A HOST of inspirational women in finance were recognised for their outstanding achievements in the sector at the fifth annual Women in Finance Awards, 2019, on June 26. The Women in Finance Awards is Europe’s largest diversity initiative, recognising the high-achievers, advocates, and role models for women in the sector.

Dr Miranda Brawn won two awards on the night – Ambassador of the Year and the main award of the night Woman of the Year!

Of the win, she saidaid: “I am delighted to be recognised for my diversity work across all strands including gender and my contribution to the finance industry over the past 20+ years. Last year I was a finalist for the Banker of the Year Award and Lawyer of the Year Award hence it is wonderful to win two this year. Ambassador of the Year and the main big one of the night – Woman of the Year!

“This was under The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation making us a multi award winning charity now! Our work includes 40 scholarships this year and impacting approximately 50,000 young people! Get the young person or yourself to apply for our scholarships by 1 August 2019! I would like to thank everyone who supports our work and to everyone who has helped me in my financial career thus far including my parents and one of my mentors who sadly passed away last month Mr Robin Saunders.”

Six hundred of the most inspirational leaders and advocates in the finance sector gathered at the Women in Finance awards held at the Grosvenor House in London to celebrate the achievements of 130 finalists out of over 400 nominations, across a broad range of sectors within financial services, like venture capital, hedge funds, asset management, corporate law, banking, and accountancy.

Recognising the outstanding innovation achieved by women in the world of finance and strides made by exceptional women across these fields. The event provided a new way to identify much-needed role models in mid-to-senior roles in finance, promoting further dialogue around diversifying the talent pipeline and tackling the sector’s notorious pay and promotion gap.

The percentage of female financial services industry leaders globally remains at 12% – a figure that exists despite a sizeable number of organisations claiming to have diversity initiatives. Stereotypes surrounding the types of roles available in the finance industry have played a part in discouraging women to enter the workforce.

As a result both recruiting and retaining female finance talent has become increasingly more difficult for companies. The Women in Finance Awards series aims to tackle this issue and redress the gender imbalance, by showcasing the achievements of women in the sector and identifying new role models.

This growing awards series acts as a flagship and high-profile platform to support the industry in its mission to move the dial on gender. Organised by http://GrowthBusiness.co.uk , consumer investment magazine What Investment, and BonHill Group plc, the Women in Finance Awards has already set a precedent as a large-scale diversity-first event in this sector.

Celebrating the individuals and organisations who are leading change, breaking down barriers, and creating new possibilities for equal representation in the world of finance. The event received overwhelming support from trade associations and financial firms of all sizes. Presenting the ceremony were Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh. Both women acclaimed fame after winning the gold medal in field hockey for England in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

On welcoming the men and women to the event, Tania Ferreira, Senior Conference Producer at Bonhill Group plc, said: “In this age of greater technological advancements, with new competitors entering the market and the ever-changing customer trends, it is vital to have the right people and skills within your teams.

“The professionals being honoured at the Women In Finance Awards are innovators, real game changes and they are invaluable assets to their organisations and to the industry. They are the role models that will inspire the next generation of female professionals.”

This year’s Women in Finance Awards were supported by UK Business Angels Association, London Stock Exchange, Women’s Enterprise Scotland, CISI, Voice at the Table, 30% Club, and Wealthier Network.