Profiles of key women’s networks in Australia

Professional networks play a central role in promoting the role of women in capital markets. They offer support, mentoring, advice and connections to individuals while also promoting female voices externally, including in the media and other public forums. KangaNews has collated and is sharing information on some of the most influential network groups active in the Australian capital market today.

100 Women in Finance

100 Women in Finance is a global finance industry organisation with more than 15,000 members, operating in 26 locations on four continents. Core member services are industry education, peer networks and impact opportunities. The current strategic priorities include the Investing in the Next Generation initiatives and elevating the public visibility of female investment professionals and women in senior fintech roles.

CFA Societies Australia

CFA Societies Australia comprises associations – based in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth – of local investment professionals engaged in a wide variety of roles. These include corporate finance, portfolio management, security analysis and investment advice.

Chief Executive Women

Founded in 1985, Chief Executive Women now represents more than 650 of Australia’s most senior and distinguished women leaders across business, academia, government, and the arts and not-for-profit sectors. CEW is an Australian member association with a national membership and state chapter chairs in all five Australian mainland states and the Australian Capital Territory.

Women in Banking and Finance

Women in Banking and Finance is a not-for-profit membership association aimed at increasing the representation of female leaders in the banking and finance sector.

Women in Economics Network

The Women in Economics Network was created in 2017 to promote and support the careers of female economists in Australia. Its scope spans the public and private sectors, academia and education.

Women in Private Placements

Women in Private Placements comprises a global network of industry participants from institutional investors, bankers, lawyers and corporate issuers.

Women in Securitisation

Women in Securitisation is a standing subcommittee of the Australian Securitisation Forum. It seeks to assist in the growth and success of the securitisation industry, particularly in relation to the contribution women can make.

Women in Super

With 4,000 members nationally, Women in Super is a not-for-profit organisation that works to improve women’s retirement outcomes by advocating for a super system void of gender-based inequality. This is done by working with government, unions, employer organisations, regulators and superannuation funds to campaign for a fairer super system by representing the voice of women in superannuation.

Women in Sustainable Finance

Women in Sustainable Finance is a networking group based in Australia supporting diversity in sustainable finance. The group provides networking, educational and leadership opportunities to women and men progressing their careers in the sustainable-finance sector.

Women in Treasury

The Women in Treasury network was founded in 2015 in Melbourne and was followed by the establishment of a branch in Sydney in 2018. The networks are managed separately but with some crossover always welcome when members are travelling.

Women on Boards

Women on Boards has been working since 2006 to address gender inequity in the boardroom and across leadership roles. The network is a recognised leader in the ecosystem of organisations and networks promoting and supporting women. It is dedicated to breaking down barriers to entry into leadership and onto boards. WOB operates physically in Australia and the UK.