The Most Powerful Women in Banking

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.

Kelly Cochran has vetted every rule that comes out of the agency, making her one of the most influential people in the financial services industry.

Through weeklong mentoring trips to locales like Brazil, Haiti and Somalia, senior female executives at B of A are teaching other women the finer points of running a small business.