Diversity in banking and finance 

To support the future of our sector, we run three programmes to attract more people from under-represented groups into banking and finance.

Female student writing in a classroom

Banking and finance has always been a fast-evolving sector, and is key to tackling some of the biggest challenges the world faces. That's one of the many reasons why financial services is such an interesting and exciting area to work in. But now, more than ever, the industry needs workforce diversity to generate fresh ideas and perspectives. 

If you're considering a career in financial services or as a banker – and you come from an under-represented background – we may be able to offer you additional support through one of our three dedicated programmes:

  • REACH – a series of free events, each targeted at a different demographic: women, mature learners and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds

  • STEPS, which offers support to students from under-represented backgrounds throughout their time studying with us, and  

  • the Mature Students Programme, which offers extra help to those who join us aged over 21. 

REACH

REACH is a programme of free events that offer insights into the world of banking and finance while highlighting some of the key diversity issues the industry faces. We encourage you to register for our next REACH event if you:

  • have a broad interest in finance, economics and banking
  • are considering studying for a degree
  • are interested in a career in banking and finance. 

We invite you to: 

  • join the conversation 

  • meet 'REACH champions' – people like you who are currently working in the industry – and hear about their experience, and 

  • learn how we can encourage change and promote diversity together. 


            

Find out more about our events and register to attend on our Events page.

If you have any questions about, or suggestions for REACH, please get in touch at outreach@libf.ac.uk. 

Daniel-Heger“Going from being a lorry driver to working in finance – I was making a huge transition. I eventually realised that it was only three years of my life and once they’d passed, I would have a degree and more opportunities.” 


Read Daniel’s story





Support To Enhance Performance and Success (STEPS) Programme

STEPS is a support for students from under-represented backgrounds and includes:
 
  • an invitation to a pre-enrolment day to meet key staff members to specifically help with the transition to higher education 
  • offer of a peer mentor who is a current student
  • an allocated programme support officer for regular support meetings
  • prioritisation for our nano placements in industry
  • a more flexible timetable for those with a known disability, carers or mature learners and
  • monitoring of attendance and progress. 

Listen to Jagdeep Rai, the Regional Director at HSBC, discussing career progression and diversity in financial services.  


The Mature Students Programme: Rewrite your future

If you’re aged 21 or above when you register with us, you’ll be eligible for extra support, including: 

  • scholarships available for five new students, each worth up to £1,500 
  • regular meetings with a member of the HE Programmes Team to support you with non-academic matters 
  • regular meetings with a member of the Faculty to give you extra academic advice and guidance 
  • support from our Library Team to help you improve your research, academic writing and referencing skills 
  • greater flexibility with timetabling options to you manage your responsibilities outside of LIBF 
  • an industry mentor to support you in your career aspirations.






Fees and funding