Are structural barriers still holding back women in finance? – CISI
We’re pleased to see Mark Freed, Co-Founder of Men for Inclusion, referenced in a thought-provoking article in the CISI Review exploring whether structural barriers are still holding back women across the financial services industry.
In the piece, journalist Hannah Duncan examines the experiences of women at every stage of their careers – from entry-level roles to senior leadership – and highlights the persistent challenges many still face in finance. Research cited in the article shows how women often begin their careers in lower-visibility administrative roles, where opportunities to build a track record and gain recognition are limited. As Mark Freed explains, reduced visibility can create a damaging cycle: when people are not heard or seen, they are less likely to be given career-enhancing opportunities, making progression harder.
The article also highlights the practical steps organisations can take to improve outcomes. These include ensuring visibility and meaningful work is distributed fairly, building strong mentorship and sponsorship programmes, supporting flexible working for parents, challenging recruiters to present more diverse candidate pools and measuring progress through clear performance indicators.
Ultimately, the message is clear: improving inclusion isn’t just about fairness. It’s about performance, innovation and unlocking opportunity. When organisations create environments where women – and all under-represented talent – can contribute fully and progress, they not only strengthen their workforce but also position themselves to better serve a rapidly evolving client base.
For firms across financial services, the challenge now is turning awareness into action.
