Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Code for the Investment Profession in the United States and Canada

 

Join CFA Society Boston, in collaboration with CFA Institute, in providing guidance and practical ways for the investment industry to embrace and realize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are crucial elements in the future of the investment industry and the success of investment firms. CFA Society Boston and CFA Institute recognize that a diversity of perspectives will lead to better investor outcomes; an inclusive investment industry will better serve our diverse society.

To help ensure this critical initiatives, CFA Institute has developed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Code for the Investment Profession in the United States and Canada ("DEI Code"), launched on February 24, 2022. Leaders and members of CFA Society Boston participated in the CFA Institute working group, alongside supporting organization Nicsa, to develop this voluntary code to guide DEI. DEI is a core pillar of CFA Society Boston’s strategic plan and we encourage members and Boston firms to join us in supporting the DEI Code.

Boston Member Firm Signatories of the DEI Code

 

 3EDGE Asset Management GMO Northern Trust Asset Management
ACA Group Granahan Investment Management, Inc. Nuveen
 Acadian Asset Management GW&K Investment Management, LLC  Oaktree Capital Management 
Adams Street Partners, LLC
Harding Loevner LP Payden & Rygel
 Angel Oak Capital Advisors, LLC Legal & General Investment Management America, Inc.  PGIM 
Callan Loomis Sayles
Polen Capital
Cambridge Associates MassPRIM Prime Buchholz
Cardinal Investment Advisors Mawer Investment Management SLC Management
CFA Society Boston Meketa Investment Group, Inc. Strategic Investment Group
Community Capital Management, LLC Merganser Capital Management Wasatch Global Investors
Diamond Hill MFS Investment Management Wellington Management
Fiducient Advisors
Morgan Stanley Investment Management  Ziegler Capital Management, LLC
Fiera Capital Corporation Natixis Investment Managers Westfield Capital Management 
Global Delta Capital NEPC, LLC Ziegler Capital Management, LLC 

For a complete list of signatory organizations click here.

Objectives of the Code

       Meet the industry where it is
     Define the current state. 
   
       Define key principles for firms to implement
     Drive improvement from a realistic foundation.
   
       Provide a metrics-based reporting framework
     Produce meaningful results.

The DEI Code (USA and Canada) and Implementation Guidance

Become a Signatory to the DEI Code (USA and Canada)

Questions on the DEI Code or need assistance signing on? Email [email protected].

Boston Based Firms Among First Signers to DEI Code


Melinda Wright, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cambridge Associates: 
“Cambridge Associates represents ‘a room of the willing’ – people who want to see change and are committed to being part of it. We want our firm to be a highly impactful organization and exceed expectations for our clients. Diversity, equity and inclusion, when done well, helps accomplish these business objectives. Becoming a signatory of the Code is one example of the incredibly thoughtful work happening to create meaningful impact.” 

Scott Hayward, Chief Executive Officer, GMO: 
“GMO has always valued diverse perspectives and has a deep commitment to respecting and celebrating differences. Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is a hallmark of our culture. We know that using multiple lenses to solve investment problems creates better results for our clients. Seeking out these views also leads to stronger employee engagement. Through our commitment to the DEI Code, we are working to further social awareness at GMO and accelerate these critical priorities across our industry.” 

Michael G. Trotsky, CFA, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, MassPRIM: 
“Commitment to diversity and inclusion has to come from the top; this Code is based on principles which provide best practices, lays out best practice guidance, and represents an important stake in the ground for companies to signal that they are ready and willing to improve. During my more than 10 years at PRIM, I’ve seen the impact of making cultural changes at our organization to foster a diverse and inclusive environment. By adopting this Code, signatories can lead our industry to be more inclusive and ensure the trust of employees, partners, and members of the public at large.”   

Joan A. Payden, CFA, Founder and CEO Payden & Rygel: 
“From our inception 38 years ago, our emphasis on collaboration where competition is external rather than internal has allowed us to cultivate an inclusive culture where all voices are heard, respected, and where constructive debate is encouraged. At Payden, we believe this cultural feature, coupled with a focus on passion and commitment, enhances our client relationships and allows us to attract the best talent, which supports improved investment results. We see the importance of being a leader in our industry, which suffers from underrepresentation of various groups, and we are committed to being part of solutions like the CFA Institute DEI Code to close those gaps.”

Development of the DEI Code

In March 2020, the CFA Institute Inclusion & Diversity Steering Committee tasked a DEI Code Working Group with developing a set of principles to drive greater DEI within the investment industry. The DEI Code Working Group consists of members of CFA Institute Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee, DEI practitioners, and investment professionals. CFA Society Boston is proud to have had members of society leadership serve on both the Steering Committee and the Working Group.

An exposure draft was published in July 2021. CFA Institute and CFA Society Boston sought feedback on the Code’s Principles, requirements, and recommendations from industry participants, regulators, and other stakeholders during the consultation period.
Questions on the DEI Code?
Email [email protected] or visit CFA Institute here.