Hardcopy: $25.00

Research Reports

Author: Sylvia Apostolidis and Rhonda Ferguson

Published: June 2009

Download (Free)

Catalyst’s Report to Women in Capital Markets: Benchmarking 2008 examines the number of women in the Investment Dealer and Retail Private Client lines of business of the Canadian Capital Markets industry. It also profiles senior women in the industry who share their challenges to advancement along with the personal and professional rewards of working in Capital Markets. An Appendix containing relevant data is offered in separate document. In addition, Catalyst has published a summary of the report, entitled Catalyst’s Report to Women in Capital Markets: Benchmarking 2008 Highlights.

Impetus: This report is the fourth in a series commissioned by Women in Capital Markets (WCM) that tracks the representation of women in the Canadian Capital Markets industry. Previous studies were conducted in 2000, 2002, and 2005.

Methodology: Catalyst collected data from six financial institutions: BMO Financial Group, CIBC, National Bank Financial Group, RBC, Scotiabank Group, and TD Bank Financial Group. For each line of business, data was gathered across three levels: Managing Director and above, Vice President, and Professional. Interviews were conducted with senior-level women from each of the participating financial institutions. The resulting profiles highlight the challenges, strategies, and rewards they have encountered while working in the industry.

Findings: 

• The study found that in 2008 women held only 17 percent of all line positions—those important to advance to the highest levels—with no change since 2000.
• By level, there was also little change since 2000, with women’s share of positions consistently and substantially smaller at each higher level.
• Decreased levels of women in line positions at the Professional and Managing Director and Above levels since 2005 indicate a weakening pipeline and, potentially, less diversity of thought at senior decision-making tables.

Sponsors: BMO Financial Group, CIBC, National Bank Financial Group, RBC, Scotiabank Group, TD Bank Financial Group.