In a year of upheaval, these women stood out for their leadership, their coolness under pressure, and their continued drive to innovate.

The 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking is U.S. Banker's annual tribute to the professional achievements, personal tenacity and influence of top-performing financial executives in 2008.

Rodman & Renshaw Inc. has settled two sexual harassment complaints that last year cost the firm a spot on the underwriting team for an Illinois bond issue.