Women in the Asset Management Sector

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the role of the asset management (AM) industry in adopting and disseminating gender diversity principles. To this end, the chapter opens with a brief analysis of the rationale behind the importance of gender diversity in the AM industry. Subsequently, it focuses on the significant barriers that women still encounter in this financial sector. The second section analyses the main regulatory initiatives put in place by both European and US regulators to promote gender diversity in the AM sector. The third section deals with the current adoption by US mutual funds of investment strategies focused on the promotion of gender equality. This is followed by an overview of the main “gender diversity funds” that some important asset managers (Nordea, Fidelity, RobecoSAM, UBS Asset Management, and State Street Global Advisors) have chosen to launch recently on the market. Finally, the chapter closes with an in-depth look at the main initiatives adopted by three European AM trade associations (Investment Association, Finance Finland, and Assogestioni) aimed at encouraging asset management companies to increase the uptake of gender diversity policies and standards.