GAIN is a charity focused on increasing female participation in the investment management industry. Its mission is to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in finance through educational programs, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The charity partners with leading financial firms to offer internships and career development initiatives, while promoting diversity and inclusion within the sector. GAIN also organizes events and workshops to connect women with industry professionals, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. Ultimately, GAIN aims to close the gender gap in investment management and foster a more diverse, equitable workforce.
Why the need for the charity?
- According to a 2019 report by Morningstar, women account for just 10-12% of portfolio managers in the U.S., and the number is similar in the UK.
- In the UK, women represent about 25% of senior roles in asset management, but this figure drops significantly at the most senior levels, with only about 8% of executive committee members being women (Source: City of London Corporation’s 2020 report).
- Research by McKinsey & Company indicates that companies with more diverse teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. Investment firms with more diverse teams have been shown to have better risk-adjusted returns.
Kendall Langford, General Counsel & Senior Partner at Patron Capital, has been a dedicated volunteer for the charity, working to motivate and equip young women for careers in finance. Her contributions include leading speed networking workshops, participating in panel discussions, mentoring through internship programs, conducting interview preparation workshops, and offering practical skills training. She has also taken part in various speaking engagements across the country
