On March 4, 2026, more than 360 leaders from across the global financial industry gathered at the V&A South Kensington in London for the 100 Women in Finance London Gala 2026—an evening of celebration, connection, and purpose in support of advancing women’s leadership across finance.
Held during 100 Women in Finance’s 25th Anniversary year, the evening reflected on a quarter century of progress while investing in the future of the industry.
A Global Community Comes Together
Set against the iconic backdrop of the museum, the evening began with a champagne reception and silent auction, welcoming guests into a space filled with conversation, connection, and shared commitment to expanding opportunity across the financial industry.
Members, partners, and industry leaders reconnected with colleagues and forged new relationships, reflecting the global network that has grown from a small community of women in hedge funds into one of the most influential organizations supporting women across finance today.
London Gala Chair Valentina Gentile formally welcomed attendees, reflecting on the strength of the 100WF community and the collective contributions of members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who have shaped the organization’s story over the past 25 years.
CEO Rehana Farrell and Global Board Chair Lisa Petrelli followed with remarks highlighting the organization’s global momentum and the continued urgency of its mission: expanding access, accelerating careers, and strengthening the leadership pipeline for women in finance worldwide.
Their remarks underscored a central theme of the evening, that advancing women’s leadership is not only about opportunity, but about strengthening the financial industry itself.
A Moment of Impact
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during the “Make an Impact” segment, led by COO & CDO Kellan Brown, which spotlighted the transformative reach of the LaunchMe Mentorship Program.
LaunchMe mentee Chanel Van der Merwe shared a deeply personal reflection on how mentorship shaped her confidence and career trajectory—reminding the audience that mentorship does more than open doors; it empowers women to step fully into the opportunities already within reach.
Honoring Industry Leadership
A defining highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 100WF EMEA Industry Leadership Award to Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure, Europe at IFM Investors.
The award was presented by 2024 honouree Deborah Zurkow, who reflected on the responsibility of leadership, not only to deliver results, but to raise standards, open doors, and expand opportunity across the industry.
In her acceptance remarks, Deepa encouraged women across the industry to lead with confidence and claim their voice.
“Performance and inclusion are not competing priorities — they are inseparable.”
— Deepa Bharadwaj
A Community Rallying Behind the Mission
The room came alive during the live auction, led by Edward Rising, as guests enthusiastically rallied behind the mission and demonstrated the spirit of generosity that defines the 100WF community.
Thanks to the extraordinary support of sponsors, Global Angels, corporate partners, auction donors, and attendees, the evening raised £600,000+ in support of 100 Women in Finance’s global programs—including LaunchMe and initiatives advancing women’s leadership across the financial industry worldwide.
The evening concluded with closing reflections from Global Board Member Wayne Lee, who spoke to the importance of allyship, partnership, and continued action in shaping the future of the financial industry.
Guests then gathered beneath the V&A’s magnificent Dome for dessert, live music, and conversation—extending the connections that sit at the heart of the 100WF community.
The London Gala 2026 delivered both critical fundraising impact and powerful visibility, reinforcing London’s role as a cornerstone of the 100 Women in Finance global network and a flagship celebration within the organization’s 25th Anniversary year.