FinancialTrading.com’s 10 Most Influential People in Finance

2. Angela Merkel

While many would argue that a politician should not be included in a list such as this, we simply couldn’t ignore her presence and clear influence over the current ongoings in the Eurozone — which, as we have all seen, has an effect on the much wider global economy.

Merkel assumed the role of German Chancellor in 2005, heading up the financial arm of the German government. Under her guidance, the German economy has weathered some pretty chaotic storms and finds itself in a rather unique and prosperous position. Such is the financial power of the nation that Merkel was actually named the second most powerful person in the world by Forbes magazine, coming second only to President Barack Obama, while Russian President Vladimir Putin came in 3rd.