Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

What We've Done

ISLA aims to cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive securities financing industry where all members can bring their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences to advance the industry in the most effective and efficient manner. We want to leverage our position to create an inclusive and collaborative community and encourage positive change.

Since increasing our focus on DEI, we have implemented a number of new initiatives.

New DEI Steering Group

The steering group kicked off in January 2023. The group brings together ISLA representatives and members from across the securities lending and financing markets to develop and drive ISLA’s member strategy in this area. Kyle Kolasingh, Director, Head of Market Services Solutions, RBC Investor Services is the Chair of the DEI Steering Group. Meeting regularly, they discuss developments and initiatives that ISLA and its members can lead on to provide a positive social impact within the industry. Meeting minutes are available here.

ISLA Events

ISLA is committed to creating and maintaining an engaging and productive conference and event environment, in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, one that is inclusive and free from any form of discrimination.

Development of an Event Code of Conduct

ISLA is committed to creating and maintaining an engaging and productive conference, and event environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, one that is inclusive and free from any form of discrimination. Our Code guides everyone who participates in or attends ISLA conferences, or other sponsored events, including members, non-members, employees, speakers, sponsors, vendors, and other guests. Being used for the first time at our flagship event in 2023, we ask that registrants adhere to the Code as part of our registration process. View our Event Code of Conduct policy.

Internal Guidelines for ISLA-led & Third-Party Events 

Internal DEI policies have recently been put in place to provide guidance to the ISLA team to ensure DEI are considered when organising and running all events, as well as what aspects to consider in respect of sponsorship, partnership, or promotion of third-party events.

Discounted Tickets 

We want to attract a diverse audience with greater participation from member firms across various departments who may not ordinarily get a chance to attend our annual flagship events. As such, for the very first time, we have offered up to 50 delegate passes to qualifying representatives to attend the 30th Annual Securities Finance & Collateral Management Conference at a heavily discounted rate. The discounted pass will allow access to all conference sessions as well as scheduled networking events held over the three days. Learn more on our registration event page for our annual conference.

Network & Interest Groups

In this section, you will find details of independent networks and groups, as well as initiatives that ISLA supports that are in pursuit of promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.

ISLA Connects Networking Reception | London

On 1 November 2023 we hosted our next ISLA Connects Networking Reception, hosted at Goldman Sachs offices, with the session sponsored by EquiLend in London. We invited delegates and colleagues who were unable to attend the ISLA AGM & 13th Annual Post Trade Conference during the day to join us for the reception in the evening.

ISLA Connects Networking Event | Paris

On Monday 2 October, the evening prior to the ISLA Briefing – Paris delegates and colleagues attended a drinks reception held at the InterContinental Paris – Le Grand. The invitation extended to colleagues who were unable to attend the briefing but were able to join the networking event in the evening, with the aim to connect market participants in the region.