International Women’s Day

Date: 05 Mar 2025

Karen Jones

International Women’s Day is a focal point in the women’s rights movement.

For Citywealth, we feel 2025 and the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards, this year, are about individual achievements which is more than just celebrating successes. It’s about truly seeing each person’s journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, the persistence they’ve shown, and the growth they’ve experienced. When we acknowledge these achievements, we affirm the value of hard work and dedication. More importantly, we inspire others to pursue their goals with renewed vigour.

But recognition alone isn’t enough. To truly understand our impact, we need support from others. It is through honest feedback, mentorship, and encouragement that we gain perspective. As we move forward, let us remember to celebrate each other’s achievements. Let us offer support that nurtures growth and builds confidence. Let us foster trust that encourages visibility and collaboration. And let us give ourselves and others recognition that resonates, uplifts, and inspires. Citywealth, celebrates its 20th year as a woman owned business this year, something we are immensely proud of. So, with that, we ask you to reflect on your achievements and celebrate International Women’s Day with us.

With that let us celebrate some of the women shortlisted in the Citywealth International and USA Powerwomen Awards. Please meet some of the exceptional women who make up the wealth management and private client industry.

International

Anna Zakrzewski, Group Chief Operating Officer, Quintet Group

Zakrzewski has achieved significant milestones in her career, particularly in the wealth management sector. In September 2023, she was appointed Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) and became a member of the Authorized Management Committee at Quintet Private Bank, a prominent private banking group headquartered in Luxembourg. Prior to this, Zakrzewski dedicated over two decades to the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she advanced to Managing Director & Partner. During her tenure at BCG, she was a key member of the global Financial Institutions Leadership team and led the Wealth Management segment on a global scale. Her extensive experience and leadership in wealth management have been recognized industry-wide, leading to her shortlisting for the ‘Champion of the Year’ award at our 2025 Citywealth Powerwomen Awards.

​Alison Pearce, Director, Head of Wealth Management Operations, Arbuthnot Lathan

Pearce has significantly contributed to the success and growth of the bank.  Under Alison’s leadership as Director and Head of Wealth Management Operations, Arbuthnot Latham’s wealth management division experienced substantial growth. In 2024, the firm welcomed over 1,000 new clients and achieved an 18% increase in funds under management and administration during the first nine months, reaching £2 billion. This growth reflects the collective effort and hard work of the teams and the trust that clients place in the firm to guide their financial journeys. Alison’s dedication to mentorship and leadership in the wealth management sector is acknowledged as she has been shortlisted for Mentor of the Year at the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards International 2025.

​Louise Lane, Associate Tax Director and Head of Crypto at Wright Vigar, Chartered Accountants

With over 25 years of experience in accounting and taxation, Lane has significantly contributed to the firm’s growth and specialization in crypto asset taxation. As the head of Wright Vigar’s crypto asset team, Louise has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s crypto tax and accounting advisory services. She has collaborated with Recap.io to develop crypto asset tax software, authored the Recap UK Tax Guide for Individuals, and engaged with HMRC to address crypto tax uncertainties. Her efforts have positioned Wright Vigar as one of the UK’s leading firms in crypto tax and accounting.

​Jill Britton, Director General of the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC)

Britton has had a distinguished career in financial services, marked by significant achievements across various roles. She is Director General (2022–Present): Appointed in April 2022 after serving as Interim Director General since September 2021, Jill leads the JFSC in its operations as both regulator and registry, steering the organization to achieve its strategic priorities. She was also Director of Supervision (2016–2021): Prior to her current role, she was responsible for overseeing the regulation of Jersey’s financial services industry, focusing on anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing. Aswell as numerous global roles in the finance industry. Britton is up for Woman of the Year – Government, Regulatory and Not-for-profit Organisations in the Citywealth 2025 International Powerwomen Awards.

Sheena Huggett, Director, Private Wealth, VG

Huggett has had a distinguished career in private wealth management, marked by several notable achievements. Sheena joined VG in October 2020 as a Senior Manager to bolster the expansion of their private client team. Her role involves managing complex portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients, encompassing assets like high-end real estate and substantial investment portfolios. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional growth, having completed the ICSA Level 5 Diploma in International Finance and Administration. Her dedication to continuous learning is further evidenced by her active participation in industry events and support for emerging professionals. Huggett is up for Woman of the Year – Leadership in the Citywealth 2025 Powerwomen Awards.

USA and Caribbean

Sarah Constantine, Partner, Arnold & Porter, New York

Constantine is a distinguished trusts and estates attorney at Arnold & Porter, specializing in advising high-net-worth individuals, family offices, fiduciaries, and closely held businesses. Partnership Promotion: In January 2023, Sarah was elevated to partner within Arnold & Porter’s Tax practice in New York. Her leadership and impact in the industry were further acknowledged with a Gold award in the Inspirational Woman of the Year category at the 2024 Citywealth Powerwomen Awards – USA. Constantine is shortlisted for Champion of the Year.      

Michelle Wolfe, Managing Director, Founder, Meritus Trust Company

Before establishing Meritus Trust, Wolfe held leadership positions at prominent institutions, including Rothschild Trust (Bermuda) Limited, Coutts (Bermuda) Limited, and Butterfield Trust (Bermuda) Limited. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and holds Master’s degrees in Business and Human Resources. Under her leadership, Meritus Trust achieved the Platinum standard in the Mindful Employer Certification program in 2024, reflecting the company’s dedication to prioritizing employee mental health and wellness. Wolfe is up for Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year.

Maggie Lear, President of The Frances Lear Foundation, New York

Lear is a dedicated social worker and philanthropist, significantly impacting various sectors through her leadership and volunteerism. As President of The Frances Lear Foundation, she focuses on criminal justice reform – she chairs the Youth Justice Funding Collaborative, supporting organizations in New Orleans that advocate for decarceration. Arts Education- She supports arts education programs, including grants to organizations like Ballet Hispanico of New York Inc. Beyond her foundation work, Maggie volunteers at Bottomless Closet, assisting low-income women in securing employment through job readiness training. She also facilitates parent discussions in New York City’s independent schools as a Clinical Social Worker with Parents In Action. Additionally, she serves as Board Chair for Youth Represent, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people affected by the criminal legal system. Lear is up for Inspirational Woman of the Year.

Kathryn von Matthiessen, Partner, Katten, New York

von Matthiessen, is renowned for her exceptional contributions to private wealth law. She actively mentors associates at Katten, fostering global business development. She also serves as vice chair and heads the Program Committee for the New York branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), demonstrating her commitment to advancing the profession. She is up for Inspirational Woman of the Year.

Carol Schleif, Chief Market Strategist, BMO Private Wealth

Schleif is a distinguished investment professional with over 40 years of experience in the wealth management industry. Schleif serves as a voting member of both the Asset Allocation Work Group and the Investment Committee. She also leads the Senior Investment Advisory Council, contributing significantly to the firm’s strategic direction. Recognized as a thought leader, she frequently contributes to major financial media outlets such as Bloomberg and Reuters, sharing her insights on market trends and investment strategies. She also serves on the joint board of trustees for the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University where she co-chairs both endowments’ investment committees.  She also serves on the University of Minnesota Discovery Capital Advisory Board and the Hamline University Finance Curriculum Advisory Committee. She is up for Mentor of the Year.

Paternity Leave Campaign

Citywealth, now celebrating its 20th year, has always championed women in wealth and we continue to do so. This year, after talks with our NEXTGEN clubs (The Tomorrow Club and the Wealth Professionals Club), we take up the issue of Paternity Leave, to ensure the next gen support women in their careers. We want men to take paternity time without guilt or fear of career damage. We hope the industry will support us in this endeavour.

About Citywealth (www.citywealthmag.com) was founded in 2005 and is a multiple award-winning publishing and events company with 8 members of staff. It has several products and services for the private wealth management industry including awards, editorial, in person networking and mentoring events, the Forum for debates by thought leaders, and a user ratings directory Leaders List.

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