IQ-EQ is today releasing our second Sustainability Report, highlighting the current challenges that exist in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the asset management industry. With just 23 per cent of all investing roles held by women at private equity firms globally, the report encourages the wider industry to commit to bringing greater gender inclusion and equity to the sector.
The report outlines the initiatives IQ-EQ is spearheading to close the DE&I gap in the industry, with some key projects including:
- Supporting female fund managers with IQ-EQ Launchpad, an initiative designed to help first-time female fund managers to launch and build their funds. This includes a comprehensive support package providing women fund managers with tailor-made training and knowledge sharing
- Championing women in leadership positions with its Elevate programme which supports female employees through workshops, guest speakers, and groups to further develop their skills. Women represent almost 40 per cent of IQ-EQ’s global management team, up from 10 per cent in 2021
IQ-EQ’s report showcases why a diverse workplace, including more women and young people, contributes to fresh perspectives, technological proficiency, adaptability, and its long-term growth potential.
Commenting on the report, Caroline Bagshaw, Group Chief People Officer at IQ-EQ said: “Empowering women in private equity has long been a goal of ours. Fuelling female success in this sector starts with breaking down barriers, working towards achieving pay parity across genders. Improving the ratio of women in senior-level management positions. IQ-EQ has always believed in the power of its people, and we are proud of the strong progress we’ve made in addressing gender equality. However, our sustainability journey is far from over. We remain dedicated to advancing our DE&I initiatives and moving the needle in this sector.”
Our commitment to DE&I is part of IQ-EQ’s broader sustainability goals, and the report also outlines its approach towards strong governance and business ethics. In 2023, IQ-EQ achieved the EcoVadis gold medal, placing it in the top 5 per cent of companies globally for its environmental, social, and governance practices.
