Diversity and Inclusion highlights from the FSC24 Conference

As the financial services industry continues to evolve, the importance of gender and diversity has never been more apparent. At FSC24, these critical themes took centre stage, with industry leaders and experts discussing actionable strategies for fostering inclusion and breaking down barriers. 

Listed below are some of the key takeaways on gender and diversity at FSC24, shedding light on the progress being made and the work that still lies ahead.

1. FSC Conference Pōwhiri and Karakia

A pōwhiri is a Māori welcoming ceremony, involving whaikōrero (formal speech), waiata (singing) and kai (food). 

It began with the guests gathering outside the Main Plenary room followed by an older woman from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei performing a karanga (call) to the manuhiri (guests).

This was followed by a Karakia (ritual chant), Whaikōrereo (speeches) and Waiata Tautoko (support song). 

2. Excellence in Wellbeing and Inclusion award - Awards in General 

One of the categories at the FSC Awards honoured Excellence in Wellbeing and Inclusion award.

This award recognised organisations that best promotes wellbeing, diversity and inclusion within their workforce. 

We were delighted to congratulate Southern Cross Health Insurance for their outstanding achievement. See all the winners of the FSC Awards 2024 here.

3. Ana Marie-Lockyer wins the Chairs Award

For the second consecutive year, the Chair's Award for Service to the Industry has been presented to a female leader. Ana-Marie Lockyer, Chief Executive Officer of Pie Funds, received the award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the advancement, promotion, and improvement of New Zealand's financial services industry throughout her career.

In her acceptance speech, Ana-Marie invited all the women in attendance to stand, expressing her delight at seeing the increased representation of women compared to the early years of the FSC Conference, which began in 2017.

4. Male / Female Split - FSC Conferences

This year’s FSC24 Conference marked a significant milestone in terms of diversity and inclusion, with female attendees outnumbering men for the first time in its history.

This shift highlights the growing influence and participation of women in the financial services sector, a testament to ongoing efforts to foster greater gender balance within the industry. It also reflects both the sector's commitment to inclusivity and the rising number of female professionals taking leadership roles across various financial services disciplines.

5. Diversity & Inclusion sessions at the FSC24 Conference

There were three sessions in total for the Diversity & Inclusion stream at the FSC24 Conference bringing together industry experts to debate on thought-provoking topics.

Engaging with the Māori business economy panel 

Resilience & Prosperity for Gen Alpha and our younger generation panel

Solutions to grow inclusivity in financial services panel

6. Empower Women

Launched at the end of March 2024, FSC's Empower Women initiative - aimed at promoting financial confidence and enhancing women's leadership in the financial services industry - it is on an exciting growth trajectory, with well over 400 members to date.

There were two sessions focusing on Empower Women at the FSC24 Conference with the breakfast session being particularly well attended by conference attendees and breakfast only ticket attendees. 

A new three-part event leadership series by INFINZ, Financial Services Council and FSC's Empower Women 'Empower & Elevate - Women in Finance: Inspiring Success' was launched at the FSC24 Conference with the first event being held in Auckland on Thursday, 7 November. Join Empower Women and register for the upcoming event here.