It may seem to be grim reading for a female graduates looking to pursue a career in the sector. Indeed, some respondents thought young women should avoid the industry altogether. “Don’t be naïve and think it’ll be plain sailing”, one senior asset manager said.

Another woman working in asset management said: "I wouldn't encourage a young woman to pursue a career in finance - while the pay is good there is practically no work/life balance and trying to juggle career and home life often makes you feel that you are not doing either particularly well."