Women in Financial Services Blog

The Gender Debate (it’s not all about women!) - “Behind every great man is a great woman,”

Mark.Freed / 10 Sep 2018

“Beside every great person is another great person, living and working as they would like.”    “Behind every great man is a great woman,” is these days considered a rather archaic expression, one that harks back to times gone by, thankfully, when wives, seemingly, selflessly...

“What’s a man doing this for?”

Mark.Freed / 23 Aug 2018

I often find myself in the position of frontman for E2W.  The firm dedicates itself to supporting the financial services careers of women and helping banks to collect the gender dividend. As frontman I regularly meet new people. The brave ones ask “What's a man...

Inspiring Women - Mihaela Breg has carved out her global career….

Mark.Freed / 23 Aug 2018

Romania, Brussels, New York, Bangkok, London – Mihaela Breg has carved out her global career with hard work, self-sufficiency and determination. I have enjoyed a really diverse career, travelling the world with my roles and experiencing many different working environments.  I’ve learnt that the journey is...

Inspiring Women -  ‘Signing a gagging clause set me free’

Mark.Freed / 12 Aug 2018

Story reproduced from the BBC 100 Women Series: 'Signing a gagging clause set me free' Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have been in the news recently - their controversial use by Harvey Weinstein and President Trump's lawyer has led some to question whether they disempower women. Here, one woman tells her story...

How E2W can help you boost gender diversity in your organisation

Mark.Freed / 12 Aug 2018

Are you an organisation struggling to tackle your gender pay gap?  To attract women into senior roles?  To retain women?  Read on to see how E2W can help… Like the common cold, it seems that everyone has an opinion on the best way to &lsquo...

Working in Risk:  An E2W Networking Event

Mark.Freed / 25 Jul 2018

Another fantastic E2W event! With talks from Monica Summerville and Nidhi Nikum, our members had the opportunity to learn and discuss raising their profiles and visibility whilst networking with like-minded, brilliant women. The room was abuzz with people sharing stories, experiences and advice. Thank you to Charles Brooks ...

Inspiring Women - Nidhi Nikum - Global moves bring a different perspective

Mark.Freed / 23 Jul 2018

Embracing new experiences, rolling up sleeves and getting stuck in!  Nidhi Nikum has enjoyed a varied career in IT with ANZ, travelling the world with her job.  She has shared some of her experiences and, indeed, highlights with E2W.  I’ve been at ANZ for...

BAML hires more female interns as banks battle gender disparity

Mark.Freed / 18 Jul 2018

A recent report in Financial News congratulated a number of Investment Banks for nearly reaching a 50/50 graduate intake. But why? None of the Banks actually have a major problem at junior level. Bank of America for example has broadly 50% gender split among its lower quartile...

State Street bans managers from asking about previous earnings

Mark.Freed / 09 Jul 2018

According to a report in Financial News State Street are banning managers from asking candidates about previous earnings.  Are women as good as men at negotiating salary packages?  Interesting topic that caused some debate in the E2W Limited office? Will banning managers...

We like it when people do things without being asked.  HSBC has started down this route…

Mark.Freed / 05 Jul 2018

We like it when people do things without being asked.  HSBC has started down this route – can it continue and make a difference?  Submitting to peer pressure – why it’s good for the financial services’ sector I think it’s fair to say...

Inspiring Women - Laura Wallis Head of Overseas Banks Division, Prudential Regulation Authority

Mark.Freed / 28 Jun 2018

E2W is speaking to women who have been working in financial services over the decades to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of women securing the vote. This month Laura Wallis shares her inspiring story.   Laura Wallis  Head of Overseas Banks Division | International Banks Supervision | Prudential...

Recruiters – access the largest talent pool of female candidates in financial services

Mark.Freed / 28 Jun 2018

The recruitment departments of the country’s leading financial institutions retain E2W as a key component of their recruitment strategy to find the best female candidates for their senior roles.  Drawing on our membership network, we are able to introduce highly capable, professional female candidates for...

Inspiring Women -  Kathrine Switzer

Mark.Freed / 23 Jun 2018

Kathrine Virginia "Kathy" Switzer (born January 5, 1947, in Amberg, Germany is an American marathon runner, author, and television commentator. In 1967, she became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entry. During her run, race official Jock Semple...

Fiona Murden helps some of the most successful people in the world to understand their behaviour

Mark.Freed / 20 Jun 2018

E2W members have been treated to two workshops run by our friend, Fiona Murden. In May 2017 Fiona ran a workshop entitled ‘Becoming a better version of yourself’.  We were fascinated to hear Fiona’s insights into the impacts of neuroscience, perceptions of position...

The runners and riders in the “Diversity Stakes”

Mark.Freed / 15 Jun 2018

What does it take for a financial services firm to win the diversity race?  How to place your money on a winner – what to look out for in a winning organisation. I am not a betting man, never have been and probably never will be but with Royal...

Treasury Committee -  Women in finance

Mark.Freed / 13 Jun 2018

The Treasury Committee launched its Women in Finance inquiry on 19 October 2017 to: Examine the value to financial firms of having greater gender balance across all job grades and functions; Identify the barriers to women entering and progressing their careers in the financial services industry and whether they are more prevalent...

“Women have to achieve more, work harder…”

Tina.Freed / 12 Jun 2018

An intersteting and insightful interview with Anne Boden Starling Bank founder in The Guardian  “Women have to achieve more, work harder, and be much more perfect to get the job compared with a man. As long as we have the majority of promotions and appointments being made by...

For London to be a truly equal city, women must be equally represented in positions of power

Mark.Freed / 29 May 2018

Brilliant video from Greater London Authority and Sadiq Khan promoting their ‘Our Time: Supporting Future Leaders’ initiative.  For London to be a truly equal city, women must be equally represented in positions of power.  Will any Financial Services Firms commit / participate?  If anyone...

LGIM is shaking up the world of investment management

Mark.Freed / 23 May 2018

After a diverse investment portfolio?  How about a gender diversity focussed fund? LGIM has created the first fund that has gender diversity of organisations as an investment criterium – we applaud them.   As you know, E2W is one of the companies trying to shake up the...

Then something totally out of the ordinary happens. A Dad walks in.

Mark.Freed / 22 May 2018

Boardrooms to Babies Business lends a hand to encourage Dad’s uptake of parental leave, to advance gender equality for all  As a new parent, getting out of the house and meeting people is essential; a lifeline for many, in fact. There’s music classes, baby...