From graduating with a MA in statistics, managing money for buyside firms, to starting a hedge fund – this is a path rarely shows up in any young girls’ dreams, and studies have shown that this is also not a preferred career among female professionals.

When Mark Konyn entered the finance industry in mid-80s London, he thought lack of diversity and representation in his sector were issues of the past. It was later in his career that Konyn realised not only his assumptions were wrong, but the buyside industry he belonged to also had a significantly low women representation in senior levels globally.

When successful investment strategy is often thought to be powered by advanced data analysis and technology combined with industry experience, Virginie Maisonneuve, founding partner and CEO of MGA Consulting, says there are other critical factors that underpin the creation of a sustainable investment process.

Envision walking into a conference room, looking around, and finding yourself to be the only woman in the room — a scenario not uncommon in the investment management industry in the 90s. While India is home to phenomenal female leaders who have changed the face of the buyside, a report by Morningstar brings to light a stark reality.