The Hyatt Regency Sydney was abuzz with energy as Australia’s female financial leaders convened for the third annual Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2025.
Entering its third year, the summit is now an established movement, providing a definitive platform for women in financial services to connect, strategise, and grow, supported by Australia’s foremost financial services publishing network, including The Adviser, Broker Daily, and Accountants Daily.
The daylong summit was dedicated to tackling two core aims: revealing how to encourage and support more women in financial services and showcasing how female business leaders can run successful businesses.
Kicking off the proceedings was a rare, candid conversation with Michelle McPhee, assistant governor (business services) of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The RBA, Australia’s central bank, has evolved significantly in recent years and now boasts more female senior executives than male – a significant milestone in one of the country’s most pivotal institutions.
McPhee, who joined the RBA straight out of high school, unpacked her own career journey in central banking, and the critical role of trust, resilience, and transparency in navigating change. (You can read highlights of her candid fireside chat on page 40).
Shifting gears from high finance to high-end food, the summit next welcomed Kate Reid, founder and co-owner of Lune Croissanterie. Reid’s career pivot – from fine-tuning the aerodynamics of Formula 1 cars to crafting world-renowned pastries – was the focus of her masterclass on building an extraordinary business from the ground up.
She offered a masterclass on scaling a business without losing its “soul” and highlighted the importance of maintaining creativity under pressure and the importance of looking after one’s mental health.
The afternoon sessions drilled down into career progression and business development from women within the financial services space. A powerful panel – titled Executive voices: Lessons from women who’ve risen – featured senior female executives who have reached the pinnacle of their respective fields, including Lel Smits (managing director, The Stock Network), Olga Koskie (director, Tax Assure), and Trish Gregory (financial adviser, Hayes & Co Insurance).
The panel openly discussed the realities of gender diversity in their sectors and addressed the challenge of staying at the top – once you get there. They also offered a “magic wand” wish for the industry and suggested improvements like avoiding late-night events to better support women in finance and provide better visibility for female achievers.
The focus on business growth continued with the session – Leading on your terms: Building a business that works for you – where Accountants Daily journalist Imogen Wilson led a panel discussion with Simone Palfreyman (principal, Palfreyman Chartered Accountants), Natalie Lennon FCA (founder and director, Two Sides), and Bronwyn Penhaligon (founder, Penhaligon Applied Psychology). The panel explored how to achieve powerful, profitable business that aligns with personal values.
The final session of the day – Leading with purpose: Innovation, impact, and the OzHarvest journey – was headlined by Ronni Kahn AO, founder and visionary in residence at OzHarvest. Kahn shared how she went from donating surplus food from her events business in 2004 to forming OzHarvest – now a $30-plus million enterprise powered by over 400 employees and over 3,000 volunteers. Her journey provided a masterclass in turning vision into action and creating lasting change through community and innovation.
Delegates sipped on OzHarvest’s Conscious Drink – made from rescued blueberries and Australian natives – while hearing her session. All food leftovers from the event were donated to OzHarvest.
The Women in Finance Awards
The high-octane inspiration continued into the evening at the Women in Finance Awards 2025.
Now in its ninth year, the Women in Finance Awards has become a defining celebration of female achievement – spotlighting the trailblazers, mentors, and innovators who are shaping the future of the industry.
Emceed by journalist and humourist Jordana Borensztajn, this year’s program saw 30 exceptional winners selected from a pool of 249 outstanding finalists spanning the full breadth of financial services – from broking and banking, accounting and financial advice, to superannuation and the fintech industry.
Congratulations to all of the winners of 2025!
