The Latest from Women in Banking

In recent years Barclays' Barbara Byrne has found some atypical ways to support the careers of women. The latest is her investment in the film "Equity," which is about Wall Street and features women in the starring roles as well as behind the camera.

As it seeks to gain more market share in the fiercely competitive payments world, Discover Financial counts heavily on Diane Offereins to cultivate relationships with merchants, financial institutions and emerging players, like Apple and Samsung.

Marie Chandoha has guided Charles Schwab Investment Management to record growth by focusing on lowering fees and improving investor education.

By staying laser-focused on customer and employee retention, Margaret Keane has made sure that Synchrony Financial's split from General has gone off without a hitch.

Under Mary Mack, the nation's third-largest retail brokerage is suddenly winning high marks for customer satisfaction.

Innovation is often slow going at large financial institutions, but PNC's Charlotte McLaughlin has a knack for pushing new products through the gauntlet of project managers and committees quickly.

Candace Browning is using insight gained from her position as head of global research to help improve operations in Bank of America's largest business lines.

As one of Bessemer Trust's most senior leaders — and the highest-ranking woman in the firm's 108-year history — Rebecca Patterson does it all, from developing new products to directing marketing initiatives to setting corporate strategy to commenting on market trends for CNBC.

Wells Fargo has seven women on its 16-member board, a 44% ratio that is twice that of the average top 25 bank. It got there, in large part, by looking beyond C-suites for qualified directors.

By locking up key clients, minimizing employee attrition and embracing innovation, Margaret Keane has made all the right moves in preparing Synchrony Financial to stand on its own.