At Adasina we work in community with a wide variety of social justice groups, values aligned investors, and industry organizations. Adasina’s CEO, Rachel J. Robasciotti, contributed an article to the CFP Board’s 2022 Report: Metrics That Matter: Best Practices From Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practitioners and Academics. Rachel’s Article, Want More Asset Manager Diversity? Reevaluate Due Diligence Processes Using Metrics That Matter argues that for financial advisors to have truly impactful DEI strategies, they must understand their role as gatekeepers that directly impact a) who is directing investment assets, and b) where those assets are being directed.
Excerpt
“As a Black-owned firm that is majority-operated by women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Adasina has always seen advancing DEI in the industry as an integral part of its work. Given our current moment of racial reckoning in the United States and the history of systemic racism in the financial industry, it is imperative that we focus on returning power to those from whom power and resources have historically been taken. [As mentioned in Adasina’s Race In Finance series,] “the financial services industry has a responsibility to consider our role in this moment—both our industry’s role in how we got here, and how to work towards the equitable and just financial system our country needs.” In order to do this, we not only integrate DEI principles into our investment strategies, but also critically address the systems in financial services that continue to exclude diverse voices and consolidate power. This approach involves working with several key industry stakeholders: Asset Owners, Asset Allocators, and Asset Managers.” Continue reading.
The full thought leadership report published by the CFP Board also includes articles from:
- Ella Bell Smith, Ph.D., Dartmouth College
- Stefanie Johnson, Ph.D.,University of Colorado, Boulder
- Crystal Cox & Laura Barry, Wealthspire Advisors
- Lisa Shalett, Emily G. Thomas, Adriane Parris, Steve Edwards, Emily M. Feczko, Morgan Stanley