Diversity, equity and inclusion in banking: ABBL hosts high-level event

Leadership commitment

Opening the conference, Yuriko Backes, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, reminded participants that DEI is not only a matter of fairness but also a driver of sustainable growth, innovation, competitiveness and trust. She underlined that meaningful progress requires strong leadership commitment and collaboration between public and private actors.

Research insights

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Jane Pollock, Chartered Psychologist and research specialist at Oxford University. Drawing on her work on the future of work and leadership, she showed how persistent stereotypes continue to hold women back and emphasised how organisations can empower the next generation of female leaders.

ABBL’s DEI guide

On this occasion, the ABBL presented its new Guide on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for banks. The guide provides practical tools to help institutions strengthen their governance, culture and policies. A second chapter, to be released on 15 October, will set out a roadmap for developing comprehensive DEI policies across the sector.

Panel discussion

The evening concluded with a panel of ABBL members sharing concrete approaches to embedding DEI in banking practice. Discussions covered topics such as broadening diversity beyond gender, embedding measurable KPIs in leadership assessments, and integrating DEI into recruitment, mentoring and internal mobility.

The panel featured:

• Aurélie Ederle, Société Générale Luxembourg
• Georges Heinrich, Banque Raiffeisen
• Louis de Looz-Corswarem, BGL BNP Paribas
• Neilla Naanou, KPMG Luxembourg

Moderated by Sandrine Roux, ABBL Secretary General, the discussion underscored that DEI is both a strategic priority and a risk management issue for the financial sector.