The WFE's Women Leaders 2025 - Edith Lee, President, Taiwan Stock Exchange

Name: Edith Lee

Job title: President

Organisation: Taiwan Stock Exchange

1. Brief description of nominee’s role and job.

Edith Lee currently serves as the President of the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE). She implements the policies decided by the TWSE's board of directors and conducts future business operational strategies.

2. Short bio (career highlights, education, interests/hobbies).

Edith took on the role of President of the TWSE in August 2024. Throughout her career, she has been devoted to augmenting the long-term development of Taiwan’s capital market. Her professional focus is on IPO assessment and post-listing review, with extensive experience in promoting the listing of companies. Edith is committed to advancing ESG development in Taiwan’s capital market and the continued innovation of ESG-related products and the regulatory framework. In addition, Edith is deeply engaged in cultivating professional talents to lead the capital market in sustainable growth and keeping abreast of global trends.

Edith graduated from National Chengchi University with an M.A. in accounting in 1992 and began her career at Deloitte. Prior to joining the TWSE, she was the Managing Director and CEO of the Taipei Exchange (TPEx) for six years and previously served as the senior executive vice president at the Taiwan Depository and Clearing Company.

Edith was awarded the “Gold Vessel Award”, Taiwan’s highest honor in the securities and futures market, in recognition of her outstanding professional achievements and contribution to Taiwan’s capital market.

She loves mountain climbing, power walking and aerobic sports. She is an extraordinary female leader who is passionate about charity work and social responsibility while maintaining a work-life balance.

3. What were your professional highlights and challenges of 2024?

• Continued to promote corporate governance and enhanced Taiwan’s status in Asia. According to the ACGA, Taiwan currently leads Asia in corporate governance.
• Helped listed companies manage market fluctuations and maintain steady growth in the face of global economic challenges by contributing my professional knowledge to the process of regulatory reforms and market mechanisms.
• Collected feedback from key members of the asset management industry, leading to regulations for new financial products to promote diversified product development and greatly enhance the vitality of Taiwan’s capital market.
• Encouraged startups and members of the new economy to list on the Taiwan Innovation Board through appropriately relaxed regulatory restrictions, thereby driving Taiwan’s innovation momentum.
• Launched and diversified green securities and other related products to promote sustainable finance and encourage companies to invest in environmental protection and social responsibility.
• Taiwan’s ETF market has greatly expanded through policy initiatives, product diversification, and fixed-term, fixed-amount investment plans, which have successfully attracted a large number of young investors. As to the TWSE, it comprises Taiwanese equities, whereas TPEx is bond ETFs. Total ETF AUM recently exceeded NT$3 trillion. This is a testament to the effectiveness of policy implementation and robust market growth.

4. Tell us about a few of your key achievements throughout your career?

• Established the Capital Market Services Group to support the development of an Asian Asset Management Center with a unique Taiwanese identity.
• Promoted the amendment and reform of listing regulations to attract overseas Taiwanese business and foreign enterprises to list in Taiwan, which resulted in 111 overseas companies successfully making their primary listing on the TWSE or TPEx, enhancing our overall market competitiveness.
• Assisted more than 830 companies to list on TPEx and more than 1,800 companies to list on the TPEx Emerging Stock Board.
• Successfully developed a number of innovative sustainable financial products, built a diversified ESG capital market environment, and enhanced corporate governance standards and CSR practices in Taiwan.
• Awarded the “Gold Vessel Award” in recognition for outstanding achievements in market services.

5. What and who inspires, and has inspired, you to achieve your professional success?

I’ve been fortunate enough to be mentored by leaders in the securities industry throughout my career, and given the opportunity to expand my horizons by serving in various operations and positions. This has allowed me to hone my expertise and keep my finger on the pulse of industry developments. I will continue to work toward improving the competitiveness of Taiwan’s market and establishing Taiwan as an Asian Asset Management Center.

6. How have you overcome setbacks, and what advice would you give to others dealing with setbacks?

Each of us will inevitably encounter setbacks and difficulties; the key is to respond, not react. In times of setbacks, I first analyse the current situation, actively seek feedback and support, and evaluate feasible potential outcomes. I rely on my ability to pivot when needed and my business acumen to turn challenges into valuable opportunities for growth and enriching experiences.

7. What advice do you have for other women who aspire to be in leadership positions? What is the biggest takeaway you want to leave with the reader?

• Adopt a service mentality rather than a supervisory approach. A leader’s strength and actions are supported by the entire team.
• Take both ideals and practice into account when setting rules, and listen to feedback from market participants.
• Maintain your passion for people, activities and life. That’s what keeps me moving forward.

I hope that every woman can wholeheartedly believe in themselves, boldly pursue their goals, and find their own voice and strength in their vocations.