Women are legitimate in having ambitions in the banking world’

October 20, 2023

‘I joined Crédit Agricole Group in 1998 through its global Wealth Management brand, Indosuez Wealth Management in Europe, headquartered in Luxembourg, as a tax lawyer. My journey within the group, from a junior position to a business line manager, has been particularly rewarding and led me to join the Indosuez Europe executive committee in 2019. My career path is not an exception as a woman within Indosuez, far from it. For several years, gender diversity in the workforce has been a priority for the Group. Currently, a very significant portion of the total revenue generated across Indosuez’s offerings is managed by women, namely real estate, asset management (Paris), advisory services (Monaco), and wealth structuring and financing (Luxembourg).

The diversity and inclusion policy implemented at Indosuez is proving its worth on the field, above its intentions. Several key actions were carried out to strengthen women's leadership. Among them, internal mentoring has been established. It involves the creation of pairs between an executive manager and a female collaborator, identified as having high development potential by her manager. The aim is to support these experienced employees in pursuing their professional careers with ease, and in line with their desires. This also gives them the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Group’s businesses. This year, a 3rd promotion of women will be supported. Furthermore, a development programme dedicated to women at the beginning of their careers also enables them to gain confidence and work towards their ambitions.

In Luxembourg, Indosuez signed the ‘Women in Finance’ charter of the Ministry of Finance, to promote diversity, equality and inclusion in the banking sector. The proactive actions of the Indosuez Group are recognized in the industry, as several awards have been bestowed by professionals in the sector in Europe, Asia and Switzerland.

The group's drive to act in the interest of society extends beyond the actions carried out for employees. In Luxembourg, external mentoring for women has been renewed as part of our CSR policy. In partnership with the association Dress for Success, Indosuez employees assist other women in achieving economic independence by guiding them back into the workplace through coaching sessions. Job-seeking techniques, the reality of the job market, passing on experience and professional codes are at the heart of the exchanges.

Additionally, female entrepreneurship has been celebrated. In France, the bank has partnered with the WILLA incubator to support French-speaking women wishing to develop innovative projects.

At Indosuez, particular attention is given to equal treatment between men and women. For example, some female employees were able to access key positions even as they were about to go on parental leave, allowing them to evolve and take on responsibilities within the Group. Women interested in a career in the banking sector should not limit their ambitions. On the contrary, I would say that they have a rightful place, as diversity of perspectives is a driving force for business development. It is now possible to balance a career, to make decisive contribution to a company’s growth, to motivate large and multicultural teams, without sacrificing your personal life. ‘

By Sophie Champenois, Global Head of Wealth Structuring and Financing at Indosuez Wealth Management •  October 20, 2023

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