SIFMA provides comments to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on  a set of proposed standards for assessing the diversity policies and practices of entities regulated by a group of six federal agencies, as well as the Agencies’ joint policy statement issued in connection with the Standards. The Standards are intended to satisfy the Agencies’ duty under Section 342 of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act) to “develop standards for assessing the diversity policies and practices of entities regulated by the agency.”

SIFMA and its members remain committed to fostering diversity in the financial services industry. SIFMA has a standing diversity and inclusion committee, consisting of approximately thirty member firms, that actively engages on diversity-related issues affecting our industry. A workforce that is diverse in both demographics and ideas can be more effective and productive by generating more varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and talents for both the financial services industry and its clients.

SIFMA recognizes that achieving diversity is an evolutionary process that requires a continued renewal of our commitment to our diversity policies and practices, and an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of those policies and practices.