The Most Powerful Women in Banking

Thasunda Duckett overcame doubts about accepting a promotion while raising two small children and now manages a business unit that ranks as one of the nation's largest auto lenders.

More is expected of all chief risk officers these days given the heightened regulatory scrutiny across the industry. But Helga Houston's responsibilities extend beyond those of most CROs.

Bita Ardalan is MUFG Union Bank's go-to executive for starting and building new business lines or turning around existing ones — with good reason.

Since joining Deutsche Bank two years ago, Susan Skerritt has raised the performance and profile of transaction banking in the Americas while helping to advance the careers of promising female managers.

Barb Godin has some simple advice for ambitious female bankers looking to advance in their careers: "Don't just let life happen."