Presented by Momentum Media in partnership with principal sponsor Mortgage Choice, the Women in Finance Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of women in the financial and professional services sectors, including brokers, accountants, CEOs, thought leaders and more.
The ceremony will be emceed by Annie Kane, Managing Editor of The Adviser, who helped create and launch the event in 2017.
“We started the awards because we recognised that women are still very much a minority in financial services – whether that’s across wealth management and super funds, or mortgage and finance broking, it’s still very much male-dominated space,” says Kane.
“[However], while a minority, there are so many amazing women in the financial services industry across the board, helping Australians generate wealth and purchase property.
“So, we [launched] this awards program to amplify what they’re doing and give them the opportunity not only to submit themselves as potential nominees, but also to nominate other people they think are doing great work. And it’s been fantastic to see so many people take that option.”
The summit and award ceremony will be held on Friday 15th November at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney.
What attendees can expect
This year’s summit, held prior to the awards ceremony, will place a spotlight on women and female-led businesses driving progress in the finance sector, as well as offering support and guidance to women working in the industry.
“There are two main angles [we’re exploring] with the summit. And one angle is around inclusion,” says Kane.
“For example, in one of the opening sessions of the day, we’ll be hearing from some of the senior leaders from associations in financial services. We have the FAAA [Financial Advice Association Australia], the MFAA [Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia], and the IPA [Institute of Public Accountants] all speaking about what they’re seeing in their respective verticals, and also talking about how we can better overcome gender biases.”
IPA’s Vicki Stylianou, Group Executive Advocacy & Professional Standards, is on the opening panel to share insights on diversity and innovation, balancing professional success with personal fulfilment and addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in male-dominated industries.
This will be complemented by subsequent sessions exploring the correlation between diversity and inclusion and a company’s financial performance.
The other key angle that will be explored is the practical ways individuals and employers can better support and encourage women who are working or considering working in the financial services industry.
“We’re hearing from female CEOs who are running big businesses, such as Pippa Hallas, the CEO of [skincare brand] Ella Baché. She’s going to be talking about what she’s learned building her business,” says Kane. “And then, on the other end of the scale, we’re also [hearing from] small business owners and people working in financial services industries, like mortgage brokers.”
The lineup also features Julia Banks, former MP, author and leadership consultant, who will be speaking about her experience challenging sexism at work and championing women in leadership.
The event will take an expansive view of the needs and experiences of women in finance, touching on under-reported issues like managing menopause in the workplace.
“One of the sessions we did last year heard from a broker who had talked about how she’d suffered going through menopause,” says Kane. “The session got amazing feedback, and people were really united behind it.
“A lot of women who came to the summit said [they] didn’t know about half of the things that she talked about…. And that’s important for us to know – not only as women, but also as employers. So, we’re really looking forward to hearing from Shelly Horton, who’s speaking in that session on menopause and perimenopause, and what we can be doing to support people going through it.”
Strengthening the community of women in finance
One of the key objectives of the summit is to give attendees the opportunity to connect with businesses and like-minded individuals.
As well as hearing from top employers during the sessions, attendees will have the chance to connect with event partners, including ANZ, Intuit, NAB and Westpac.
“There are so many great companies supporting the summit and the awards. And during the summit, many of the delegates will have the opportunity to speak to these companies – whether it’s lenders, tech providers, [etc] – about what they’re doing, [the trends] they’re seeing, and how they can help,” says Kane.
By facilitating genuine connections among industry peers, the event aims to help attendees cultivate a strong, supportive network that continues long after the summit ends.
“We don’t want anyone to be toughing it out alone. Strength comes in numbers. And it’s such a warm group of people that come to the summit – the support in the room is really palpable.
“[We see] friendships being formed, and so many people finding value in talking to somebody going through similar things [to them]. So, I think the community of women in finance is really extraordinary.”
IPA’s Group Executive Advocacy & Professional Standards, Vicki Stylianou, will appear at the Women in Finance Summit 2024 in Sydney on 15 November. More information HERE.
