Reacting to the news that more than 70 finance firms have signed up to the target of having 30 percent of women in senior posts, the Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities Sarah Champion MP said:

“Finance has always been seen as male-dominated and it’s well past time for that to change.

"It’s vitally important that women are told from a very young age that they can progress in whatever career they choose.

"So it is welcome news that these firms have committed to increasing the number of women filling senior posts.

"But a 30 percent target by 2021 is simply not good enough, especially as Lord Davies called for a 33 percent  target for women’s representation on Boards of FTSE 350 companies by 2020.

"However, it’s great to see that 13 firms are going further and committing to an equal split because true equality in finance will only be achieved when half of senior positions are held by women.”

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