DBS' Lareina Wang On Why Role Models Matter To Women In Banking

Only 20% of bankers in C-Suite and senior leadership roles in Hong Kong are women.

HONG KONG

Women's representation in banks has come a long way, but much work still needs to be done. In a report, Deloitte noted that barely two in 10 C-suite and senior leadership roles in Hong Kong are occupied by women, at 17.9% and 23.9%, respectively. This is below the already dismal global averages of 21% and 19% for each; and the share is not expected to change through 2030.

Having women in senior leadership positions is important to foster more women to enter the financial industry, a reality echoed by Lareina Wang, ED, head of digital & innovation, Institutional Banking Group of DBS Bank Hong Kong.

"I have been fortunate enough to have had many female senior leaders that I look up to and learn from, they all have different backgrounds, different styles and different personal life setups, which is brilliant because that sends a strong message that success comes in many different formats and shapes, Wang told Asian Banking & Finance.

Wang makes it a point that this applies not just to women, but to any underrepresented groups- be it different ethnic groups, neuro groups or LGBTQ groups.