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Maureen C. Downs: A Trailblazer in Technology and Finance

On March 7, 2025, in a remarkable recognition of her outstanding career, Maureen C. Downs, the co-founder and chair of Connamara Technologies, was honored with the prestigious Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women in Technology and Data Awards held in London. This accolade was awarded by WatersTechnology, highlighting her substantial contributions to her organization and her role as a mentor for women in the field.

For over three decades, Maureen has proven herself to be a pioneering figure in the realms of capital markets and financial technology. Her journey has been marked by leadership positions at various brokerages, trading firms, and regulatory bodies. Notably, she made history as the first female chair of the National Futures Association, a self-regulatory organization for the U.S. derivatives industry, serving from 2020 to 2024.

In a world where men still dominate the financial sector, Maureen's commitment to empowering women has been a driving force behind her success. In 2022, she co-founded Connamara Technologies, where she spearheaded the development and launch of EP3®, a transformative end-to-end exchange and clearing platform. This innovative technology is not only asset-agnostic and adaptable but also revolutionizes how exchanges operate worldwide by offering a quick-to-market solution.

Maureen's educational background is equally inspiring; she was one of the inaugural female students at the University of Notre Dame, where she distinguished herself as the top graduate in the College of Business. Even before her foray into finance, she served as a Certified Public Accountant and an Attorney at Law, breaking barriers in professions that were predominantly male at the time.

Her accomplishments speak volumes. From being selected among 125 freshmen women at Notre Dame to persisting in building a remarkable career in the derivatives industry, she embodies the essence of a trailblazer. Maureen believes in the importance of mentorship, especially for women, and has consistently championed initiatives that foster inclusivity within the tech and finance sectors.

The recognition from WatersTechnology reinforces her reputation as a leader and mentor, chosen from amongst an impressive pool of women in the capital markets and financial technology industry. Connamara Technologies proudly acknowledges Maureen’s exceptional achievements and her ongoing influence in shaping the future landscape of financial technology.

As a leading provider of integrated exchange infrastructure, Connamara Technologies plays a vital role in enhancing operational efficiency and reliability within financial markets. The EP3® platform exemplifies what the future of exchange technology should reflect: robust, scalable, and tailored to meet the revolutionary requirements of next-generation markets.

Understanding the evolving needs of financial markets, Maureen is committed to ensuring that Connamara Technologies remains at the forefront of exchange technology innovation. Through her work, she is positioning the company not only as a leader in technology but also as a force for positive change in diversity and empowerment within the industry.

In summary, Maureen C. Downs' achievements and awards are a testament to her perseverance and innovative spirit. She continues to inspire many, as seen through the respect and admiration she receives from her peers and the industry at large. The Women in Technology and Data Awards 2025 have not only highlighted her accomplishments but also reaffirmed the need for more female leaders in technology and finance. For further details about her ongoing projects and initiatives, visit Connamara Technologies.