Financial Services Ireland (FSI)’s Post

At #HongKongFinTechWeek2024, Lareina Wang 王玥, Head of SME Banking at DBS Hong Kong, addressed the critical topic of championing gender equality and overcoming biases in the fintech industry. During her forum, she and fellow panelists engaged in a thoughtful discussion on how fintech leaders can foster more inclusive work cultures. They explored ways to address unconscious biases in the workplace and break down barriers holding women back. The panel emphasised the critical importance of deeply understanding diverse customer needs. They also called for expanded mentorship and support networks to empower women rising in the FinTech and financial services industry. Breaking down gender barriers is essential for the continued growth and innovation of fintech. We look forward to building a future where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. At DBS, we trust that when diverse talents come together, we can drive meaningful progress. By fostering inclusion, we empower people to trust in their talents and potential, and bring their best selves to work. This is how we will collectively shape the industry where everyone can belong, contribute, and grow. #DBSHK #LivemoreBankless #TrustYourSpark #HKFTW24

The World Economic Forum’s DEI Lighthouse Programme has recognized seven incredible companies making a real difference in gender equality, inclusion, and fair practices. From Banco Pichincha’s efforts to close the gender financial gap in Ecuador to McKinsey & Company’s thoughtful reboarding programme for returning employees, these initiatives show what’s truly possible when DEI is prioritized. These stories are packed with valuable insights that can guide leaders in business toward more inclusive practices. If you’re passionate about creating meaningful change, you’ll want to check out the 2024 DEI Lighthouses. Dive into these inspiring examples here: https://lnkd.in/dmN3D6HQ #DEI #Inclusion #Leadership #Sustainability #Diversity #WorldEconomicForum

Unconscious biases, stereotypes or simply systemic hurdles. 💥 We are not at the point where we want to be, because many women still experience stumbling blocks on the way to the top. ⛰️ Together with our employee resource group women@db Germany, we asked some of our colleagues what challenges they have already faced. You can find the honest answers and what we all can learn from it in the video. ▶️ At Deutsche Bank, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. With our 35by25 initiative, we aim for at least 35% women in our top ranks by 2025. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/exK3N_5a #Equity #Inclusion #DeutscheBank

Xinyi Zhai just shared this guide to financial inclusion for women by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI). It is worth sharing! This is a comprehensive "Policy Model for Gender Inclusive Finance". I hope everyone sees value in it and puts it to use to enhance financial inclusion for women globally. 

🌍💳 Can FinTech companies create financial inclusion? Research reveals that FinTech platforms can potentially transform access to credit, especially for women entrepreneurs. ✨💪 By empowering women, overcoming financing barriers, and promoting sustainable development, FinTech can play a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem. As we explore these vital insights, it becomes clear that the future of finance must prioritize gender equality and support the growth of women-led businesses. #Fintech #FinancialInclusion #WomenEntrepreneurs #SustainableDevelopment #WomenEmpowerment

At the recent Feminist Finance Forum hosted by United Nations ESCAP, our session, Scaling the Orange Movement™, showcased IIX’s instrumental role in advancing feminist finance through the Orange Movement™ in collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), ANZ, and institutional investors including Nuveen, a TIAA company, APG Asset Management, and PayPal. This collaboration has been pivotal in helping to bridge diverse markets and empowering women, girls, and gender minorities throughout the Global South. Esteemed panelists Kathleen Bombell, Director of the Gender Equality Branch at DFAT, and Yvonne Foo, Country Head, ANZ Thailand, enriched the discussion with insights on how collaboration is crucial to building a gender-empowered financial system. ANZ has been involved in all six issuances of the IIX’s Women’s Livelihood Bond series, mobilizing a total of US$228 million and sees great potential in the orange bond market. Natasha Garcha, IIX’s Senior Director of Innovative Finance, further expanded on strategies to scale the Orange Movement™ and enhance its ecosystem over the coming years. We also introduced IIX Intelligence™, our cutting-edge data analytics and AI platform that bridges the gender data gap and will enable more capital toward gender lens investing. Explore this newly-launched tool at https://lnkd.in/dgsjeC8m To continue this momentum and contribute to a more equitable financial landscape, learn more about the Orange Movement™ and sign the Orange pledge at https://lnkd.in/gGCpBAcW. Let’s build a future where gender equality shapes financial markets.

💰Did you know that yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act? 👀 This landmark legislation ensured that women could access credit without needing a male co-signer, a pivotal step towards financial independence and gender equality.🤯 As we reflect on this milestone, it's a powerful reminder of the importance of financial freedom and money management. Empowering women economically isn't just about numbers—it's about unlocking potential, fostering independence, and driving societal progress. Think about all those women owned dental practices! 🫶🦷 Now, more than ever, we recognize the critical role that financial literacy plays in shaping our future. Whether it's building savings, investing wisely, or starting a business, the ability to manage money effectively is key to realizing our dreams and securing our futures. Let's continue to champion financial empowerment for all, breaking barriers and building brighter, more inclusive financial landscapes. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the tools and opportunities to thrive. 💼💪 #FinancialFreedom #Equality #Empowerment #WomenInFinance #dental #opportunity #goals

▶️ VIDEO | How Women in Transaction Banking (WTB) is addressing structural barriers to achieve gender parity in finance 🟰 Progress toward gender equality in the financial services industry remains slow, with the persistent pay gap highlighting deeper structural barriers and cultural norms that need dismantling. Achieving true equity requires a mindset shift, collective support, and bold, practical actions to drive meaningful change. 🗣️ Deepesh Patel, Editorial Director at Trade Finance Global (TFG), spoke with Deepa Sinha, Vice President of Payments and Financial Crimes at BAFT (Bankers Association for Finance and Trade), to learn more about how these deeply rooted issues took centre stage and discuss strategies for turning awareness to action. Sinha said, “Sponsorship or championship, in particular, where senior leaders actively advocate for women’s advancement, is essential for promoting women in decision-making roles. These programs provide women with the guidance, visibility, and advocacy necessary to advance into senior leadership, where gender representation is still severely limited.” 📺 Watch the full video, link in the comments section below ⬇️ #genderquality #genderparity

Check out BAFT's Senior Vice President of Payments & Financial Crimes and Women in Transaction Banking (WTB), Deepa Sinha, discuss how WTB is addressing structural barriers to achieve gender parity in finance. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCiirYTA

Financial inclusion will not happen without knocking down the barriers that prevent women from participating in the modern economy. We know that women want to open up their own businesses and to make money and make decisions about how their money is saved or spent, but many don’t have the tools to they need to do so.   The World Bank’s new gender equality strategy – and the commitments it’s made as part of it – are a great example of concrete steps to make this vision a reality, including their efforts to enable 300 million more women to use digital services to pursue economic opportunities. You can read more about the World Bank’s gender equality work, and why it’s critical to boosting women’s economic power and growth here: https://lnkd.in/ejQGXYgC