From Participants to Power-Holders: VersaFi Initiates a Study on Women in Finance’s Risk-Taking Roles

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Canada’s largest network of women, allies, and leading finance sector organizations dedicated to advancing women in finance, VersaFi has initiated a study on the factors that influence how women pursue, navigate and advance careers in principal risk-taking roles.

Despite talent and ambition, women remain significantly underrepresented in power-holding positions in this field. VersaFi’s initiative will provide a roadmap for financial institutions to bridge this gap.

“Attracting and retaining talent in high-stakes risk-taking roles is no longer a goal; it is a strategic imperative for the resilience of Canada’s financial sector,” said Tanya van Biesen, President & CEO of VersaFi. “We are digging deep into the unique mechanics of risk-taking environments to ensure that talented women are not only participating in the market but they are leading it. Our goal is to provide firms with the insights and tools to turn ambition into senior-level advancement.”

This project aims to propose actionable, industry-wide solutions that empower women to enter, stay, and lead in financial risk-taking careers, in spite of the barriers that exist to progression.

The project findings are slated to be released in 2027.

This project is supported by JPMorganChase.

About VersaFi
VersaFi is a national, non-profit organization focused on elevating women in the finance sector to advance prosperity for all. Founded in 1995 as Women in Capital Markets (WCM), the organization rebranded in 2024, as VersaFi.

As Canada’s largest network of women, allies, and leading finance sector organizations, we champion talent at every stage of the career journey: empowering individuals and shaping leaders; transforming individual success into industry-wide impact; and advancing a stronger, more competitive finance sector for all.

Our community has grown to 4,400+ members and 55+ corporate partners across the country representing the finance sector across banks, dealers, insurance companies, pension plans, regulatory agencies, exchanges, and advisory firms. To learn more or to become a member, visit www.versafi.ca.