Inclusion in Finance Europe – Different thinking, better outcomes

We will initially focus on Europe’s key asset management markets and three themes – gender equality, social mobility and inclusive culture – seeking to facilitate change through voluntary collaboration and knowledge sharing.

By getting this right, we will have embedded inclusion, created opportunity for all talent, and develop cognitive diversity that powers innovation. This creates value for clients, member firms and individuals as well as finance globally in the long-term.​In this future, representation improves, culture thrives, and the industry appeals to, attracts and develops a broad range of exceptional talent.​This finance industry earns trust because it delivers sustainable success to clients. ​

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Our businesses will better reflect both society at large, and the individuals who trust us with their money
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Our people will create better financial outcomes to benefit our diverse savers and investors
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We will attract more interest in the industry, with a pipeline of diverse talent

Our purpose is to equip and enable the industry with the capabilities required to navigate the accelerating pace of change. A confluence of secular trends, including technological advancements, the rising prominence of ESG and CSR, evolving regulations, and the individualisation of savings, is set to transform the asset management landscape over the next decade. By embracing and integrating various aspects of diversity and fostering a more inclusive culture, the industry will be better positioned to harness these trends, drive meaningful change, and continue to thrive while serving its stakeholders effectively.

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Facilitate change through cross-border co-operation
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Improve transparency within the industry around inclusion data
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Build a pipeline of talent and help make asset management more representative of society
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Improve the reputation of the European asset management industry

Inclusion in Finance Europe is a cross-company initiative working to accelerate progress towards a more inclusive, high-performing asset management industry. Operating across the UK, North America and Europe, we bring together firms across major financial centres to reshape the industry to achieve better outcomes.

Our focus is underpinned by the twin foundations of inclusion and cognitive diversity to power robust decision-making and long-term business success.

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Gender Equality
How to achieve a more gender balanced workforce at all levels
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Social Mobility
How to recruit, retain and promote a more socially diverse talent pool
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Inclusive Culture
How to create an environment which appeals to a more broadly representative workforce
Phase 1: Foundation and Awareness (2023-2024)
  • Launch: Officially start the Inclusion in Finance Europe with a clear declaration of its mission and values to potential members and  the public.
  • Membership Drive: Enlist founding  members and define member benefits and responsibilities.
  • Initial Research: Conduct  comprehensive industry-wide research to benchmark current inclusion practices.
Phase 2: Expansion and Engagement (2024-2025)
  • Educational Initiatives: Develop and  disseminate educational materials that highlight the benefits of inclusion.
  • Collaborative Projects – Launch of Workstreams (2024): In 2024, the Project Management Team launched three dedicated workstreams, Gender Equality, Inclusive Culture, and Social Mobility, enabling members to implement and test inclusion strategies across different cultural contexts.
    Gender Equality Workstream: Laying the groundwork to advance gender equality in the European asset management industry by identifying barriers, sharing best practices, and enabling collective action across member firms.
    Inclusive Culture Workstream: Supporting firms to build inclusive cultures where diverse perspectives are valued, psychological safety is embedded, and inclusive leadership drives better decision-making and innovation.
    Social Mobility Workstream: Enhancing social mobility in the European asset management industry by identifying regional challenges, reviewing existing initiatives, and developing actionable strategies for member organisations.
  • Best Practices and Standards: Start compiling a 'best practices' guide from member contributions and research  findings.
Phase 3: Integration and Innovation (2025-2026)
  • Policy Development: Enable members  in developing or refining inclusion policies using insights gained from previous phases.
  • • Award and Recognition Programs: Establish recognition programs to highlight and reward successful inclusion initiatives within the industry.
  • Continual Learning and Adaptation: Implement a feedback loop to continually update practices based on new research and member experiences.
  • Secure new members: Implement a feedback loop to continually update practices based on new research and member experiences.
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About us

The Inclusion in Finance Europe is a cross-border and cross-company initiative championing a truly diverse and inclusive European asset management industry with the right talent to deliver the best possible financial outcomes for our clients, to reflect the society we serve and ultimately build more sustainable businesses.

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How we operate

Governance Structure

Advisory Council (AC)

Appointed during the AGM, and appoints/instructs The Board in turn.
Comprised of CEO/C-suite representatives from member firms, appointed during the AGM. Founding members appoint a representative; all members may nominate one.
Sets Inclusion in Finance Europe’s overall strategy and appoints the Board.
Holds strategic and governance authority, approving major goals, budgets, and partnerships.
Provides high-level oversight while staying above day-to-day operations.
Promotes Inclusion in Finance Europe across local and regional platforms to expand its visibility and impact.
Advisory Council Members
Craig
Blair
Country Manager - Franklin
Templeton
Isabelle Bourcier
CEO - HSBC
AM France
Kasper Elmgreen
CIO - Nordea AM
Nigel
Cresswell
CIO - Quoniam AM
Raymond Sagayam
Managing Partner - Pictet AM
Ric van Weelden
Chair - DPE
Sophie Del Campo
Executive Manager Southern Europe, Latam & US Offshore - Natixis IM
Stephan van Vliet
CIO - Zurich Insurance
Trudy Stassen
Global general counsel and chief compliance officer - Aegon Asset Management

The Board

Appointed by and reports to the Advisory Council.
Translates the Advisory Council’s strategic vision into actionable inclusion goals.
Oversees operations, marketing, and communications to support strategic delivery.
Defines measurable initiatives for implementation by the PMT and Workstreams.
Provides leadership, monitors progress and aligns efforts across Inclusion in Finance Europe.
Engages the Advisory Council for feedback and drives membership growth.
Board Members
Asmus Tvede Madsen
Nordea AM
Jerome
Broustra
AXA IM
Laura Kaliszewski
Natixis Investment Managers
Linda
Russheim
DPE,
DP UK
Lisanne Molina
Aegon AM
Nancy
Rowe
Franklin
Templeton
Zahra Sheikh
DPE

Program Management Team (PMT)

Appointed, supervised and co-ordinated by the Board.
Provides operational oversight of all Inclusion in Finance Europe Workstreams, ensuring coordination and timely execution.
Translates the Board’s inclusion strategy into practical, actionable project plans.
Manages day-to-day decision-making to keep initiatives moving without constant Board input.
Maintains communication between the Board and Workstreams to ensure alignment.
May operate as a single team or divide into smaller, theme-specific groups for targeted support.
PMT Lead: Charlene Sagoe – Inclusion in Finance Europe
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Workstreams

Appointed, supervised and co-ordinated by the Board.
Serve as Inclusion in Finance Europe’s execution arms, translating Board strategy into tangible inclusion initiatives across key focus areas: Gender Equality, Inclusive Culture and Social Mobility.
Each Workstream defines clear objectives, deliverables, and timelines, reporting directly to the PMT. They collaborate across streams to ensure alignment, intersectionality, and measurable impact.
Led by Board members or designated leads, with co-leads and contributors from member and partner firms. Workstreams remain small and focused, but open to volunteers passionate about advancing inclusion through action.
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Community Of Practice

Acts as a forum for member firms to share insights, best practices, and experiences to promote inclusion, while ensuring that Inclusion in Finance Europe initiatives and learnings are effectively integrated back into each firm.
Composed of 1–2 senior representatives from each member firm and heads of Workstreams; meets at least bi-monthly to advise the Board and PMT, align on strategy, and drive practical inclusion impact across the network.
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Apply as a member firm today and let us know how you can help.
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