The Most Powerful Women in Banking

After earning her engineering degree at MIT, Wall Street beckoned Jessica Payne, who was recruited into Citi's analyst class. Three years later, rather than use the MBA she earned at Harvard Business School to go in another direction, she eagerly returned to investment banking.

With 16 years at the company, Niemczyk is an Ally lifer. She is currently a senior director of invest and deposits business operations and analytics at the bank.

After 40 years in finance, Harford is now learning to play golf and mahjong, and spending more time with family and friends.

Elizabeth Magennis started out as a teller in Brooklyn, New York, and is now the president of the $9.8 billion-asset ConnectOne Bank.

Now the head of the Mizuho Americas' equity division, Pasquill started her career selling textiles, industrial products and medical equipment.