Aware Super Chief Investment Officer Damian Graham said as one of the nation’s largest superannuation funds, Aware not only acknowledged the link between diversity and stronger investment outcomes, but was committed to redressing the gender super gap through a holistic diversity strategy.

“To address imbalances such as Australia’s 13.8% gender pay gap and its resulting erosion of women’s retirement security, we recognise the need for a wide range of experience and perspectives to make the best investment decisions for our more than 1.1 million members.

“Currently we have around four times as many men as women apply for investment roles, and we are actively championing initiatives so our industry focuses on attracting women to front-line investment roles.

“It’s also why we are committed to working with our peers through FutureIM/Pact.”

Better diversity, better outcomes

UniSuper CIO John Pearce said the fund’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) was a key component of its talent management strategy.

“Different perspectives, experiences and skills are key to high performing teams. With a significant amount of funds managed in house, we have a lot of scope to develop exceptional talent, which in turn ensures we best deliver for our members. ” Mr Pearce said.

Pinnacle Founder and Managing Director Ian Macoun said building a groundswell of female talent at the grassroots level had to be part of the investment industry’s approach to addressing its lack of gender diversity.

“Pinnacle has been supporting and inspiring great female talent at university for many years through our scholarships and internships. Many of these women choose to gain experience outside the front office in their early career, and our Future IM/Pact partnership will help us maintain our relationships with these women while they gain that valuable experience,” MrMacoun said.

Head of TDM Growth Partners Foundation, Roly Clifton-Bligh said people and culture was a critical element of the fund’s investment process and joiningFuture IM/Pact was consistent with that philosophy.

“We only invest in companies that have a proven track record in attracting great people and building a strong culture that supports people todo their best work. We know DEI is a key ingredient of that recipe.FutureIM/Pact helps us walk that talk by deepening the talent pool of great women working across our industry,” he said.

Future IM/Pact Founder Yolanda Beattie said momentum was clearly growing across the sector. “We’re seeing more superfunds and investment management firms recognise the importance of working across industry to build the pipeline of female investors,” she said.

“Having 20 industry partners on board gives us more opportunities to share with our growing pool of female talent, more mentors to support their career journey and more funding to inspire a passion among more women about a career in this hugely influential industry.”