Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
Diversity encompasses a range of human differences. All areas of diversity, equity and inclusion deserve recognition in our industry.
FIA is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and will strive to encourage, support and celebrate the diverse voices both within the organization and the industry at large
FIA believes inclusion and diversity are both business and moral imperatives that build trust, bring different skills and perspectives to an organization, and compel us to stand up for what is right. Our mission is to foster diversity and inclusion and encourage, support and celebrate the diverse voices both within the association and the industry at large.
Our board-level Diversity Committee, chaired by Alicia Crighton from Goldman Sachs, includes senior representatives from FIA member firms, as well as FIA senior staff. Collectively, this group ensures the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion stays on the agenda across FIA events and board discussions and considers practical steps to foster a culture of inclusion in the industry.
This year will see a continuation of our efforts to promote diversity through communications, conference programming, committee participation and other channels. Building on our existing partner programs, we will also explore other ways of shining a light on diverse talent.
We believe it is important to work in partnership with the industry broadly and our members in particular to identify practical steps that can be taken to further this initiative.
- Read our latest annual report on this key issue: FIA Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in 2021.
Greenwood Project Partnership
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Learn More
As part of FIA’s board-level Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, we are partnering with the Greenwood Project, a non-profit focused on introducing Black and Latinx students to careers within the financial industry via paid summer internships in financial firms, academic instruction and mentorships.
News and commentary
Nasdaq Board Diversity Rule "extremely powerful," say legal experts
Nasdaq’s Board Diversity Rule, which requires its listed companies to have at least two diverse board members or explain why they do not, is "extremely powerful" and a critical step on the path to transformational change, said Ben Wilson, chairman of law firm Beveridge & Diamond on a webinar hosted by the D.C. Bar Corporate, Finance and Securities Law Community.
CONTINUE READINGFinancial industry has more work to do on socio-economic diversity
The topic of social class, which has largely been conspicuous for its absence in many firms' diversity and inclusion strategies, featured prominently on a recent panel discussion at FIA's IDX conference in London. Speakers agreed that more work needs to be done to boost socio-economic diversity to ensure talented people of all backgrounds are given the opportunity to succeed.
CONTINUE READINGUS Rep. Scott inspires students to think big about financial service careers
FIA President and CEO Walt Lukken hosted US Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, for a “lunch and learn” conversation with college students participating in Greenwood Project’s Summer Internship Program. The US House Agriculture Committee oversees the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and has jurisdiction over the futures markets.
CONTINUE READINGWomen held to higher standards across financial services, UK study finds
Good Finance Framework aims to help financial firms tackle headwinds on female progression
CONTINUE READING
FIA Speaks podcast - An interview with Greenwood Project's founders
In this episode, FIA President and CEO Walt Lukken talks with Greenwood Project founders Elois and Bevon Joseph, two impressive individuals who both worked on the floors of exchanges and now dedicate their lives to helping Black and Latinx students get trained and placed for internships at financial companies in Chicago, New York, London, and beyond. To date, their organization has placed 470 interns in 36 companies. Some of these interns go on to full time jobs in financial services companies. These internships are a wonderful way to introduce students to our markets and to develop a pipeline of talent for our industry.
