Black Americans have made immeasurable contributions to the American and global economy since their arrival in the United States in 1619. Their contributions to finance and the financial services industry have been similarly profound. 

As we reflect on Black History Month, SIFMA would like to highlight some of the work our member firms are doing to diversify the industry, invest in Black communities and acknowledge the many accomplishments and extraordinary impact that Black Americans have made on our industry.  

Below is just a highlight of the work our firms are doing to acknowledge the past and invest in a better future together: 

• Advisor Group spotlights influential African Americans throughout history. 
• Ally Financial Inc. is honoring Black History Month through investments in career opportunities to black candidates.  
• Bank of New York Mellon launched an employee spotlight to recognize its diverse talent within. 
• Barclays developed a Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report and accompanying action plan.  
• BMO Financial Group celebrated Black History Month through its social media campaign and continued support through its financial commitments. 
• BNP Paribas launched a social media campaign to honor Black History Month and start authentic conversations about race. 
• Capital One honored Black History Month through continued financial support. 
• Capital One Financial Corporation partnered with the Washington Wizards to host a series of Black History Month programs. 
• Citi sponsored a New York Times DealBook 2-day Virtual Event, which included discussions on the racial wealth gap and social justice. 
• Deutsche Bank expanded its commitments to racial justice in recognition of Black History Month. 
• Fannie Mae highlighted its black leaders through a Facebook campaign honoring Black History Month. 
• Fidelity Investments entered a partnership with Take on Race to help put one million devices into the hands of students of color and recorded a podcast with Common Impact as part of their “Stories of Black Leadership and Social Impact” series. 
• HSBC published social media in recognition of Black History Month. 
• State Street developed a social media campaign on diversity, equity and inclusion. 

SIFMA is proud of our member firm work to honor Black History Month and remain committed to our own diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Over the course of the last three months, SIFMA has committed to pushing the conversation forward through a diversity and inclusion webinar series on the following issues: 

• Measuring Progress: Using D&I Metrics to Achieve Greater Inclusivity 
• Strategies for Building a Diverse Talent Pipeline 
• Culture of Belonging: How Inclusion Improves Employee Retention 

While we commemorate the achievements of the black community, we recognize there is still work to be done.  

Through our Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council, we convene industry leaders to share best practices, develop diversity initiatives, and provide resources as firms work to enhance inclusion in the workplace and serve diverse clients. In recognition of this work, our CEO Ken Bentsen has delivered testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion about SIFMA members’ commitment to diversity and inclusion in the securities industry.  

To learn more about SIFMA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts and stay updated on new efforts we are leading, visit our Diversity & Inclusion page.