Jennifer Kaiser, COO Swap Dealers and COO Capital Markets US, Marex, won COO of the Year at Markets Media Group’s 2025 U.S. Women in Finance Awards.

How did it feel to be recognized as COO of the Year, and what does this award mean to you personally and professionally? 

I was thrilled and honored to be recognized as COO of the Year. Personally, it’s a moment of gratitude for the incredible people I have the privilege of working with and the trust placed in me as well as motivation to keep raising the bar and creating a lasting impact. Professionally, this award reflects not just this year, but my entire career in this industry that has led me to this point. It reinforces the importance of collaboration, innovation, and effective leadership. It is not just about my individual achievement but reflects a collective effort to deliver excellence for our clients and stakeholders.

Looking back, what accomplishment or turning point in your career has been most meaningful to you, and why? 

There have been many meaningful moments, but one that stands out in my mind is joining ED&F Man as COO – Swap Dealer to build the firm’s first U.S. Swap Dealer business. With minimal prior experience in swaps, it was a leap of faith for both the firm and me. In less than eight months, we set up a robust infrastructure that enabled the business to operate successfully within regulatory guidelines. The experience was transformative and one in which I gained confidence in my ability to lead teams towards a common goal and reinforced the value of being willing to take on challenges outside your comfort zone.

Have you benefited from mentorship, and how do you now support other women in their career development? 

I have benefited tremendously from both formal and informal mentorship throughout my career. I have been fortunate to have mentors, both female and male, who have shaped not only my career path but also my growth as a leader. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges and opportunities. Today, I am committed to ensuring I pay that forward. I actively mentor several women at different stages of their careers, offering support, perspective, and encouragement as they look to advance. I started in the business as an administrative assistant. This experience particularly drives my passion for helping those in the early days of their careers to build their confidence and realize their potential.

What leadership qualities do you think are important for driving transformation and maintaining stability? 

Driving transformation while maintaining stability requires a clear vision and the discipline it takes to ensure the outcome of that vision. For me, the most important leadership qualities are:

• Communication: Transparency builds trust and keeps everyone aligned toward a common goal
• Resilience: Change is constant and challenges will arise, but handling these in a calm and focused manner will set the tone for the team
• Integrity: Standing up for what you believe in, regardless of the outcome
• Decisiveness: Transformation often requires clear expectations and direction
• Empathy: Understanding the impact of change on people ensures decisions are both strategic and human-centered.