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Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity encompasses a range of human differences. All areas of diversity, equity and inclusion deserve recognition in our industry.

FIA is committed to encouraging, supporting and celebrating 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.

We will continue 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.

Pathways to finance for students of color

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In this episode

FIA Celebrates Black History Month: My Block, My Hood, My City is a non-profit that embodies the true spirit of community leadership. For the past 10 years, its founder and CEO Jahmal Cole has been helping to break down barriers for young people from under-resourced Chicago neighborhoods and invest in quality youth programming and educational attainment. In this episode, Cole chats to FIA President and CEO Walt Lukken about his time working in the trading industry, M3's mission and impact, and how firms can get involved and partner with the organization.

Greenwood Project Partnership

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    FIA partners with the Greenwood Project, a non-profit focused on introducing Black and Latino students to careers within the financial industry via paid summer internships in financial firms, academic instruction and mentorships.

News and commentary

  • Black graduates twice as likely to be rejected for financial jobs, study says

    Research from Black Talent Charter and Bain & Co. shows that the UK’s Black talent pipeline is strong, but racial inequality persists in the highest-paying sectors. "Our research suggests the adage is true: Black talent works twice as hard to get half as far,” said Laura Durrant, CEO of Black Talent Charter. “There’s strong representation at universities, studying the right courses, engaging with career opportunities, and applying in high numbers compared to peers, yet Black graduates still fall away during the process.”

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  • Pathways to finance for students of color

    Greenwood Project lives its mission to support Black and Latino college students in pursuing careers in finance

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  • FIA diversity and inclusion efforts in 2023

    FIA ensures that the topic of DEI stays on the agenda across all our events and puts its words into action through mentorship initiatives and other opportunities. Here are some of the highlights of FIA's DEI initiatives in 2023.

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  • How ZISHI is preparing students for the derivatives trading world

    ZISHI, the former training arm of prop trading group OSTC, is working with a growing number of universities in the UK to provide undergraduate and postgraduate courses to prepare students for the financial trading world. Already supported by ICE and options market maker Mako Trading, ZISHI is looking for more firms in the derivatives industry to support its efforts as it advances in its mission to provide "financial education for all."

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Read more news and commentary on diversity issues

Black Talent Charter

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    FIA support the Black Talent Charter, an initiative aimed at improving the representation of talented Black professionals in the financial and professional services sectors in the UK, and encouraging their progression to senior positions. Data shows that men and women of Black heritage are the most underrepresented ethnic group in these sectors at senior levels, and that the imbalance has not improved in years. The Charter aims to shift the dial through committed, meaningful action.

Diverse Voices

Derivatives professionals share personal stories of challenges and success

Interview with Dr. Mara Antonoff - Practical ways to boost inclusive recruitment

Dr. Mara Antonoff, Associate Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center, talks to FIA Board Member Jamila Piracci about her practical approach to inclusive recruitment that can be put into practice regardless of industry or sector.

"This is the start, but our work does not stop the moment someone gets their foot in the door," Dr. Antonoff says. "Conversations like this are important — we can learn from different fields, and we can share transferable experiences."