Tag Archives: best practices

Ask the Expert: Addressing Gender Norms to Increase Financial Inclusion

In this Ask the Expert session we highlight the importance of addressing harmful gendered social norms (gender norms) that limit the effectiveness and impact of financial inclusion interventions.

  1. What are gender norms and how do they influence women’s behavior?

  2. What are the resulting barriers on demand and supply side?

  3. How can you create norm-informed and norm-transformative initiatives?

Ask the Expert: Supporting WSMEs to Access New Markets

To successfully scale their business, entrepreneurs need both capital and access to new market opportunities. Yet many, especially Women SMEs (WSMEs) face challenges in accessing new markets. In this session we look at the most critical challenges and how they can be addressed, how FSPs can leverage their own power and network to support WSMEs overcome market challenges and scale their business and what it takes to create an enabling environment for WSMEs to scale.

WG – Future of Work: Creating an inclusive EVP

This session of the working group on Gender D&I Strategies for the Future of Work focused on building a sustainable employee value proposition (EVP) for women. Inclusion and employee resource group leads at NatWest presented on the bank’s holistic, purpose-driven approach to attracting and retaining women employees.

WG on The Future of Work: Fostering an inclusive culture

A truly sustainable culture of inclusion requires a high-quality working environment in which women are valued, supported, and championed. In this Working Group we look at what makes a company culture inclusive or not, address combatting workplace harassment and bullying and hear the practitioner’s perspective from BRAC Bank Bangladesh.

 

Future of Work – Working Group Session 3

Catch our 3rd session of the Future of Work Working Group which took place on March 17.
Hear from our special guests:
– Avivah Wittenberg-Cox: renowned author, executive coach and consultant
– Carlene Clifford: Senior Lead, AXA Group Culture, Inclusion and Diversity

How-to Guide: Becoming the Employer of Choice for Women – Overview

How-to Guide: Becoming the Employer of Choice for Women – Overview

This brochure offers a selection of insights from the Financial Alliance for Women’s How-to Guide, “Becoming the Employer of Choice for Women” which lays out the process for improving gender diversity and inclusion (D&I) in financial services firms. The information provided is based on the findings from Alliance member working groups, which explored ways to increase women’s representation in the leadership of financial services firms. It incorporates Mercer’s leading-edge research and the real-world experiences of Alliance members. Throughout the guide, emphasis is on developing a holistic women-centered strategy, blending enhanced internal gender D&I with a strong female customer value proposition so that financial institutions are better equipped to tap into the female economy, the world’s fastest growing market. The full guide is available exclusively to members.

Alliance Case Study: Westpac – The Road to Reaching 50% Female Leadership

Alliance Case Study: Westpac – The Road to Reaching 50% Female Leadership

Westpac Group is recognized as a pioneer in championing women in Australia. The bank recognized early on that creating an inclusive workplace where women can thrive would allow them to unlock the full value of the female economy. This Case Study explores their journey to reaching 50 percent female leadership, and identifies the main steps to take to achieve gender parity and highlights key lessons learned.

 

Women Entrepreneurs and Effective Banking in Emerging Markets

Women Entrepreneurs and Effective Banking in Emerging Markets

This case study on BLC Bank in Lebanon from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School showcases how the bank is boosting the country’s economy and the financial inclusion of women while also achieving business success through its We Initiative women’s program.

The Growing Opportunity of Women of Wealth: Defining Strategies for Success

The Growing Opportunity of Women of Wealth: Defining Strategies for Success

This report examines the growing opportunity in the high-net-worth segment, shares proven tactics and methods that FSPs are already using to embrace this opportunity, and identifies the key building blocks of a successful strategy for serving women of wealth. Based on this qualitative research, as well as data the Financial Alliance for Women has compiled during more than 15 years of practice, we developed a blueprint for FSPs looking to effectively serve women of wealth.

Alliance InBrief: Life Moments

Life Moments:
A Strategy for Serving Women Throughout Their Lives

This InBrief report explores the life-moments strategy to segmenting and serving the Women’s Market, starting with mapping 10 of the most important moments in the lives of women. It highlights the experiences of four members of the Financial Alliance for Women in developing solutions that solve for specific life moments, their key recommendations and lessons learned.

Estudio de Caso: BancoEstado

Estudio de Caso:
BancoEstado

Como único banco público en el país, BancoEstado se maneja como un banco privado, con el mandato específico de entregar productos y servicios financieros a toda la población y contribuir a un país más inclusivo y equitativo. Este estudio de caso examina cómo el banco evolucionó desde la bancarización de las mujeres en Chile a el desarrollo de soluciones integrales para mujeres empresarias del país. (English version)

GBA Case Study: BancoEstado

GBA Case Study:
BancoEstado

As Chile’s only state-owned commercial bank, BancoEstado has a distinct mandate to deliver financial products and services to the entire population and contribute to a more inclusive and equal country. This Case Study looks at how the bank went from massifying access to financial services for women to unlocking the potential of women’s businesses.  (Version en español)

Gender Diversity Inclusion In Brief

Unlocking the Potential of the Women’s Market: The Gender Diversity & Inclusion Imperative

Unlocking the Potential of the Women’s Market: The Gender Diversity & Inclusion Imperative

This GBA InBrief explores the key benefits and challenges of implementing comprehensive gender D&I strategies, particularly as they relate to FSPs’ approaches to capturing the Women’s Market. It explores the experiences of GBA members in their journeys to become both an employer and a bank of choice for women, and provides key recommendations for FSPs seeking to embark on similar journeys.

IFC Bank of Palestine Evaluation

Evaluation Report: Bank of Palestine Strengthens Women-Owned Businesses and the Economy

Evaluation Report: Bank of Palestine Strengthens Women-Owned Businesses and the Economy

This evaluation report highlights the business results and lessons learned from IFC’s partnership with Bank of Palestine and its Felestineya Women’s Market program.

Powering Potential

Powering Potential: Increasing Women’s Access to Financial Products and Services

Powering Potential: Increasing Women’s Access to Financial Products and Services

This report, a companion to BNY Mellon and the UN Foundation’s Return on Equality publication, shines a spotlight on the opportunity to realize gains — in both gender equality and market returns — by increasing women’s financial inclusion around the world. The goal of the report is to inspire financial services providers to design and market products and services that fuel women’s full economic participation, and to encourage investors to steer their capital toward such companies.

GBA Case Study BHD León

Estudio de Caso: Banco BHD León

Estudio de Caso: Banco BHD León

El estudio de caso de Banco BHD León, un banco de prácticas óptimas en la República Dominicana, explora la transformación del banco a un modelo de negocios basado en la inteligencia de género lo que ha impulsado un sólido crecimiento en el segmento mujer.  BHD León ha podido crecer su base de clientas en todos los segmentos significantivamente. (English version)

Andy Lopata GBA Summit 2017 Networking

The Power of Effective Networking – Video

The Power of Effective Networking

Whether for new business generation, individual career development or simply getting the job done, networking is a vital tool for business. Yet so few people take a strategic approach to it. At the 2017 GBA Summit, networking specialist Andy Lopata shared key insights on the power of networking, how men and women have different networking styles, and what networking means for building banks’ business. This video recaps his presentation.

GBA Case Study: NatWest

GBA Case Study: NatWest

The fifth in the GBA’s Case Study series on best practice banks features Women in Business champion NatWest, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland. The bank has found great success through its ability to leverage partners in the ecosystem to deliver real value to its women clients.

GBA Case Study BHD León

GBA Case Study: Banco BHD León

GBA Case Study: Banco BHD León

This Case Study on GBA best practice bank in the Dominican Republic Banco BHD León explores how the bank’s transformation of its business model to become more gender intelligent has propelled strong business growth. As a result of its efforts, BHD León has grown its women customer base by double or triple digits across all segments. (Version en español)

Winning the Women's Market

Research Matrix: BLC Bank Sample Criteria

Research Matrix: BLC Bank Sample Criteria

BLC Bank conducted qualitative market research through two rounds of focus groups in collaboration with the IFC and a local market research company. The research matrix and questionnaire were designed by the IFC, based on BLC Bank recommendations. The market research company was responsible for identifying and recruiting respondents using the pre-defined matrix, ensuring their presence at the meeting and transcribing the findings.

HBL Gender Intelligence Training

HBL – Gender Intelligence Training

HBL – Gender Intelligence Training

The Gender Intelligence training HBL implemented was intended to turn branches into a safe space for women and help bank employees serve them better. The training counterbalances stereotypes through data, statistics and best practices from other markets in order for all employees to understand and recognize the business case for targeting women, the CVP and individual and organizational gender biases.

Winning the Women's Market How-To 2.0

Winning the Women’s Market | Module 2

Winning the Women’s Market | Module 2

 

How Banks Can Profit from the Multi-Trillion Dollar
Female Economy

This groundbreaking report from the GBA, with support from McKinsey & Company, reveals four key myths banks believe about women and how they use banking services.

How Banks Can Profit from the Multi-Trillion Dollar Female Economy

 

The Paradox of Gender-Neutral Banking

Assuming that gender differences that exist in the world outside the bank disappear when people walk through the door has resulted in high levels of dissatisfaction from one of the world’s most powerful economic forces: women.

The Paradox of Gender-Neutral Banking

 

Research Matrix: BLC Bank Sample Criteria

BLC Bank conducted qualitative market research through two rounds of focus groups in collaboration with the IFC and a local market research company. The research matrix and questionnaire were designed by the IFC, based on BLC Bank recommendations. The market research company was responsible for identifying and recruiting respondents using the pre-defined matrix, ensuring their presence at the meeting and transcribing the findings.

BLC Bank Logo

 


Westpac: Living Longer, Retiring Alone

Women tend to outlive their spouses, and they will need money as they exit the workforce. It is important for women to start thinking about that. This video shows how Westpac can help in saving for retirement.

Westpac - Living Longer Retiring Alone

 

BLC Bank: Women in Managerial Positions

Companies with women in managerial positions do better. This video shows some common stereotypes BLC Bank has found about women in managerial positions in Lebanon.

BLC - Women in Management

 

BLC Bank: The Easy Life of the Housewife

This video shows common misconceptions BLC Bank has uncovered about how people view housewives in Lebanon.

BLC Bank Video The Easy Life of the Housewife

 

Bridging the Entrepreneurship Gender Gap: The Power of Networks

The specific focus of this report by BCG is on the importance of social capital for the success of female entrepreneurs. The framework in this report provides a starting point for designing effective professional networks.

Bridging the Entrepreneurship Gender Gap: The Power of Networks

 

 

WeConnect: Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Resources

WEConnect International has developed a set of resources to help companies assess their global supplier diversity and inclusion programs and identify potential areas for improvement.

Supplier Diversity & Inclusion

 

Banco BHD León: Women Who Change the World Awards

This video highlights the first winner of the Women Who Change the World Awards, which recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of women working to make a difference in the Dominican Republic.

Celida Luis Women Who Change the World Awards

 

BLC Bank: Brilliant Lebanese Awards

In order to enhance brand awareness and establish BLC Bank as the bank of reference for SMEs and women (two strategic axes for the Bank), and support SMEs, BLC Bank developed the Brilliant Lebanese Awards.

BLC Bank Video Brilliant Lebanese Awards 2016

 

Westpac: 100 Women of Influence

Westpac’s annual Women of Influence Awards recognizes and celebrates a diverse group of women. This video shows some highlights from the celebratory event in 2015.

Westpac Video 100 Women of Influence Awards 2015

 

Harnessing the Power of the Purse

CTI finds that tapping the power of the purse depends on correcting industry misperceptions about female investors and an industry tendency to perceive women as a monolithic market. Geography, generation, source of wealth, and asset level are all factors affecting how women perceive wealth and arrive at decisions about its allocation.

CTI Harnessing the Power of the Purse

 

 

TEB: Women Banking

TEB’s Women Banking program developed an advertising campaign to showcase why the bank supports women-owned and women-led SMEs in Turkey.

 

TEB Women Banking Video

 

Banco BHD León: Mujer Abran Paso

When launching its Women’s Market program, BHD León launched an advertising campaign aimed at positioning it as the Bank of Choice for Women in the Dominican Republic. The campaign was based on the premise of empowering women as individuals and transmitting a message that the bank believes in them.

BHD León Comercial Mujer - Abran Paso

 

 

Calculating the Return on Investment of market research is difficult, although your bank’s corporate affairs or community relations teams will have methods. Examples of this value can be found in the below two reports.

 

Westpac: Women’s Insurance Survey Value Report

westpac-logo-transparent

 

Westpac: Women’s Market Clips and Estimated Added Value

Westpac: Retail/Branches

Winning the Women's Market How-To 2.0

Winning the Women’s Market | Module 3

Winning the Women’s Market | Module 3

 

When Women Thrive: Financial Services Perspective

Mercer’s “When Women Thrive, Businesses Thrive” global report is the most comprehensive look at women in the workplace, covering responses from 583 companies across 42 countries, including data on 3.2 million employees. In this market report, Mercer shares specific data and insights that organizations in the financial services industry can use to map their own journeys to greater gender diversity.

When Women Thrive 2016 Mercer

 

 

Chief Executive Women Case Study: Westpac

This CEW Case Study on Westpac looks at the bank’s history of promoting women in the workplace and how it became the first of Australia’s largest companies to appoint a woman as CEO.

Westpac CEW Case Study

 

 

Westpac – Connecting Women

This video was shown in bank branches to describe Westpac’s Women’s Market Division, including its rationale, activities and results. It stresses the value-driven nature of relationship banking with women (trust, loyalty) and includes customer testimonials.

Westpac Connecting Women Video

 

We Initiative – BLC Bank

BLC Bank’s We Initiative targets women in their plurality, seeking to find solutions for their challenges and concerns and aiming to unleash their potential. This video introduces the program.

BLC Bank Video We Initiative

 

 

HBL: Gender Intelligence Training

The Gender Intelligence training HBL implemented was intended to turn branches into a safe space for women and help bank employees serve them better. The training counterbalances stereotypes through data, statistics and best practices from other markets in order for all employees to understand and recognize the business case for targeting women, the CVP and individual and organizational gender biases.

HBL Gender Intelligence Training

Winning the Women's Market How-To 2.0

Winning the Women’s Market | Module 4

Winning the Women’s Market | Module 4

 

GBA Case Study: Westpac

This case study, the first in the GBA’s series, focuses on founding bank Westpac, which has long focused on the female economy as a critical pathway to long-term success.

Westpac Case Study

 

 

Westpac’s Net Promoter Scorecard

The net promoter score (NPS) used by Westpac measures customer advocacy, defined as the willingness of customers to recommend the bank to family, friends and colleagues.