Lifestyle Article - Lack of opportunities for women in asset management

 Of the top 50 funds over three years, none are led by women, and again 21 are run by men only. 

 When it comes to the average growth of the top 50 funds over five years and their charges, men-only run funds delivered an average performance of 123.52%, with an average annual charge of 0.85%. 19 of the funds are run by male teams, and their corresponding figures are 118% and 0.85%. Of the top 50 funds run by mixed teams, they delivered average growth of 115%, and they had an annual charge of 0.92%.

 Adrian Lowcock, Head of Personal Investments at Willis Owen, commented: “Our research findings provide another example of the lack of gender diversity in asset management. The industry is committed to improving this, but our research shows that there is still a long way to go in terms of ensuring that women have equal opportunities in the sector.”

 Around two thirds of Willis Owen’s team are women, with many holding senior roles within the team including Emma Hargreaves, Head of Finance, and Liz Rees who is Head of Research.