Ellen Alemany, head of Citizens Financial Group and RBS Americas, has been recognized by American Banker as the fifth most powerful woman banker on this year's list of "The 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking." Alemany, who is chairman and chief executive officer of Citizens, was recognized for guiding the company through the financial crisis by creating a five-year strategic plan that has made the company stronger across each of its lines of business.

Earlier this year, Alemany received an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Bryant University. The Foreign Policy Association also recognized her for corporate responsibility leadership.