The Latest from Women in Banking

Diversity in the executive ranks of a bank remains an unusual enough occurrence to know that it doesn't come about by accident. In Kansas, Sunflower Bank, which has $1.7 billion of assets, has been a model for diversity.

Heidi Miller is arguably the highest-profile woman in banking, so when she speaks, people take notice. Take her keynote address at this year's NACHA Payments conference, where the chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase Treasury and Securities Services outlined "dangers."

Citigroup's Pam Flaherty has worn many hats in her four decades at Citi, but she's saved her most meaningful work for last.

When Dana Lorberg was asked to name an inspirational executive outside of the financial services industry, she cited Steve Jobs, the Apple visionary.

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.

It's easy to lead in good times, but during times of crisis that true leadership shows iteself. Good times these aren't. But if a crisis is "an opportunity riding the dangerous wind," as the Chinese proverb holds, then those profiled in the sixth-annual ranking of The 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking have achieved much-market conditions be damned-with barely a trace of windburn.

Think diversity doesn't affect profits? Think again. Research indicates that the most highly diverse executive management teams generate far greater revenues and profits than those organizations with the lowest percentage of women on their executive teams. In its third-annual ranking of the Top 3 Banking Teams, U.S. Banker examines the effect of gender diversity on the overall performances of top U.S. financial institutions-something that savvy CEOs and their boards are paying closer attention.

Each year US Banker conducts a confidential survey of honorees to get their take on what it takes to rise to the top, and what the view is like from there.

From newcomers to those taking on new assignments, these women's star quality has them front and center. A look at whose influence is gaining ground and growing fastest. This is the 25 Women to Watch for 2007.

They're not bankers, but their prowess in the financial-services field is legendary: Meet the other women who matter.