THETRADETECH DAILY THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF TRADETECH 2021
How can asset managers adapt recruitment programmes to increase diversity across the trading desk ? Asset managers and firms need to be intentional and thoughtful in implementing programmes aimed at diversifying the candidate pools and interview slates during the recruitment process . At PIMCO , our recruiting process is continuously innovating so that each part of the pipeline enhances our ability to attract , develop and interview top , diverse prospects .
In 2018 , PIMCO launched Diversity Now and Always ( DNA ), a multi-year recruiting strategy that incorporates inclusion and diversity best practices . Specifically for more senior positions , we continue to brainstorm and incubate ideas to drive greater diversity in the candidate pool such as market mapping and talent database initiatives , in partnership with our candidate developers .
It is also important for us to mitigate unconscious bias . At PIMCO , we seek to assemble diverse interview panels by developing ‘ assessment teams ’, we build recruiter checkpoints at each stage of the search and interview process , we leverage our employee resource group leaders to partner on referrals of diverse talent as well as to engage diverse talent throughout the interview process by broadening the interviewer slate .
Finally , in order to build diversity in candidate pools we need to focus on building the industry pipeline of future talent in underrepresented areas . We recognise that newer generations have a wide selection of industries to choose from to start their professional careers . At PIMCO we undertake deliberate efforts to influence the choice of asset management as an industry with a rich diversity of potential career paths and experiences through PIMCO ’ s Career Exploration Program ( CEP ) and partnerships with Girls Who Invest and UpReach aimed at providing mentorship and learning opportunities to women and minorities .
What themes do you expect will be most talked about at this year ’ s TradeTech conference ? The paradigm shift that we have witnessed in our industry and the global workforce overall due to the pandemic has drastically changed the way we work , live and learn . The technology innovations to support remote working conditions for trading floors have opened many doors in terms of exciting recruitment and retention possibilities , especially in the face of fierce competition for top talent .
I expect many of the topics of TradeTech 2020 to expand and focus on the future composition of trading desks now that those doors are open and how diverse teams along with innovative technology and data utilisation can further support better execution frameworks and investment decisions .
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