IA merges with Investment20/20 to improve diversity within investment management

By joining forces, the firms will aim to make the investment industry more accessible and attractive to people from different backgrounds at different stages of the career path.

Investment20/20 will retain its own brand within the IA and will focus on improving and growing its trainee programme and grassroots engagement.

Diversity blog: The latest news on improving diversity in asset management

This will include a more targeted programme within schools and universities to encourage a wide range of students from all backgrounds to apply for jobs in the industry.

The merger comes as Investment20/20 celebrates its fifth anniversary. Over this time, it has seen 1,000 trainees enter the industry through links across 3,000 schools, colleges and universities.

Chris Cummings (pictured), chief executive of the IA, said: "We want to build on the excellent track record of Investment20/20 to date and ensure greater diversity is firmly at the heart of the investment industry. By joining forces, we can provide more firms access to Investment20/20's services.

"A diverse workforce and a strong pipeline of talent are key to the success of any forward-looking industry, helping businesses to encourage innovation and new ideas.

"Our industry must also better reflect the customers it serves and that means raising awareness of careers within our sector and proactively growing an inclusive workforce."

Karis Stander, managing director of Investment20/20 said: "Joining forces with the IA gives us the reach and scale to get in front of tomorrow's workforce.

"Our industry makes a significant contribution to society and provides tremendous opportunities so it is vital that we build a strong pool of talent for the future with young people from all backgrounds to reflect the rich and diverse makeup of the UK."

Last month, Morningstar research showed men take up to 90% of newly-created roles in fund management despite women delivering equally competitive performance.

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• Topics
• Regulation
• diversity
• The Investment Association
• merger
• Investment20/20
• asset management
• fund management industry