Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment has launched a new global Women in Finance initiative after receiving nearly 300 applications from women across 16 countries seeking support to enter or return to careers in financial services.
The professional body and educational charity, commonly known as CISI, said the strong response highlights growing international demand for greater access, representation and career progression opportunities for women within the finance sector.
The programme will award 100 complimentary CISI memberships to successful applicants, providing access to professional learning resources, mentoring opportunities and global networking events aimed at helping women build long-term careers in finance.
Applications were received from countries across multiple regions, with the UK, Ethiopia and Botswana recording the highest levels of interest.
Supporting Women Entering and Returning to Finance
The initiative has been designed to support women at different stages of their professional journeys, including students beginning careers in financial services and experienced professionals returning after career breaks.
Successful applicants will receive access to CISI’s digital learning platform, which includes more than 2,000 educational resources such as webinars, podcasts, expert analysis and on-demand video content. Members will also gain entry to networking events, mentoring schemes and the organisation’s mobile learning app.
The programme forms part of CISI’s wider efforts to improve diversity and inclusion within financial services, at a time when firms across the UK and internationally are facing increasing pressure to improve gender representation at senior and leadership levels.
Tracy Vegro said the initiative aims to provide women with practical support and confidence to advance within the profession.
“We are proud to welcome these women into our global community, following a fantastic response to this new programme. What stands out is their drive and determination. This programme is about giving them the tools, support and confidence to build lasting careers in finance.
“As a professional body and educational charity, we believe talent should not be limited by background, location or circumstances. We want more women not only entering the profession but staying, progressing and leading within it. That is why this work matters.
“The CISI is a signatory to the UK HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter and continues to take practical steps to support women at every stage of their careers.”
Participants Highlight Career Opportunities
Applicants selected for the programme said the initiative offers access to opportunities and professional networks that may otherwise have been difficult to obtain.
Yemimah Kebakgethile, a student from Botswana, said the membership would help support her ambitions within investment banking and financial analysis.
“As a student still finding my way in finance, being accepted into the CISI Women in Finance initiative has been incredibly encouraging for me. This membership gives me access to professional learning and a community I otherwise wouldn’t have at this stage. It has also given me a sense of direction. I plan to use every resource to prepare for a meaningful career in financial analysis and investment banking.”
Meanwhile, Alina Chapovskaya said the initiative had helped rebuild her confidence as she prepares to return to the sector following a career break.
“Returning to financial services after a career break can feel like standing at the bottom of a mountain. The CISI Women in Finance initiative has given me more than membership. It has given me a community, a renewed sense of belonging, and practical tools to update my skills. As a former top-ranked equity research analyst and a PhD scientist, I know the value of rigorous knowledge. The CISI’s learning platform, events, and mentoring scheme will be helping me bridge the gap between where I am and where I want to be.
“I am now actively pursuing opportunities in energy investment and investor relations, and I am grateful to be part of a professional body that champions women returners. This initiative does not just open doors it helps you remember you are qualified to walk through them.”
Industry Focus on Diversity and Skills
The initiative comes amid wider industry efforts to address diversity gaps across financial services, particularly in leadership and specialist investment roles.
Michael Cole-Fontayn said the response to the programme demonstrated significant untapped talent among women seeking careers in finance.
“This extraordinary level of interest demonstrates the scale of untapped potential among women seeking careers in finance. Behind every application is ambition, resilience and potential and supporting women to enter and thrive in financial services is important for the future of our profession. All successful applicants will have access to CISI’s learning platform, which includes our award winning Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence.”
Headquartered in the City of London, CISI operates globally with more than 57,000 members across over 100 countries. The organisation said more than 44,000 examinations were taken in 81 countries during the past year, reflecting continued international demand for professional financial qualifications and training.
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