RESEARCH

Evidence that drives action.

Research that helps European asset management firms translate inclusion and cognitive diversity into better decisions, stronger performance and practical change.

Explore our research

Industry professionals collaborating around a table

RESEARCH IN PRACTICEFrom insight to implementation.

OUR RESEARCH

Three studies.
One direction.

Since 2024, IiFE research has examined inclusion, cognitive diversity and social mobility in European asset management. Together, the studies connect evidence with the practical challenges facing firms.

2024Industry benchmark 2025Cognitive diversity 2026Social mobility

THE RESEARCH LIBRARY

Explore the evidence.

Read the findings, explore the implications and download the reports.

2024INDUSTRY BENCHMARK

IiFE RESEARCH01 / 03

INDUSTRY BENCHMARK · 2024

Embracing Inclusion in European Asset Management

Inclusion in Finance Europe in partnership with PwC Switzerland

This research established a comprehensive benchmark of inclusion maturity across 10 European countries, mapping the regulatory landscape and identifying the critical gap between strategic intent and operational reality across Gender Equality, Social Mobility and Inclusive Culture.

Download the Report → Download Executive Summary →

Explore key findings

4 in 5 organisations recognise the business benefits of inclusion.
14% of leaders are held accountable for inclusion objectives, with rewards tied to achieving them.
3.3 out of 5 was the industry's average inclusion maturity score. Strategy is strong. Implementation is lagging.
1 in 5 organisations collect social mobility data.
4% have measurable social mobility goals, compared with 66% for gender.

2025COGNITIVE DIVERSITY

IiFE RESEARCH02 / 03

COGNITIVE DIVERSITY · 2025

The Power of Diverse Thinking. How the Best Teams Make Decisions

Professor Alex Edmans, London Business School

Professor Alex Edmans examined how cognitive diversity influences investment decision-making and performance, and why effective implementation matters.

Download the Full Report → Explore Cognitive Diversity →

Explore key findings

Skills diversity delivers the strongest results. Professional and educational background diversity shows the most consistent positive correlation with investment team performance.
Cognitive diversity is most valuable in idea generation. It helps teams identify opportunities, challenge assumptions and avoid groupthink.
Psychological safety is not optional. People only contribute different perspectives when they feel safe doing so.
Meeting design matters. How meetings are structured influences whether different perspectives emerge or disappear.
Leadership is the differentiator. Leaders determine whether cognitive diversity translates into better decisions.
Inclusion enables performance. Different perspectives create value when people are able to contribute them.

2026SOCIAL MOBILITY

IiFE RESEARCH03 / 03

SOCIAL MOBILITY · 2026

Social Mobility in Asset Management: An Untapped Opportunity

Commissioned by Inclusion in Finance Europe and delivered with PwC Switzerland

Developed with PwC Switzerland, this research explores practical ways to widen access to talent, strengthen progression and support social mobility in European asset management.

Download the Report → Executive Summary EN →Synthèse FR →Explore Social Mobility →

Explore key findings

Social mobility remains underdeveloped. Awareness is increasing, but measurable action remains limited.
Measurement remains a barrier. Few firms actively collect socioeconomic background data.
Access shapes opportunity. Widening access helps firms reach a broader talent base.
The industry has an implementation gap. Many firms want to progress, but few have measurable objectives.
Asset management can learn from other sectors. Law and professional services have made more progress.
The opportunity is actionable and within reach. The challenge is not only why social mobility matters, but how to act.

THE THREAD THROUGH OUR RESEARCH

From intention to implementation.

The 2024 benchmark identified the gap between commitment and action. The 2025 research examined the conditions that help diverse thinking improve decisions. The 2026 study turned attention to practical progress on social mobility.

The opportunity is not simply to understand inclusion better, but to put that understanding to work.

PUTTING EVIDENCE TO WORK

Research informs action.

Explore the areas where IiFE helps members apply evidence through collaboration, leadership and practical frameworks.

01Cognitive Diversity 02Social Mobility 03Gender Equality 04Inclusive Culture

DIFFERENT THINKING. BETTER OUTCOMES.

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Evidence that drives action.

Three studies.One direction.

Explore the evidence.

Embracing Inclusion in European Asset Management

The Power of Diverse Thinking. How the Best Teams Make Decisions

Social Mobility in Asset Management: An Untapped Opportunity

From intention to implementation.

Research informs action.

Take the research further.

Three studies.
One direction.