The force of diversity

The force  of diversity
Consistent support is key to progress on diversity and inclusion matters in the advice industry
AUG 30, 2020

Again this week, the United States finds itself riven by racial inequities, this time as a result of the suffering experienced by Jacob Blake and his family. This week’s issue of InvestmentNews focuses on diversity and inclusion, and that timeliness is unfortunate, but it does provide an opportunity to highlight the fact that consistent support is key to progress on diversity and inclusion.

Corporate America has taken the lead on social progress in recent years, and the firms and individuals featured in this issue have a common theme: They view diversity and inclusion as a core strategy; they have done so for years, not months; and they have seen the benefit and power of an inclusive workplace.

Several firms I spoke to in preparing this issue noted that in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, they were able to leverage existing programs so that they could have important conversations among their staffs. One anecdote that struck me was the story of a 15-year employee who shared the history of their name, for the first time, in a session set up to enable the company to hear stories of inequity.

Our Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Margaret Starner, emphasizes in her chat with Nicole Casperson that discipline and sticking to her plan were key to her success.

It’s time we all apply that level of discipline to this urgent effort, so that we can break this disheartening cycle.

Latest News

Bridgewater's flagship hedge fund surges amid volatile markets
Bridgewater's flagship hedge fund surges amid volatile markets

The firm's flagship fund, which invests in stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities, saw accelerated gains as some peers lost ground.

ICI floats '40 Act revamp to support middle-class wealth creation
ICI floats '40 Act revamp to support middle-class wealth creation

Policy proposal offers recommendations on dual-share class funds, semi-transparent ETFs, and expanded flexibility for closed-end funds to include private market assets.

Trump-induced turbulence tests 60-40 strategy's limits
Trump-induced turbulence tests 60-40 strategy's limits

With bonds failing to provide a safety net for steeply falling stock prices, many investors are letting go of their "set it and forget it" approach.

More workers dipped into their retirement savings last year, Vanguard finds
More workers dipped into their retirement savings last year, Vanguard finds

Sneak peek into annual defined contribution plan report shows average participant balances reached an all-time high amid rising equity markets.

Decades-old will leaves fate of late actor Gene Hackman's $80M fortune uncertain
Decades-old will leaves fate of late actor Gene Hackman's $80M fortune uncertain

The iconic actor's death alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, leaves pressing questions about what happens next to his assets.

SPONSORED Beyond the all-in-one: Why specialization is key in wealth tech

In an industry of broad solutions, firms like intelliflo prove 'you just need tools that play well together'

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies