Women in Finance awards recognises talented women

Talented women in the finance sector have been recognised at the Women in Finance Awards 2017, which took place in London last week.

The awards are the European finance industry’s largest diversity-led event, with 119 finalists from a wide range of sectors in the industry being celebrated this year, including accountancy and banking.

Diversity

The event, which is organised by business publication GrowthBusiness.co.uk and retail investment magazine What Investment, highlights the importance of diversity in the finance sector.

This year’s awards had 430 nominations and featured categories such as Rising Star of the Year, which was won by Gaia Mazzucchelli of MSCI, and Financial Advisor of the Year, which was won by Mary Waring of Wealth for Women.

Other winners included Maria Harris of challenger bank Atom Bank, who picked up the Banker of the Year award, and Myfanwy Neville of BKL, who was awarded the Accountancy Leader of the Year award.

Last year’s awards received support from HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, London Women’s Forum and M&G Investments.

Community

Commenting on the importance of gender diversity, GrowthBusiness.co.uk Editor Praseeda Nair said that it is common knowledge that the advantages of a diverse management team mirror a diverse workforce, contributing to improved performance.

She said that gender diversity in all workplaces should be the norm, and it begins by creating a community of relatable role models in male-dominated sectors such as financial services.

She added that by showcasing the success of these inspirational women and recognising those who have made diversity part of their business, the Women in Finance Awards is the bridge between where the sector is at the moment and where we all want to be.