Blackwattle Investment Partners, a recently established Australian investment firm, is launching a new initiative aimed at increasing female representation in the funds management industry. Acknowledging the ongoing gender disparity, particularly in leadership positions, the firm is set to roll out its Women in Finance Mentorship Program.
According to a recent Deloitte report, women occupied only 18 percent of C-suite roles in global financial services in 2023. Projections indicate that, without dedicated interventions, this figure may only reach 25 percent by 2031. In light of this, Blackwattle has collaborated with superannuation funds and organizations dedicated to female empowerment to develop a program that helps seasoned female professionals transition into investment management.
The year-long mentorship initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of female finance leaders by offering structured learning opportunities alongside industry veterans. Participants will engage in a stock research project, gaining hands-on experience in investment analysis and decision-making. Each mentee will also be paired with a senior professional at Blackwattle, fostering supportive relationships through personalized mentorship.
To further enhance networking opportunities, Blackwattle will host regular events, allowing mentees to build connections within the funds management sector and laying the groundwork for sustainable career growth.
A representative from Blackwattle noted, “Our mentorship program marks the first phase of our broader commitment to advancing women in the finance industry. Future phases will likely include the launch of internship, scholarship, and cadetship initiatives to further support and develop female talent at every stage of their careers.”
The firm is keenly aware of the challenges posed by a limited talent pool of mid- to senior-level female professionals in the industry, complicating efforts to recruit top-tier candidates. Research from Future IM/Pact earlier this year revealed a troubling decline in the number of female portfolio managers, which has fallen from 23 percent in 2017 to just 19 percent in 2024.
Moreover, the data shows that men are advancing in investment teams at greater rates than women. Female hires are also more likely to leave their positions, particularly at the senior analyst level. Key barriers to progression include the conflict between career advancement and family planning, a shortage of female role models, and insufficient sponsorship and endorsement.
With applications for the mentorship program expected to open in the coming weeks, Blackwattle Investment Partners is taking a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive finance sector.