SMBC’s Christine Ferris Ranked No. 2 on 2025 Most Powerful Women in Banking NEXT List
SMBC Americas proudly announced that Christine Ferris, Head of Securitized Products, has been recognized by American Banker as one of the most influential rising leaders in the financial services industry. Ferris earned the No. 2 spot on the 2025 Most Powerful Women in Banking NEXT list, a prestigious ranking that highlights top-performing female executives who represent the future of banking and finance leadership.
This honor places Ferris among an elite group of professionals shaping the next chapter of the global financial landscape. Her recognition underscores not only her personal achievements but also SMBC Americas’ commitment to cultivating excellence, innovation, and leadership across its growing platform in the region.
A Recognition of Leadership and Impact
Now in its 23rd year, American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking franchise has become a cornerstone of recognition for female executives in the financial sector. The program honors senior leaders for their achievements and influence, while the NEXT list spotlights rising professionals who demonstrate the potential to drive the industry forward for decades to come.
Being named to this list is not simply about career progression—it reflects a combination of vision, execution, mentorship, and industry impact. For Ferris, this recognition captures her role as both a leader in securitized products and as a mentor to peers and colleagues within SMBC.
“Christine’s leadership, expertise, and drive to achieving client success have been crucial to the strength of our growing securitized products business in the Americas,” said Scott Ashby, Deputy Head of the Americas Division and President of SMBC Nikko Securities America. “Beyond impeccable execution on behalf of clients, Christine has supported SMBC colleagues through mentorship opportunities and sets a standard of excellence across the bank.”
Building SMBC’s Securitized Products Business
Ferris leads SMBC’s securitized products business in the Americas, overseeing teams that handle collateralized loan obligation (CLO) origination and syndication, while also modernizing the infrastructure supporting these markets. Under her guidance, the business has not only grown but also strengthened its ability to respond to evolving client demands.
Her focus on innovation, operational excellence, and risk management has allowed SMBC to distinguish itself in a highly competitive sector. CLOs, which pool loans and repackage them into securities for investors, remain a critical funding tool for the credit markets. Ferris and her team have positioned as a trusted partner for institutions seeking access to these markets, combining technical expertise with a client-first approach.
In an environment marked by economic uncertainty, regulatory scrutiny, and technological disruption, Ferris’s leadership has helped SMBC remain agile while pursuing sustainable growth opportunities. Her ability to balance market innovation with rigorous execution has been central to the bank’s expansion strategy.
Mentorship and Culture of Excellence
Beyond her business achievements, Ferris is widely recognized for her commitment to mentorship. Within SMBC Americas, she actively supports colleagues across departments, sharing her knowledge and providing guidance that helps shape future leaders.
Her influence is felt not only through business results but also through the culture she fosters—a culture where collaboration, integrity, and client success take precedence. By setting a high standard of professionalism, she has become a role model for both emerging and established professionals in the industry.
This dual contribution—driving growth while nurturing talent—was a key reason for her selection by American Banker. The NEXT list is designed to identify individuals who not only excel in their roles but also demonstrate the leadership qualities needed to transform the financial services industry in the years ahead.
The Broader Significance of the NEXT List
The Most Powerful Women in Banking NEXT list is more than just an accolade—it reflects the growing recognition of women who are reshaping finance. Despite continued progress, women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles across global banking. Initiatives like the NEXT list bring visibility to rising executives who are charting a path forward and help to inspire future generations of talent.
For Ferris, being ranked second on the 2025 list underscores her position as a leading voice in securitized finance while highlighting broader mission to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across its global organization.
The 2025 NEXT honorees, including Ferris, were selected after rigorous evaluation of their achievements, their influence within their institutions, and their potential to shape the industry in the long term. The full list and honoree profiles can be viewed on American Banker’s website.
About SMBC Group
Ferris’s recognition also reflects the platform and resources of SMBC Group, a global financial powerhouse with deep roots and a long history of service.
Headquartered in Tokyo, SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group with a 400-year legacy. Its portfolio of services spans banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance, serving clients in nearly 40 countries through a network of more than 150 offices and supported by over 120,000 employees worldwide.
The holding company, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG), is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG shares are traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges, as well as in the U.S. through American Depositary Receipts (NYSE: SMFG).
In the Americas, SMBC maintains a strong and growing presence. The bank operates across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru through a network of subsidiaries and affiliates that include:
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC)
- SMBC Americas Holdings, Inc.
- SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc.
- SMBC Nikko Securities Canada, Ltd.
- SMBC Capital Markets, Inc.
- SMBC MANUBANK
- JRI America, Inc.
- SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc.
- Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A.
- Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd.
Together, these businesses form the SMBC Group Americas Division, delivering a wide range of financial solutions to corporations, institutions, and investors.
