Black-owned investment managers represent nearly one-third of all firms that have submitted information to Emerging Manager Monthly’s Diverse Manager Directory.
The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation has been at the forefront of bringing valuable data to the discussion around diversity within the asset management space – work that has involved tremendous introspection and a commitment to transparency.
What began as an after-work social group for Black professionals in the hedge fund space to network, find mentors and identify career opportunities has since evolved into a network that aims to help shape a shifting asset management landscape that has placed greater importance on diversity, equity and inclusion.
African American-owned ReedsBay Investment Group is a commercial real estate firm investing in opportunities for which traditional capital is relatively limited.
Base10 Partners has partnered with the Student Freedom Initiative to expand the investment options available to historically Black colleges and universities, the firm announced.
Progress is being made in the diverse asset management space as the past year saw an uptick in the number of investments made with Black-owned managers, according to data compiled by FIN Searches.
Data around diversity within the investment industry is becoming increasingly available, however, specifics around Black representation are not often being broken out and figures that are available show relatively stagnant growth, according to a review of several reports issued this year.
The events of the last year have presented a unique opportunity for institutional allocators and managers to address diversity, equity and inclusion. Where is the industry heading?
In a year afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic and acts of racial injustice against minority groups, institutional investment management member associations experienced growth within their organizations.