International Women’s Day 2026 – Meet Cory Halloran
- Diversity and inclusion
In celebration of International Women's Day, we’re shining a spotlight on five of our incredible colleagues. In this series of profile interviews, we celebrate their achievements, gain their insights as women in the banking and finance industry, and ask them what this year’s theme #GivetoGain means to them.
What does International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme ‘#GivetoGain’ mean to you?
For me, International Women’s Day - and this year’s theme #GiveToGain - is a reminder that when we give a little more of ourselves, we usually get something meaningful back. Personally, I’m focusing on giving more time and attention to the people who matter most. Professionally, giving back has become a really rewarding part of my week - from being a Chapter One reading volunteer, to helping early career colleagues through the Young ABN AMRO committee, to simply being there for teammates day-to-day. Every time I support someone, I feel like I gain something too.
How important do you think representation is, and what more do you think could be done for women in finance?
Strong female leaders attract more women into finance, and I’m lucky to have both a female CEO and manager to look up to. One thing that I heard that really stuck with me recently was: ‘Always look for environments where you feel valued - if you don’t, move on.’
We’ve made great progress, but continuing to support women’s development and giving them real opportunities to grow is key. I’ve benefited from that support myself, and it’s what helped me move through the team and become a manager. The more we create those pathways, the stronger the industry becomes.
How can colleagues and peers, regardless of gender, support a more inclusive environment?
I think it starts right at recruitment - making sure we’re considering great candidates of all genders, so the pipeline itself is balanced. And honestly, the biggest thing is ongoing learning. Staying curious, being open to feedback, and keeping the conversation going about inclusion and bias. It doesn’t have to be complicated - look out for each other, make space for different voices, and step up as allies in the everyday moments.
What defining moments led you to a career in accounting and finance?
I've always valued the process driven, rule-based nature of working with numbers in accounting, and early on I knew I wanted a qualification that could take me overseas. On my last day of high school, I interviewed for a trainee role at a small family-run accounting firm and got the job - that’s really where everything began.
As I completed my degree and professional qualifications, I discovered I loved the commercial side of accounting. I knew I wanted to move into inhouse roles, so I figured I’d give London a try. I moved over on my own and eventually found my way into the banking sector. Coming from a small city in North Queensland, Australia, the diversity here - across people, cultures, and opportunities - was completely new to me, and I really enjoy it.
What advice would you give to inspire other women to pursue a career in finance?
My advice is simple: just do it. You don’t need to have your whole career mapped out - start with small goals and let your path evolve as you go. Follow what you enjoy, stay curious, and say yes to opportunities. Finance is full of possibilities, and sometimes the biggest growth comes from taking that first step.