It’s no secret that the financial services sector has a diversity problem. When it comes to the representation of Black people in the top ranks, it falls woefully short.
That is why Financial News wants to celebrate those who have broken down barriers and made it into senior roles.
FN’s list, Black Leaders in Finance: what it took to make it to the top, will recognise people of Black heritage in the financial and professional services sectors. They will tell their stories of adversity and triumph, and give advice to the City on how to do better at retaining and promoting Black talent.
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The list comes as US firms roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives after president Donald Trump’s executive order to end federal DEI programmes.
Wall Street lenders have come under pressure, although some European banks have held firm on their diversity policies.
However, even with the best of intentions, progress on moving the dial on Black representation in the senior ranks has been slow. FN reported last year that of 1,500 senior dealmakers in Europe, just 22 are Black.
Last year Noreen Biddle Shah, founder of diversity campaigner Reboot, called on the Financial Conduct Authority to provide guidance on ethnicity pay gap reporting amid concern that diversity drives at financial services firms had stalled.
FN has long championed diversity and inclusion in the sectors it covers. It has published its annual 100 Most Influential Women in Finance since 2007, and last year launched its first Pride of Finance list. The new Black leaders list builds on that success.
See FN for updates in the coming weeks. If you’d like to find out more, email fnlists@dowjones.com or sign up for our lists and awards newsletter.
Write to Clare Dickinson at cdickinson@efinancialnews.com
