Gender balance in the financial sector

This event takes stock of latest research on gender balance in the financial sector from the three institutions.

The OMFIF Sustainable Policy Institute is launching the ninth edition of the Gender Balance Index Report. The report tracks the presence of men and women in senior positions at central banks, sovereign funds and public pension funds. The report analyses the roles held by women in senior positions and features a new survey on diversity and financial inclusion. This examines data outlining access to financial products by gender, policies and central banks’ approach to financial inclusion, including strategies, targets and monitoring of financial institutions.

This year’s virtual launch contains high-level keynotes and discussions with the IMF and International Finance Corporation on current global gender actions and policies, the work they are conducting in this space and key take-aways on gender action from the IMF-World Bank Spring meetings (taking place 22-24 April).

All participants will receive a complimentary digital copy of the report and will have the chance to participate in the interactive Q&A session.

Welcome remarks:

Ratna Sahay
Senior Advisor on Gender
International Monetary Fund

Antoinette Sayeh
Deputy Managing Director
International Monetary Fund

Panel: Driving financial inclusion: Gain returns, managing risk and setting strategies

This panel discussion covers how to bridge the gender finance gap through financial inclusion, examining key findings of the report. Speakers emphasise how to drive financial inclusion whilst maintaining profit, the importance of inclusion in managing financial risk and key strategies institutions should implement. Key points for discussion include:

• Approaching financial inclusion and the role of financial institutions in promoting it
• Objectives, strategies, targets and monitoring financial inclusion
• Diversity levels in leadership positions and paths to management
• The role greater diversity can play in driving better investment returns and risk management

Panellists:

Sharmila Hardi
Global Head of Banking
International Finance Corporation

Martin Čihák
Advisor, Strategy Policy and Review Department
International Monetary Fund

Irene Espinosa
Deputy Governor
Banco de México

Aniela Unguresan
Founder and CEO
EDGE Strategy

Elizabeth McCaul
Member of the Supervisory Board
European Central Bank

Sheila M’Mbijjewe
Deputy Governor
Central Bank of Kenya

Timings:
14:00-16:00 (London)
09:00-11:00 (New York)
21:00-23:00 (Singapore)

In partnership with:

This virtual discussion is part of the OMFIF Sustainable Policy Institute. The SPI is a high level community which brings together central banks, sovereign funds, public pension funds, and their counterparts in asset management, banking and professional services to explore policy, regulatory and investment challenges posed by environmental, social and governance themes. See more information on OMFIF’s SPI here.