Bloomberg Launches Financial Services Gender-Equality Index

Originally posted on bloomberg.com

First-of-its-Kind Index Measures Company Statistics, Policies, Products & Community Engagement

Bloomberg yesterday announced the launch of the Bloomberg Financial Services Gender-Equality Index (BFGEI), providing investors and organizations with standardized aggregate data across company gender statistics; employee policies; gender-conscious product offerings; and external community support and engagement.

The BFGEI joins Bloomberg’s growing suite of environmental, social and governance data, driving further value to Bloomberg clients seeking additional information when evaluating a company’s reputation, value and performance. The Index reflects Bloomberg’s dedication to increasing both data transparency and workplace equality, bringing a new level of clarity and awareness to social and governance information in the gender-equality space.

“Evidence demonstrates that gender-equality policies and practices can affect a company’s financial performance, productivity and ability to retain top talent,” said Angela Sun, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Bloomberg. “While more and more firms are focused on addressing gender equality in the workplace, we’ve lacked a holistic set of data to better understand the issues facing companies, employees and clients. The BFGEI gives investors an important new decision-making tool by providing objective, concrete data around difficult-to-measure areas like policies and products.”

The inaugural 2016 BFGEI recognizes 26 financial services firms with strong commitments to gender equality, including dedicated social disclosure policies and practices. Firms interested in participating submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg in partnership with third-party experts, including Women’s World Banking, Catalyst and Working Mother Media. Those included on this year’s index scored at or above 60 points, a global threshold established by Bloomberg and our partners to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies.

Both the survey and the BFGEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. Bloomberg collected this data for reference purposes only. The index is not ranked.

“We hope the BFGEI encourages more firms to disclose and discuss gender equality in the workplace,” said Bloomberg L.P. Chairman Peter T. Grauer. “Better support for female employees is crucial to building and developing a diverse workforce – and it’s key to remaining competitive in today’s global business environment.”

For more information on the BFGEI and how to submit information for next year’s Index visit http://www.bloomberg.com/professional/sustainable-finance/.

Bloomberg clients can access the BFGEI at BFGEI Index DES ‹GO›

2016 Bloomberg Financial Services Gender-Equality Index Member Firms:

Allianz
American Express
Banco Santander
Bank of America
Bank of Montreal
Barclays
BNP Paribas
BNY Mellon
CIBC
Citigroup
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
Franklin Templeton
HSBC
ING
JPMorgan Chase
MasterCard
MetLife
Old Mutual
Prudential Financial
Prudential PLC
Standard Chartered
State Street
The Hartford
UBS
Visa