Women in Quants: Improving Gender Diversity

The quants gender divide

A lack of female talent in the financial sciences & services industry has long been an issue, and the quantitative finance sector is no stranger to this. In fact, quantitative finance is rated as one of the top-three financial sectors with the least amount of female representation at just 20%.

In fact, the number of women working in computer science-related professions has actually decreased since the 1990s, dropping from 35% to below 25% in the last 15 years. This decline presents a commercial risk to organizations. Studies by Catalyst show that Fortune 500 companies with the highest representation of female board directors attained significantly higher financial performance on average than those with the lowest female representation on the board. Their report stated that, on average, companies with the highest percentage of female board directors outperformed those with the least by 53% based on return on equity, 42% based on return on sales, and 66% based on return on invested capital. Financial firms need to invest in diversifying their top talent to remain competitive. 

Find out more about female quant talent.

Marketing to female graduates

One main way to advance women in the quants is by empowering female graduates to pursue careers in this field. At Selby Jennings, we believe in the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion in quantitative finance. That's why we offer tailored support and guidance to female graduates, helping them navigate the industry and secure top roles at leading financial institutions. By marketing ourselves to female graduates and showcasing the opportunities available, we can encourage more women to join the ranks of successful female quants and create a brighter future for all.

Developing professionals from other fields

Another way to promote gender equality in quants is by developing professionals from other fields, where firms can also benefit from having diverse backgrounds and experiences that bring unique perspectives to quantitative finance.

At Selby Jennings, we actively seek out individuals with non-traditional backgrounds, such as physics, engineering, or computer science, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed in the field. By doing so, we not only increase diversity but also cultivate innovative thinking and problem-solving skills that benefit both our clients and the industry as a whole.

Find out more about why quant professionals are a great long-term investment.

Promoting women into leadership facing roles

To truly drive change, we must promote women into leadership-facing roles where they can inspire and mentor others. The Selby Jennings team advocates for women to take on senior positions, such as portfolio managers, traders, and heads of quantitative research.

These roles allow women to shape the direction of their teams and organizations, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire industry. By elevating women to leadership positions, we can develop a culture of inclusivity and pave the way for the next generation of female quants.

Explore open roles in quantitative analytics, research and trading.

Attract diverse quant talent with Selby Jennings

At Selby Jennings, we pride ourselves on being a champion for women in quants. Our team of experts has a deep understanding of the industry and is dedicated to helping women succeed in this exciting and rewarding field.

By partnering with Selby Jennings for your hiring needs, you'll gain access to a network of industry leaders, cutting-edge insights, and unparalleled support to help you achieve your goals. Simply request a call back or submit a vacancy today to get started.