Women in ETFs (WE) - the first women’s group for the ETF industry - attended the market open last Friday morning at the London Stock Exchange in honor of the International Women’s day, celebrated annually on March 8.
Over 50 women and men representing 26 key players of the ETF space in the UK came to listen to talented speakers:
- Diane Cote, Chief Risk Officer and Member of the London Stock Exchange Executive Committee;
- Gillian Walmsley, Head of Listed Products, London Stock Exchange
on the Growth of the ETF Business and Opportunities Ahead;
- and Yasmine Chinwala, Partner at New Financial LLP
on Counting Every Woman.
Boris Johnson, City of London Mayor, commented: “London is the epicentre for business worldwide and a leader in global financial markets. Our institutions attract the best and brightest talent, and women are critical to its future success.”
Yasmine Chinwala, Partner at New Financial, explained: "Diversity is not only an essential part of running a sustainable business but a fundamental part of addressing cultural change in European capital markets. It is encouraging to see that the industry is beginning to address this issue, but there are no simple solutions and it will take consistent effort over time before female leaders in financial markets become the rule rather than the exception.”
“Women in ETFs Europe would like to thank the London Stock Exchange for hosting us for an interesting and informative morning of speeches, the bell ringing and for the support of women in the ETF industry and women in general” added Deborah Fuhr and Isabell Moessler, board members of Women in ETFs Europe.
Founded in January 2014, Women in ETFs has launched eight chapters so far, in Europe, the United States, Canada and Asia Pacific, gathering over 700 members globally.
The bell ringing celebrations include Women in ETFs leadership, corporate sponsors, and members, and are taking place from March 2-12 in the following global exchanges:
- Chicago Board Options Exchange Monday, March 2
- Australian Securities Exchange Friday, March 6
- Euronext Friday, March 6
- London Stock Exchange Friday, March 6
- Toronto Stock Exchange Friday, March 6
- Deutsche Börse Monday, March 9
- Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Monday, March 9
- New York Stock Exchange Monday, March 9
- SIX Swiss Exchange Thursday, March 12
“Make It Happen” is the 2015 theme for International Women’s Day encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women. The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.
Women in ETFs is open to women and men who want to help “make it happen” for women working in the ETF eco-system which includes over 230 firms sponsoring ETFs/ETPs, over 60 exchanges, over 220 market makers and authorized participants, over 130 index providers, custodians, law firms, accounting firms etc.
At the end of 2014 the Global ETF/ETP industry had 5,581 ETFs/ETPs, with 10,771 listings, assets of US$2.785 trillion, from 239 providers on 62 exchanges in 50 countries source ETFGI.
