IWD 2026, The Women Who Move Us: Becki LaPorte, Principal – AML Strategy & Innovation, FinScan – An Innovative Systems Solution

Becki LaPorte  is Principal – AML Strategy & Innovation, FinScan – An Innovative Systems Solution

Please tell us about yourself and your journey in the tech/startup world.

I started many years ago as a therapist with the chronically mentally ill. I moved to Texas and moved to the banking industry. I was always fascinated by financial crime and spent my career taking a tour of that industry living in multiple parts of the US and working across the industry as a practitioner, leader, regulator, consultant and strategist.

I spent a number of years using technology solutions in the space and would have ideas of how they could be easier to use. I now have the opportunity to make an impact in tech to focus on meeting customers’ needs. Financial crime detection and prevention is a very difficult job, and technology should make it easier.

What has been one defining moment in your career so far, and how did it shape the way you lead or build today?

I had a manager when I was at FINRA who probably helped grow my career the most and helped shape how I lead others in the future. Of course, I had to get my day-to-day done well, but every time I would go to her with some grand idea or something I wanted to join, she would tell me “yes.” I felt trusted and respected and was encouraged to do things that I may not have done otherwise.

I was able to dedicate time to building the exam and study guide for the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS) and serve as a founding member. Helping build that program has expanded my network and knowledge in ways I could never have imagined.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech/startup landscape, and how did you navigate them?

Anytime you are in a male-dominated industry, you have to get used to being the only female voice in the room. You must have the confidence to speak up and interject without being overbearing or conversely sitting silently and waiting for someone to cede the floor to you. As women, if we come on too strong, it’s negative. If we don’t, it’s negative.

We can sometimes expend energy just trying to fit in the right way. When you shed that pattern, understand your worth and your value, and not be overly worried about what a naysayer or two in the room may think, you can add real value to a discussion and the trajectory of an organization.

What’s something you think the tech world/startup industry is getting right when it comes to supporting women?

There are more networking and mentoring opportunities for women now than there have been historically. Our experience is often different – not good or bad, just different. To have individuals to partner with to help you navigate that change is key.

I worked with two incredible female executive coaches in my career that helped buff out some of my rough edges. They helped me learn to look at things through a different lens and realize that change often comes in small steps. Having that opportunity to partner in this industry is key to real growth and impact.

Conversely, where is there still work to be done in supporting women in tech and startups?

Recognising and leveraging the perspective women bring to the table in less traditional female roles. We are often tapped for roles that require incredible soft skills, but not those that involve real business decisions such as strategy, development and operations. Having that diversity of thought and approach to complex problems can really drive innovation in new ways and give organizations an advantage. Some embrace that approach, but I believe we still have a way to go within the industry as a whole.

Looking ahead, what change would you most like to see for women in tech over the next five years?

There are women in leadership within the industries served by technology companies, such as banking, financial services, and insurance. I can speak from experience that bringing that knowledge into the world of the solution providers that serve your industry could be a great next step in your career journey.

There is an opportunity to have a real impact in how products are built, how end users interact with technology, and how to best serve customers. I would love to see more women make that career pivot and use their knowledge and experience to impact their industry as a whole.

What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in tech or considering founding their own company?

Seek out a mentor or mentors who can help you grow. Be receptive to feedback. Sometimes we have blind spots that we need to find and improve upon. Those of us who have been around awhile made mistakes and had to adjust as we grew our careers and would love to share those with the next generation. Few great careers are linear. You may do something for a few years and then a door may open that takes you in a whole new direction. Every step I took throughout my career prepared me for the next one. The knowledge I have due to the fact that I remained curious and wanted to learn. Ask questions. The balance of confidence and humility will take you farther than you’ll realise.

Wins and Wisdom: A Quick Q&A

Here are a few quick questions that helped us understand a little more about Becki LaPorte.

1. Who is a woman, past or present, who inspires you the most and why?

My mom. She was my #1 cheerleader. She always thought I was the smartest person in the room and there was nothing I couldn’t do. She taught me those things that make a good leader – accountability, honesty, humility and kindness.

2. What’s a book, podcast or resource that has helped shape your career?

Snakes in Suits by Robert D. Hare and Paul Babiak. I have recommended this book countless times. It dives into the psychology behind criminal behavior. It has also helped me navigate some less-than-ethical colleagues over the years.

3. Can you share a quote or mantra that motivates you when things get tough?

“Go positively in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined!” – Henry David Thoreau. saw a magnet of that quote when I started my career. It is still on my refrigerator. It reminds me how far I have come and what I can accomplish.

4. What’s one win or achievement from your career that you’re especially proud of?

Every time I or someone on my team was able to get justice for a victim either by getting their money back or aiding law enforcement in the prosecution of their perpetrator. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it reaffirms why you do this job.

5. What’s one habit or ritual that keeps you motivated and inspired every day?

Prayer. My faith is sometimes the only thing that gets me through a difficult day.

Would you like to participate in our 2026 International Women’s Day Interview series? Contact us