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Once characterised as a 鈥渂oys鈥� club鈥�,听the听finance sector is undergoing a听cultural shift听that is reshaping how decisions are made. Greater representation at senior levels is increasingly recognised as听influencing听how capital is听allocated.听

Imperial Business听School鈥檚听third annual Women in Finance event听explored听how women are influencing capital markets and redefining leadership across sustainable finance.听

An investment narrative that is听rooted in听embracing change听

The keynote address was delivered by Hortense听Bioy, former Head of Sustainable Investing Research at Morningstar Sustainalytics, who focused on building a more sustainable and inclusive financial future. She explored how geopolitical uncertainty听has听reshaped sustainable investing strategies, creating both complexity and opportunity.听

鈥淭he media often debates whether ESG is dead,鈥澨鼴ioy听observed. 鈥淲hat we are听witnessing听right now is an evolution of practices, a recalibration by businesses and investors alike. What鈥檚 fading is a version of ESG that relied heavily on labels and was often disconnected from financial outcomes, to make room for pragmatism and realism.鈥澨�

Her message underscored the importance of data-driven research and thoughtful analysis in navigating rapidly changing markets.听She also offered advice to young women entering the sector, encouraging attendees to embrace opportunity:听鈥淪tep beyond your comfort zone.听Visibility听and persistence matter.听No is rarely the end.鈥�

Improving gender inclusion in sustainable finance

The panel discussion, moderated by Fiona Frick, Finance Advisory Board Member and Founding Partner at Circe Invest, examined how female voices are shaping sustainable finance, impact investing and fintech.听

Lise听Renelleau, Head of Research and Innovation for the IQ Lab at HSBC Asset Management, reinforced the importance of measurable impact. She expressed optimism that as access to high-quality data improves, ESG 鈥� once perceived as a top-down imposition 鈥� is increasingly being integrated into portfolio construction and reporting. While AI and advanced technologies can enhance data analysis, she stressed that human judgement remains essential in translating information into meaningful insight.

Kamini Banga, Chair of the Banga Family Trust, reflected on her experience working in India, where workplace equity was less established when she began her career. From听identifying听public healthcare investment needs in rural communities to overseeing听family enterprise, she highlighted the importance of a just transition in emerging markets.听

Zoe Jankel, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer at Moody鈥檚 Ratings, spoke about cultural change within organisations. She noted a shift away from expectations that women must conform to traditionally masculine leadership styles. Increasingly, authenticity is recognised and valued at senior levels.听

The evening concluded with remarks from Lara Cathcart, Academic Director for MSc Finance and MSc Risk Management and Financial Engineering.听Acknowledging the significant evolution in the finance industry,听she听reflected that听there are still male-dominated pockets, especially at the senior leadership level:听

鈥淩epresentation is not simply about equity; it directly influences how capital is听allocated, how risk is assessed, and how innovation is fostered. Through events like Women in Finance, Imperial Business School reaffirms its commitment to advancing women across the financial sector, creating space for leadership,听visibility听and meaningful dialogue.鈥澨�

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Note: This article's headline was updated from: 鈥淩epresentation influences capital allocation鈥� says Professor of Finance at Imperial鈥檚 third annual Women in Finance event听on 05.03.2026.