Witad Awards 2026: Above and beyond award (vendor)—Berta Ares Lomban, SIX Group

What is your position within your firm?
Berta Ares Lomban, SIX Group: I am head of the Program and Innovation Office for Financial Information at SIX Group. I’m also a member of the executive committee of the BME (Bolsas y Mercados Españoles, the operator of all Spanish stock exchanges and financial markets).

How long have you been in the financial services industry?
Lomban: More than 25 years. My entire career has been in financial markets, although I’ve had the privilege of holding very different roles, from technology and product development to transformation and innovation. That journey has allowed me to see the industry from multiple angles and, above all, to witness how markets constantly reinvent themselves through technology.

How did you get into the industry? Was it a conscious decision or did you “fall” into it?
Lomban: It wasn’t a deliberate plan. I studied engineering because I dreamed of working in the space industry. But after university, by chance, I joined a project at the Spanish Stock Exchange, and it completely changed my perspective. I discovered a world full of possibilities. And here I am.

What does your day-to-day role entail?
Lomban: My role sits at the intersection of strategy, technology and people. A typical day includes discussions with teams across several countries, reviewing data to see where we’re progressing—or where we need to adjust—and exploring ideas about how our services, clients and the whole industry are evolving. I try to create space for curiosity and creativity, and ideally, we manage to keep a sense of humor along the way.

What single project/piece of work are you most proud of to date?
Lomban: Some of the moments I’m most proud of actually started as challenges—or even failures—because they teach you the most. Here are two recent examples: I’m especially proud of our trade surveillance service, SICAM, now a benchmark in market abuse, and I’m also very proud of our AI journey to enhance the quality, accessibility and intelligence of SIX financial data. Both demonstrate how technology can create real impact in markets.

What are you currently working on and what makes it significant?
Lomban: I’m leading a transformation plan to prepare our services, our teams and our market role for an AI-driven future. The pace of change is extraordinary—AI is reshaping how data is produced, distributed and consumed. That means transformation cannot be only technological; it must include governance, skills, culture and new ways of collaborating. It’s a complex challenge, but also a unique opportunity to rethink how we create value.

The pace of change is extraordinary—AI is reshaping how data is produced, distributed and consumed. That means transformation cannot be only technological; it must include governance, skills, culture and new ways of collaborating

To what extent were you helped by a mentor or role model?
Lomban: I never followed a formal mentoring path, but I’ve learned from many people along the way—sometimes by inspiration and sometimes by contrast. A big source of learning has been my teams and the exchange with colleagues and friends from different sectors. Over time, I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor many women, and that exchange of perspectives has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

To what extent does your firm support talented women?
Lomban: At SIX, we believe progress requires transparency and commitment. We track gender representation in leadership roles, promote initiatives that support women’s development, and set clear objectives to ensure we keep moving forward. Having data and accountability makes a difference—it turns diversity from a statement into real progress.

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome?
Lomban: Probably my own hesitation. The biggest leaps in my career came when I accepted challenges or stepped into unfamiliar territory. But like many people, I sometimes wondered whether I was ready or prepared enough. Over time, I’ve learned that growth rarely comes from certainty. Sometimes you simply have to jump, trust your ability to learn—and enjoy the adventure.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?
Lomban: For me, three things matter most: surround yourself with great people, stay curious, and genuinely enjoy what you do. When talented teams work together with purpose and enthusiasm, extraordinary things happen.

What advice would you give women entering the industry?
Lomban: Be ambitious and take the opportunities that come your way. Financial markets are more driven by technology, data and innovation than ever. It’s an industry full of possibilities to learn, build and influence the future. If you enjoy solving complex problems and working in an environment that never stops evolving, you’ll find a fantastic place here.

What does this award mean to you?
Lomban: It means a lot—especially because the nomination came from someone in my own team, which makes it deeply meaningful. I feel proud to be part of a community of women shaping technology and data in financial markets. And if this recognition inspires more women to step forward, take risks and bring their ideas to the industry, then it becomes even more valuable.