to preserve accuracy.

As a successful leader, what values do you instill in your team in order to shape company culture?

At Suade, we foster a culture of innovation and resilience. I encourage my team to challenge the status quo, embrace learning, and work collaboratively. We value diversity, as different perspectives drive better solutions, and we are not afraid of a challenge. Most importantly, we maintain a client first mindset — our goal is to make regulatory compliance seamless and efficient for financial institutions worldwide.

What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

Challenging the status quo and disrupting the industry have been central to my journey. When we founded Suade, we were going against deeply ingrained, legacy-driven processes in financial regulation. Many in the industry were resistant to change, preferring traditional compliance methods over innovative, tech-driven solutions. Overcoming this required persistence, a clear vision, and demonstrable results. By proving the effectiveness of our technology, engaging regulators in meaningful discussions, and consistently delivering value to financial institutions, we were able to drive real change. We like to say at Suade that the proof is in the pudding and we are the pudding.

Similar to many areas of technology, FinTech and AI still face a significant gender gap. What should leaders do to empower more women to succeed in the industry?

Leaders must actively create opportunities for women by fostering inclusive hiring practices, mentorship programmes, and leadership training. Companies should support flexible work policies and ensure equal access to growth opportunities. Representation matters — having women in leadership roles helps inspire and pave the way for the next generation.

What advice do you have for women interested in a career in FinTech or AI? What are your thoughts on how to break through or keys to reaching the next level?

Believe in your ability to make an impact and don’t be afraid to challenge norms. Build a strong network, seek mentors, and continuously develop your skills. Technical expertise is valuable but so is understanding the broader industry landscape. Confidence, persistence, and resilience are key to breaking through and advancing in the industry.

Source: Women in Fintech: a new era of innovation. Financial Technology Partners. March 2025.