Inaugural Council Initiated as Part of the Center for Financial Markets’ DEI in Asset Management Initiative

Today, the Milken Institute’s Center for Financial Markets (CFM) announced the launch of the DEI in Asset Management Executive Council. Following the recent establishment of the DEI in Asset Management initiative, the council will convene leaders across the industry to create action-oriented solutions and industry standards to collectively improve diversity and promote inclusive cultures within asset management institutions for women and Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). Carlyle is the inaugural underwriter of the initiative and will host the initial council convening event to align on goals and strategy on March 31.

The members of the council represent leading asset management firms, academic institutions and foundations including: 

•    Apollo Global Management
•    Ares Management Corporation
•    Brightstar Capital Partners
•    California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS)
•    Carlyle
•    Columbia Investment Management Company 
•    Davidson Kempner Capital Management 
•    EJF Capital LLC
•    Georgetown University - McDonough School of Business 
•    Girls Who Invest 
•    Howard University 
•    Lafayette Square 
•    Palladium Equity Partners, LLC
•    Teacher Retirement System of Texas 
•    Trident 
•    Vista Equity Partners 
•    W.K. Kellogg Foundation 
•    Xponance

As of this announcement, council members are still being added.

“Our new council of thought leaders will focus on identifying and addressing impediments to both sourcing diverse talent at all levels and investing in asset management firms with diverse founders,” said Blair C. Smith, senior director of the Milken Institute Center for Financial Markets. "We are pleased to partner with Carlyle and some of the key players in this space. We are all very intentional in our commitment to change."

With the establishment of this Advisory Council, the DEI in Asset Management Initiative will:

• Research metrics and processes for tracking industry activities, outputs, and outcomes 

• Create a baseline measurement of current industry standards 

• Develop an evidence-based public policy agenda 

To learn more about the initiative or join, please visit our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Asset Management website page.