Top 100 list shows women at senior level
MORE than a fifth of Europe’s 100 most influential women sit at the top of some of the largest companies within the financial services sector, according to new findings.
According to the fourth annual list of the 100 most influential women compiled by Financial News, more than 20 per cent of the listed women in the European finance sector retain the chief executive role.
Up to one-third of the list hold managing director titles, while 10 are regional heads and 15 are heads of department.
The listed women work across the investment banking, asset management, hedge fund, private equity, wealth management, pensions, financial regulation, exchanges and trading sectors.
Financial News said this year’s selection showed the industry’s continued focus on regulation, the increased role of corporate governance and the scrutiny by pension funds as asset owners. The list also reflects the endless work that has gone into restructuring companies in the wake of the global financial crisis.
But, according to the UK Equalities and Human Rights Commission, only 44 per cent of the banking, finance and insurance sector is made up of women and that number is significantly under-represented at the senior level.
Financial News argued that the list is proof there is potential to turn that around.
The City features highly in this year’s list, which includes women who work across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Some of the listed names include, Ann Cairns, who heads the European financial services department at Alvarez & Marsal, Baroness Hogg, chairwoman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and Magdalene Bayim-Adomako, who leads the bank finance team in London for law firm White & Case.
Margaret Cole, director of enforcement at the Financial Services Authority is on the list for a second year running.
Financial News, which is owned by News Corp and is a sister title to The Sunday Times, compiled the list after canvassing the industry for more than 250 nominees.
The results are published today.
THE CITY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
Name Title and Company
1) Margaret Cole Director of enforcement, Financial Services Authority
2) Baroness Hogg Chairwoman, Financial Reporting Council
3) Magdalene Bayim-Adomako Head of London bank finance, White & Case
4) Angela Knight Chief executive, British Bankers’ Association
5) Theodora Zemek Head of fixed income, AXA Investment Managers
6) Tiina Lee Head of UK strategy, Deustche Bank
7) Kim McFarland Chief operating officer, Investec
8) Danielle Ballardie Vice president equities electronic trading, BarCap
9) Ann Cairns Head of financial advisory group, Europe, Alvarez & Marsal
10) Saba Nazar Co-head global financial sponsors group, Nomura