Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
Despite significant strides in gender equality across many industries, the financial sector appears to be caught in a holding pattern. A recent report released by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) revealed a disheartening trend: the share of women in senior roles at central banks, sovereign funds, and pension funds remains stagnant at just 16%.
This number mirrors the same rate reported five years ago.
The annual Gender Balance Index 2025, which assesses 336 institutions globally, found that while many financial organizations have made diversity pledges, few have translated those commitments into tangible action. Of the institutions analyzed, only 14 achieved a perfect score for gender parity in leadership — a number that has not increased since 2021.
“We’re at a critical point where symbolic gestures are no longer enough,” said Danae Kyriakopoulou, OMFIF’s Chief Economist. “The pace of change has slowed, and without bold action, we risk a regression in gender equity.”
This stagnation comes despite growing evidence that gender-diverse leadership teams perform better and are more resilient in times of crisis. Additionally, the report shows a wide regional disparity. For instance, Europe continues to lead in representation, while other regions lag significantly behind.
The key roadblocks? A lack of succession planning focused on women, persistent unconscious bias, and systemic barriers in hiring and promotions.
Why This Matters for Women in Business
For women professionals, this data serves as a call to action. Representation at the top levels of finance is critical not just for equity, but for reshaping decision-making in a way that considers diverse perspectives and solutions.
As leaders, founders, and executives, women must continue to push for transparency, mentorship pipelines, and accountability within financial institutions — whether they’re at the helm of a startup or running the treasury of a multinational company.
Now more than ever, we need bold women ready to challenge the norm and make space at the table.
