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“Absence of female role models a barrier”; Call for nominations for WIBF Awards

news published date 4 March 2015
  • News

City leaders have issued a call to action to celebrate female talent and create role models by nominating candidates for the 18th Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF) Awards.

“The award nominations are now open until 27 March 2015, in four categories. Full details are on the WIBF website. The official awards hashtag on Twitter is #WIBFAwards.

At the nomination launch event hosted by award headline sponsor EY, WIBF president Janet Thomas emphasised the importance of role models to women in the financial services sector and said there were still too few for the next generation of women to take inspiration from. “Studies such as the 2014 Women Matter report from McKinsey highlight an absence of female role models as a barrier for working women. The WIBF Awards unashamedly celebrate the exceptional talent of the women working in banking and finance today – and in the future,” Infinity Capital Partners founder Thomas said.

The four categories are the Award for Achievement, Young Professional of the Year, Champion for Women and Team Diversity. The winners will be announced at a gala lunch at The Dorchester in London on 12 June 2015. Past award winners include Credit Suisse Co-Head of Global Markets Marisa Drew, WeAreTheCity founder Vanessa Vallely and microfinance champion Safiye Ozuygun.

“It was an honour to win in 2014 and I really believe these awards, judged by an independent panel, give women recognition for their achievements and a spur not only to realise their full potential but also to help others do the same.” Award for Achievement 2014 winner Marion Leslie managing director, pricing and reference services at Thomson Reuters

Helen Cooper of KPMG, who won the Young Professional Award last year, said that the award had raised her profile in the firm and had given her access to people at a new level. She also pointed out that it had made her a role model in the firm and given KPMG the opportunity to showcase female talent.

EY was announced as headline sponsor for the Awards for Achievement event.

EY EMEIA Financial Services partner Tara Kengla: “EY recognises the value that diverse teams bring to our clients; they stimulate innovation and provide new ways of problem solving. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the 2015 WIBF annual awards. This event creates an opportunity to celebrate gender diversity within the banking and finance industry, and to recognise the outstanding contribution of inspirational women who make a difference to the sector every day.”

Rosa Fund for Women was announced as the Award for Achievement’s charity for 2015, following a vote in the WIBF latest members’ survey.”