The Most Powerful Women in Banking

Tepid loan demand, falling interest rates and heightened competition from nonbank lenders are just some of the headwinds facing commercial lenders these days, but Ardalan believes MUFG can expand its credit appetite without compromising safety and soundness.

First Republic Bank has been understandably mum about who might replace founder and Chief Executive James Herbert when he retires in two years, but Hafize Gaye Erkan, its 39-year-old president, is considered a leading candidate.

The Pennsylvania community bank has seen rapid growth in recent years, thanks in large part to its success in attracting women clients.

Seitz is using her influence as CEO of one of the world's leading money managers to call attention to the $70 trillion retirement gap that she said could grow to $400 billion by 2050 if her industry doesn't address it.

Nandita Bakhshi, CEO of Bank of the West, has pushed the bank's environmental commitments further, including $1 billion in clean energy financing over the next five years.