Boston, MA – November 1, 2021 – Nicsa announced the election of seven new Committee Chairs who will each help support the nonprofit’s work to advance leading practices within the global asset management industry.

Nicsa supports a variety of committees that are open to all employees of member firms, providing an excellent opportunity for all divisions, all departments, and all levels of management to participate in the development of industry solutions across myriad business lines. View full list of Nicsa Committees here.

Committee Chairs are the visionaries responsible for establishing and tracking the mission of Nicsa Committees, as well as presiding over activities and content generation. Committee members include asset managers, broker dealers, custodian banks, transfer agents, and other professional service firms including audit, tax, law, technology, marketing, and compliance professionals.

 

The list of elected Chairs include:

 

Alternative Investments Committee

Dawn Rohde, Wells Fargo Advisors

 

Diversity Project North America | Benchmarking Committee

Jordan Lopez, Payden & Rygel

 

Diversity Project North America | CEO Advisory Council

Thomas Arnold, EY

 

Diversity Project North America | Industry Engagement Committee

Maggie Klimentova, Russell Investments

 

Fund Administration Committee

Victoria McGowan, JP Morgan

 

Product & Distribution Committee

Alaina Giampapa, Natixis

 

Unclaimed Property Committee

LeeAnn Dionne, SS&C

 

“We are proud to work with these new Committee Chairs, who bring valued insights and expertise to advancing best practices within the asset management industry. We also recognize the dedicated professionals that are rolling off of Committee appointments and thank them for their instrumental efforts in advancing our mission,” said Jim Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of Nicsa. 

 

In recognition of past service:

Justine Bullion – Diversity Project Benchmarking Committee

Dan Houlihan – Diversity Project CEO Advisory Council

Marah Marshal – Alternative Investments Committee

Tracy Olsen – Unclaimed Property Committee

David Whitaker – Product & Distribution Committee 

About Nicsa 

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices.  For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.

Nicsa aims to help firms operating in all segments of the global asset management industry meet the changing needs of their clients by aligning and educating industry participants through formal education programs, interactive forums, networking opportunities, and initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America. The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.

###

#PressRelease

 

​​

Nicsa’s Annual DEI Perception Study, Prepared with EY, Identifies Authenticity Gaps and Offers Actionable Tips

Asset management industry participants perceive high adoption of DEI importance; however, navigating path to measurable results presents challenges and opportunities.


Boston, MA – October 12, 2021– Despite a high level of acceptance of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, perceptions of meaningful progress fell below personal expectations from asset management industry participants. While firms across the industry made headway on increasing awareness and battling bias, many face continued challenges in addressing important areas of focus, including transparency, talent attraction and retention, and creating a shared corporate culture, according to Nicsa’s Annual DEI Perception Study.

The Study, an in-depth report offered by Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America, was released to registrants of the 2021 Nicsa General Membership Meeting on October 8. The 2021 report, prepared with Diversity Project member Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), explores insights on the perception of progress in the asset management industry and presents actionable tips on how to advance DEI within organizations. On the Clock, Advancing DEI in the Asset Management Industry is now available to the public via a fully accessible landing page.

Nicsa’s 2nd annual DEI Perception Study found that the asset management industry is on the clock to turn their commitments into meaningful, targeted actions that will drive progress. Jim Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of Nicsa, notes that it is not surprising that asset management participants across management levels expressed that we are not yet where we need to be on DEI given the stark examples of social injustice and inequality that transpired in 2020 and into 2021. The Study results highlighted the value of committed resources, executive level support, action-oriented training, professional development opportunities, and data collection and reporting as key factors for accelerating DEI in the most challenging of landscapes.

Analysis of the 2021 data led to eight key takeaways, each deeply explored in the Study.

 
The complete Study is available at nicsa.org/DEIReport.

“There are a number of reasons why DEI is critical to our industry’s success, but forging business relationships and building investor trust are near the top of the list. Given that trust is built on corporate culture, asset managers can’t afford to neglect the transformation that is needed,” said Fitzpatrick. “Now is the time for firms across the industry to critically examine the trends and ideas identified in our 2021 DEI Perception Study, which have the potential to benefit asset managers, their employees, and investors alike.”

“EY is proud to join forces with Nicsa on the 2021 DEI Perception Study. The opportunity to evolve the industry’s corporate culture and environment is paramount,” said Thomas Arnold, a Partner in EY Wealth and Asset Management Consulting. “The Asset Management industry must come together to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the business in order to realize long-term success and the commitments of our collective stakeholders.”

About the Study:

Thematic year-over-year trend analysis uncovered the following changes in individuals’ perceptions:

 

 A webinar program is planned for November 3 that will explore these trends and more. To register, click here.

Those interested in joining the asset management industry’s mission to accelerate diversity, equity and inclusion should reach out to Justine Phoenix, Head of Diversity Project North America at Nicsa.  

About Nicsa

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices.  For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.

Nicsa aims to help firms operating in all segments of the global asset management industry meet the changing needs of their clients by aligning and educating industry participants through formal education programs, interactive forums, networking opportunities, and initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America. The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, strategy, transaction and consulting services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

#PressRelease

Boston, MA – October 6, 20201 – Nicsa announced at its 2021 General Membership Meeting the election of six new members to its Board of Directors.

 

The new Board members are as follows:

Ryan Burns | Northern Trust

Ken Cawley | Goldman Sachs

Lisa Goulemas | Fidelity

Kirsten Pickens | FS Investments

Steve Rueschhoff | Edward Jones

Cindy Schreiner | RBC

 

Commenting on the appointments, Nicsa President & CEO Jim Fitzpatrick said, “We are so pleased to welcome such high caliber individuals, representing some of the industry’s leading firms, to drive our mission of advancing leading practices in the global asset management community.”

 

Scott Brady, Head of US Product Development & Strategy at Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Chairman of Nicsa’s Board of Directors continued, “The ability to attract these highly engaged and talented executives to the Nicsa board from across functional verticals underscores the Association’s breadth and depth in the industry.”

 

The following Board members’ terms were elected for a second term :

David Whitaker | Foreside Financial

Stacy Bernstein | American Century

Mark Lavan | Legg Mason

 

The full list of elected officers on the Nicsa Executive Committee include:

Scott Brady (Chair) | Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Stacy Bernstein (Vice Chair) | American Century Investments

Janet Bienkowski | MFS

Lisa Halbach | Bank of America/Merrill Lynch

Josh Lovell | State Street

Irene Speridakos | BNY Mellon

Dave Whitaker | Foreside

 

View full list of Nicsa board members here.

About Nicsa 

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices.  For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.

Nicsa aims to help firms operating in all segments of the global asset management industry meet the changing needs of their clients by aligning and educating industry participants through formal education programs, interactive forums, networking opportunities, and initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America. The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.

#PressRelease

 

​​

Boston, MA – September 20, 2021 – Nicsa, leading provider of education and networking forums to professionals in the global asset management industry, announces the keynote speaker for its 2021 General Membership Meeting to take place on October 6-8.

“High-caliber, dynamic speakers are a critical component of Nicsa’s national conferences, providing attendees a tremendous opportunity for new information on critical topics that are important to all of us - both personally and professionally.” says Nicsa President & CEO Jim Fitzpatrick.

The GMM will kick off on Wednesday October 6 with a keynote presentation by Kate O’Neill, Founder of KO Insights, Author of Tech Humanist, and early employee at Netflix. Her address, How Data and Technology Shape the Future of Meaningful Human Experiences, will help attendees prepare for an increasingly tech-driven future with a better understanding of the human impact of emerging technologies. View session overview here.

The three-day conference will focus on how firms across the industry will leverage innovation to adapt, survive, and thrive in the near and long-term. The opening session will feature Sharon Epperson, Senior Personal Finance Correspondent, CNBC, who will help our audience gain perspectives from C-Suite executives on issues such as technology adoption, product development and innovation across business verticals.

In all, 25+ industry experts will take the stage at the 2021 Nicsa General Membership Meeting, with active engagement across nine sessions headed by Nicsa members, sponsors, and partners helping connect asset management professionals to industry best practices. View speakers here.

 

Day 1 - Oct 6 | The Big Picture

How Data and Technology Shape the Future of Meaningful Human Experiences

C-Suite Roundtable: Architects of Innovation

How to Enhance Advantage and Create Value

 

Day 2 - Oct 7 | Product, Distribution and Wealth Management

The Age of Product Development: Private vs. Public

The Evolution of Relationship Management

Building Relevance & Trust

 

Day 3 - Oct 8 | The Workplace and Workforce Horizon

Digital Innovation Summit Preview

Government Affairs & Capital Market Outlook

Journey to 2022 and Beyond: Workforces and Workplaces

 

View the full agenda here.

 

About Nicsa 

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices.  For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.

 

Nicsa aims to help firms operating in all segments of the global asset management industry meet the changing needs of their clients by aligning and educating industry participants through formal education programs, interactive forums, networking opportunities, and initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America. The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.

#PressRelease
#FeaturedEvent
 

​​​

Boston, MA – September 8, 2021 – The third-annual Women in Asset Management Award Series (US Edition), presented by DiversityQ, has chosen Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America as 2021 DEI Initiative of the Year. Contestants for this award category were judged based on their initiative’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, its impact on their firm and/or industry, and the overall results achieved. 

More than 200 individuals from across the asset management industry were nominated for the award series. 119 finalists were selected, with the shortlist including Nicsa’s own Jim Fitzpatrick and Kelly Sherrard for the categories Male Ally of the Year and Financial Inclusion & Engagement Leader of the Year, respectively.

“DIversity Project North America is honored to be recognized for the efforts and achievement of the work of our volunteers, and the time, passion, and commitment involved in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry,” said Justine Phoenix, Head of Diversity Project North America, who accepted the award on behalf of Nicsa. 

“2021’s DEI Initiative of the Year (Diversity Project North America) has ... had immense impact across multiple firms in the industry, with asset managers and service providers working collaboratively. It is truly intersectional in its objectives, acknowledging the differing inclusion needs of women, people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, those with disabilities, and much more. This amazing initiative willingly shares best practices with thousands of recipients to truly and authentically improve diversity, equity and inclusion across the board” said one of the judges.

To learn more about Diversity Project North America and the other 2021 winners and finalists, please visit https://womeninassetmanagement.uk/usa/

About the Women in Asset Management Award Series

The Women in Asset Management Award initiatives, presented by DiversityQ, showcases professionals from across the country who are striving for more ethical and responsible investment decisions, and promoting the importance of a more inclusive sector.

DiversityQ is part of Bonhill Group Plc, a leading, AIM-quoted, B2B global media company, delivering cutting-edge analysis, insight, networking and data for financial services and business solutions communities. 

About Nicsa and Diversity Project North America

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices.  For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.

Nicsa aims to help firms operating in all segments of the global asset management industry meet the changing needs of their clients by aligning and educating industry participants through formal education programs, interactive forums, networking opportunities, and initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America. The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.

#DiversityandInclusion
#DiversityProject
#PressRelease
#PR-DiversityandInclusion​​​​

Boston, MA – August 9, 2021 – InvestmentNews has recognized Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America as a 2021 Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards finalist. Diversity Project North America, along with 15 other firms and initiatives, were chosen from more than 120 nominations by a committee of InvestmentNews representatives and judges from the advice business. Diversity Project North America was recognized for its ability to inspire others from diverse backgrounds to join, flourish and bring their true selves to the financial services industry.

 

InvestmentNews is proud to introduce the fourth annual Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion recognition program. It aims to tell the story of individuals and firms using their success, leadership skills, and willingness to implement and advocate for diversity and inclusion within the financial advisory industry.

 

“The initiatives highlighted by these honored firms serve as examples of what businesses within the financial advice industry should be striving for when it comes to creating a diverse and inclusive culture,” said Liz Skinner, special projects editor of InvestmentNews.

 

Diversity Project North America, along with the other firms, initiatives, and individuals making the fourth annual Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion list, is highlighted in the Aug. 9 issue of InvestmentNews and online at dandiIN.com.

 

To learn more about Diversity Project North America and the other 2021 winners and finalists, please visit dandiIN.com.

 

About InvestmentNews

InvestmentNews is the leading source for news, analysis and information essential to the financial advisory community. Since 1998, our standard of editorial excellence and deep industry knowledge has allowed us to educate, inform and engage the most influential financial advisers. Through a weekly newspaper, website, newsletters, research, events, videos, webcasts and podcasts, InvestmentNews provides exclusive and up-to-the-minute news, as well as actionable intelligence, that empowers financial advisers to serve their clients and run their businesses more effectively whenever, however and wherever they need it.

The InvestmentNews headquarters are located in New York, with an office in Washington D.C.

InvestmentNews is part of Bonhill Group Plc.

 

About Nicsa and Diversity Project North America

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices.  For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.

 

Nicsa aims to help firms operating in all segments of the global asset management industry meet the changing needs of their clients by aligning and educating industry participants through formal education programs, interactive forums, networking opportunities, and initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America. The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.

#PressRelease 
#DiversityandInclusion
#DiversityProject
#PR-DiversityandInclusion

###​​​​

Among the many devastating effects of the ongoing pandemic is a disheartening rise in harassment and attacks on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

 

The nonprofit organization Stop AAPI Hate — which tracks incidents of hate and discrimination against the AAPI community in the U.S. — saw an increase in reports from 3,795 to 6,603 during March 2021 alone.

 

The healing of racial wounds begins with honest and often uncomfortable conversations. Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America fostered such a dialogue during a recent event focusing on the AAPI community’s experience within the asset management industry. Nicsa and Diversity Project North America members can access the replay here.

 

“The AAPI community is very diverse, so by no means can we speak on behalf of all AAPI,” cautioned York Lo, Head of Institutional and Retirement Product Development at John Hancock. “But myself and the panelists agree that we are bringing our unique experiences and our authentic selves to the conversation.”

 

Lo moderated the panel, which also featured industry leaders from American Century and Northern Trust Global Advisors, Inc.

 

Addressing the AAPI Leadership Gap

 

Panelists agreed that across industries, AAPI professionals are relatively well represented in terms of independent, analytical roles. But the same cannot be said about the executive level.

 

“The asset management industry is so diverse — there’s so much intelligence, academia, personality — but when you’re talking about that proverbial glass ceiling, yes, it absolutely exists for the AAPI community,” said Alice Fang, President and CEO at Northern Trust Global Advisors, Inc. “Society has this view of Asians as the model minority — we’re hard-working, intelligent, independent, and prosperous. But nowhere in that description do we hear anything about leadership.”

 

Wayne Park, SVP, Personal Financial Solutions at American Century, spoke to finding and using one’s voice.

 

“You want to have merit, of course, but not wait for that merit to speak for itself,” he said. “Letting those with decision-making power know of your ambition and what you would like to pursue is important. Don’t ask for permission; ask with persuasion authentic to who you are. And do it with conviction. You have to believe your own argument.”

 

Fang recommended nurturing a sense of curiosity about what other people in the industry do for a living and the challenges they face.

 

“It’s about getting out of your comfort zone,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Asian or otherwise — we all get stuck in our comfort zones. It’s human nature. Taking chances is critical.”

 

As recent events increase the visibility of AAPI discrimination, Park said it’s important that the community move beyond simple coping.

 

“The word ‘coping’ assumes you’re yielding, at that’s a change we have to make,” he said. “You shouldn’t have to quickly cope. Yes, it’s important. Yes, you need to process it. But you shouldn’t have to accept it.”

 

Fang agreed. “That’s why this conversation is important,” she said. “When you have the time to reflect, that’s when you realize you’ve endured more than you think.”

 

She said that the discrimination she’s experienced within the AAPI community tends to be subtle in terms of being treated dismissively or even excluded by people. Part of the solution, she said, involves standing up and saying, ‘I belong.’

 

“One way to do that is to pay it forward — be a mentor, be a voice, be a leader, and create pathways for individuals at different stages of their careers,” Fang said.

 

Industrywide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Efforts

 

“From our firm’s perspective, DE&I is really top-down and bottom-up in terms of a practice,” Fang said. “And it is very much about practicing. Our corporate culture ensures that we really engage at all levels of the organization through things like employee resource groups across the global footprint.”

 

The company also embeds DE&I in its investment practices, such as working with minority-owned brokerages and suppliers. Recruitment is also critical.

 

“Part of diversity the workforce is ensuring that people know there are careers in this industry that are accessible to them. To that end, we work with many organizations in our communities to drive DE&I from the start.”

 

Parks said he’s excited about the recent developments in DE&I at his firm, such as the appointment of a new head of talent and diversity.

 

“The next evolution for American Century and all of us is to take the good energy that has been awakened during the past few years and go beyond discussion and engagement — channeling that, deliberately, into the outcome you want. The outcomes is fairly straightforward — that each person feels like they can contribute, perform based on their abilities, and be recognized without the structural limitations of race, gender, sexual orientation, and age.”

#DiversityProject
#DiversityandInclusion 

​​

Boston, MA – June 16, 2021 – Nicsa is pleased to announce the winners of its Rising Star Program, a new mentorship and awards program aimed at providing networking and career development opportunities to diverse, aspiring leaders in the asset management industry. Read “Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America Launches DEI Mentorship and Awards Program.”

 

Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America recognizes the importance of supporting emerging leaders by creating a program that not only provides recognition and exposure for diverse employees, but develops and hones the skills critical for retention and advancement of valued talent within the industry.

 

The Winners are:

 

  1. American Century Investments, Joyce Huang
  2. Amundi US Asset Management, Peng Jia
  3. Aon, Charles Kariuki
  4. Bank of America, Fay Xu
  5. BlackRock, John Yates
  6. BMO Global Asset Management, Lauren Conner
  7. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Courtney Dove
  8. Capital Group, Abdi Hussein
  9. CFA Institute, Carla Hallman
  10. Confluence, Shannelle Dawkins
  11. EY, Caitlin O’Grady
  12. Hartford Funds, Cindy Luan
  13. HSBC Global Asset Management, Sabaha Ahmed
  14. Janus Henderson Investors, Nirupaa Manoharan
  15. JPMorganChase, Elizabeth Poitras
  16. Nicsa, Kelly Sherrard
  17. Northern Trust, Dan Ngoy
  18. Payden & Rygel, Madyson Cassidy
  19. Penserra Securities, Anand Desai
  20. Russell Investments, Nazanin Rassouli
  21. Schroders, Autumn Graham
  22. SEI, Sara Baston
  23. SLC Management, Linda Kong Ting
  24. State Street Bank & Trust Company, Yandy Xiuyan Chen

 

 

 

Rising Stars were recognized at the Fearless Leadership Symposium, hosted by Nicsa's Diversity Project North America on June 16-17, 2021.

 

In addition, each Rising Star will receive career coaching via a nationally recognized leadership development program; networking opportunities with senior leaders from Nicsa member firms; and invitations to specialized inclusive leadership training.

 

The Rising Star Program, as part of the Fearless Leadership Symposium, is planned to be an annual program. Questions about the Program, the Symposium, or how to join the Diversity Project North America can be sent to [email protected]

 

About Diversity Project North America

The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.

 

About Nicsa 

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices.  For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.

###

#DiversityProject
#DiversityandInclusion
#PR-DiversityandInclusion
#PressRelease 

​​​​

Nicsa’s Fearless Leadership Symposium – the first and only national conference focusing solely on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) issues specific to the global asset management and fund industry – is set to take place June 16-17. The program will bring together senior business executives to explore how inclusive leadership can enhance productivity, promote growth, and impact the bottom line.

 

Attendees will hear from industry visionaries via powerful keynotes, interactive panel discussions, and succinct “Lightning Talks” aimed at empowering business leaders to “own” DEI issues and embed inclusion into the day-to-day fabric of how they run their businesses — ideals synonymous with Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America (DPNA).

 

Featured speakers include:

 

Sandy Bolton (Moderator)

Managing Director, Head of Managed Investments - Investment Solutions, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

 

Marc Brookman

Chief Executive Officer, Schroders North America

 

Mandell Crawley

Chief Human Resources Officer, Morgan Stanley

 

Sharon Epperson (Moderator)

Senior Personal Finance Correspondent, CNBC

 

George Gatch

Chief Executive Officer, J.P. Morgan Asset Management

 

Shelly Heier

President, Senior Consultant, Verus Investments

 

Kim Hyland (Moderator)

Managing Director, Head of US Relationship Management Team, MFS Investment Management

 

Lisa Jones

Head of the Americas, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amundi US, Inc.

 

Frieda Lewis

Chief Commercial Diversity Officer, Broadridge Financial Solutions

 

Jun Li

Co-Leader Americas Wealth & Asset Management Sector, EY

 

George Madrigal

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Penserra

 

Cassie McCarthy

Manager, EY’s Wealth and Asset Management Consulting Practice

 

Angela Miller-May

Chief Investment Officer, Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund

 

Kristi Mitchem

Chief Executive Officer, BMO Asset Management

 

Justine Phoenix (Moderator)

VP, Distribution & Broker Dealer Engagement, Head of Diversity Project North America, Nicsa

 

Hiren Shukla

Director - Automation & Innovation, Neuro-Diverse Center of Excellence, EY

 

Shundrawn Thomas

President, Northern Trust Asset Management

 

Sue Thompson

Head of Americas Distribution for SPDR ETFs, SSGA

 

Kavya Vaghul

Senior Director of Research, JUST Capital

 

Richard Weil

Chief Executive Officer, Janus Henderson Investors

 

George Wilbanks (Moderator)

Managing Partner, Wilbanks Partners, LLC

 

J. Womack

Managing Director - Investment Products and Services, SEI

 

Shawn T. Wooden

Connecticut State Treasurer

 

Paul Zettl

Head of Global Marketing, Chief Marketing Officer, Cohen & Steers

 

Click here to preview the two-day agenda, Registration for the event is at the firm level, with unlimited registrations per corporate pass. Check here to see if your firm is registered, or contact us to initiate a corporate registration.

#DiversityProject

Boston, MA – May 25, 2021 – Nicsa, a leading trade association dedicated to fostering dialogue and connecting all aspects of the global asset management industry, today announced the launch of a new committee as it further expands its reach across all business lines of the global industry: the Nicsa International Committee.

 

The Nicsa International Committee will provide a forum for discussion, and presentation of programs on, global issues affecting the fund industry and Nicsa’s membership. The committee will focus on issues such as distribution, regulation, trading and fund structures in both the U.S. and international markets and will provide support to Nicsa members that are looking to enter the U.S. from abroad or enter markets outside of the U.S.

 

The Committee is chaired by:

 

A vast array of firms across the asset management industry are represented on Nicsa committees including leading asset managers, broker dealers, custodian banks, transfer agents, and other professional service firms including audit, tax, law, technology, marketing, and compliance.

 

“Nicsa established the International Committee in order to build a platform for constructive networking and to provide a sounding board for best practices related to global industry issues. We’re excited to have a dedicated approach to international matters of interest to the Nicsa members.,” said Jim Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of Nicsa.

 

About Nicsa 

Nicsa is a not-for-profit trade association striving to connect all facets of the global asset management industry in order to develop, share, implement, and advance leading practices.  For over fifty years, Nicsa has promoted an open and collaborative environment, where members’ and partners’ deep expertise and unique perspectives have come together to help strategically implement and support the industry’s most vital issues. Click here for more information about membership.

 

Nicsa aims to help firms operating in all segments of the global asset management industry meet the changing needs of their clients by aligning and educating industry participants through formal education programs, interactive forums, networking opportunities, and initiatives such as the Diversity Project North America. The Diversity Project’s goal is to accelerate progress towards a diverse and inclusive culture in the asset management industry to deliver the best possible results for clients, reflect the society we serve, and ensure long-term business sustainability. Click here for more information on Nicsa’s Diversity Project North America initiative.

 

###

#PressRelease

 

Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

Website Design By Branophia LLC

LinkedIn IconMail Icon
magnifiercrossmenuchevron-down