THE IMPORTANCE OF GENDER DIVERSITY IN FUNDS MANAGEMENT

With WGEA’s publication date growing ever-closer, gender equality in teams and on boards is front of mind for many at the moment. Although the superannuation industry is widely recognised for being ahead of the game in this area, investments is one area that seems to lag behind the rest.

 

One of Australia’s largest investment managers, Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC) was ranked number one as part of the OMFIF ranking of sovereign funds globally for gender equality for the second consecutive year last year, as the only pension or sovereign fund in the index with more than 50% of senior positions occupied by women.

Kate Galvin, CEO of VFMC, joins us over breakfast to discuss why gender diversity matters to her, from Chairing the Women’s Network at Goldman Sach nearly 20 years ago, to building VFMC’s current investment team to 44% women, in addition to a myriad other accolades for the organisation:

• In 2024, VFMC is a representative (and Co-Chair) of the working group bringing the CFA Institute DEI Code to Australia and New Zealand.
• In 2023, VFMC was the inaugural winner of the 100 Women In Finance Asia Pacific Industry DEI Award
• In 2023, VFMC was a finalist in the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) Awards for the Best DEI Initiative Award.
• Since 2022 VFMC has been certified as a Family Friendly Workplace recognising their expanded view of Family and their approach to leave, support and flexibility.

Kate recognises that a diverse and inclusive workforce provides broadened perspectives, differentiated behaviours and access to wider networks, resulting in better ideas, reduced cognitive bias, enhanced psychological safety and stronger decision-making. Supported by the Board, VFMC has introduced a number of policies and processes to ensure that the organisation is equipped to continue to drive gender equality and focus on fostering a family friendly and inclusive culture.

Join us for breakfast to hear more about Kate’s bold vision to be one of Australia’s first gender balanced fund managers.



This event is open to all (members, non-members).
You do not need to be registered to attend the ACSI Conference to attend this event.