ABGSC Women in Finance Foundation continues to support network for women in front-office finance, including its efforts to recruit more women to the industry

In 2024, the ABGSC Women in Finance Foundation continued to support the network group “Kvinner i Frontfinans” (KIFF) (“Women in front-office finance”), which aims to improve gender equality in front-office finance in Norway. The Foundation began supporting KIFF as of the start of 2023 by funding the administration of the network, which is carried out by
Foreningen for finansfag Norge (“Finance Society Norway”); an independent and non-profit society that aims to contribute to the efficient and ethical functioning of Norwegian capital markets, and to encourage greater public understanding of the function and importance of the capital markets in the Norwegian economy.
Founded in 2016, KIFF currently has close to 600 members on LinkedIn. The network has experienced a steady increase in its member base, with a 10 per cent increase over the last year. In addition, the network operates the LinkedIn account “Finansjentene” (“The finance girls”), which is currently counting 1200 followers. The network’s base consists of around 60 women spanning a variety of roles within front-office finance, i.e. Financial Analysts, Portfolio Managers, Brokers, Heads of Responsible Investments or Green Finance, advisors etc. KIFF hosts events throughout the year for its members and other women working in finance, with the aim of offering them the ability to meet, exchange best practises, and share their experiences.
In 2024, the Foundation has additionally supported the network’s efforts in recruiting more women to the finance industry, which its members mainly have done by increasing awareness and interest for the finance industry among female students through a more predictable and structured approach, as well as showcasing great role models within the industry. After receiving funding from the Foundation, KIFF initiated a process that included researching opportunities, applying to relevant university clusters, and developing an internal plan for the network’s participation. Head of Debt Advisory at Fearnley Securities, Benedicte Lind Bjørland, is the current President of KIFF and has during 2024 played an important role in implementing the network’s recruitment activities. Over the last months, Benedicte and other KIFF members have participated in student events in several cities around Norway; for example, “Karrieredagene” (“The Career Days”) at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) in Bergen and at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (“NTNU”) in Trondheim, plus “Økonomidagene” (“The Financial Days”) at BI Norwegian Business School.

According to the KIFF representatives, the network’s presence at these student events received positive attention from both bachelor’s and master’s students, who were asking insightful questions about the finance industry and its various work-related demands. The efforts also resulted in many new followers on its LinkedIn platform, Finansjentene. The network’s ultimate goal with these recruitment activities has been to increase diversity in the finance sector by building confidence among female students, helping them understand the sector’s mission, and encouraging them to pursue careers in finance.

About “Kvinner i Frontfinans” (KIFF)
KIFF is a network for women working in front-off finance, including within markets, research, investment banking, asset management, investor relations and the CFO office. The network acts as a meeting place for members to exchange ideas and meet other likeminded women; it also seeks to increase awareness of the vital role that the finance industry plays in Norwegian society. KIFF’s main goal is to attract more women to the finance industry and to retain the women already working in it.
KIFF’s principle activities include:
· Hosting a variety of networking events for members
· Conducting a market survey to analyse the state of affairs for women working in front office finance (you can read more about it here)
· Hosting university events to meet graduate students and encourage them to consider finance as a career path
· Delivering a mentoring programme for young female professionals
· Promoting female professionals as spokespersons within media