Hong Kong’s financial industry has made notable
strides in female leadership, nearing parity at senior levels thanks to a
unique combination of societal support and policy reform.
Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood at London’s leading trading industry event!
A recent report by Women Chief Executives Hong Kong,
KPMG, and The Women’s Foundation reveals that women now hold 45% of senior leadership roles and 37% of board director posts—figures that have increased significantly since
2018.
Six Societal Drivers Behind Female Leadership Growth
The report identifies six societal enablers,
summarized as “VOICES,” that underpin sustainable female leadership
in Hong Kong’s financial sector.
These include visible acceptance of women breaking the
glass ceiling, open family support, infrastructure that enables work-life balance, a culture valuing entrepreneurship and merit, equitable education, and an environment that fosters safety and confidence. Hong Kong ranks highest among global financial centers
for societal acceptance, empowering women to sustain their careers.
“Hong Kong’s social fabric and unique historical
context provide a strong foundation for women’s leadership advancement, but the
true opportunity lies in building on these assets with intention and
inclusivity,” commented Jia Ning Song, Head of Advisory and Head of Banking and
Capital Markets, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China.
Jia Ning Song, Source: LinkedIn
Seventy percent of surveyed women feel encouraged to
lead, while only 15% have experienced gender bias from male colleagues.
Furthermore, safety in Hong Kong’s environment stands out as a critical factor,
with 76% citing it as key to their career progression.
Regulatory and Organizational Advances Fuel Change
Beyond social factors, regulatory reforms are
accelerating the advancement of gender diversity. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has
mandated the elimination of single-gender boards by 2025 and enforced annual
gender reporting at leadership and workforce levels.
At the corporate level, the presence of visible female
leaders acts as a powerful motivator. The report shows that 76% of women view
female leadership role models as the top factor facilitating career
advancement, and 72% recognize an increasing number of women in leadership
roles within their organizations.
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“Traditionally, leadership traits have been associated
with the male gender, leading to a bias often unconscious – that women are less
“naturally” suited to senior roles. As more women in Hong Kong are seen leading
authentically and successfully, this stereotype is being challenged,” added Ivy
Cheung, Senior Partner in Hong Kong SAR and Vice Chairman of KPMG China.
Ivy Wing Han Cheung, Source: LinkedIn
Addressing the Mid-Career Dip
The report highlights a critical challenge: a
“mid-career dip,” where only 59% of mid-career women feel supported in pursuing leadership roles, compared to 77% of entry-level women and 68% of
senior-level women. This gap highlights pressures from family care responsibilities and limitations on workplace flexibility.
Male allyship remains essential to sustaining
momentum. The report finds men often underestimate ongoing gender disparities,
partially due to the visibility of some female promotions.
Hong Kong’s financial industry has made notable
strides in female leadership, nearing parity at senior levels thanks to a
unique combination of societal support and policy reform.
Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood at London’s leading trading industry event!
A recent report by Women Chief Executives Hong Kong,
KPMG, and The Women’s Foundation reveals that women now hold 45% of senior leadership roles and 37% of board director posts—figures that have increased significantly since
2018.
Six Societal Drivers Behind Female Leadership Growth
The report identifies six societal enablers,
summarized as “VOICES,” that underpin sustainable female leadership
in Hong Kong’s financial sector.
These include visible acceptance of women breaking the
glass ceiling, open family support, infrastructure that enables work-life balance, a culture valuing entrepreneurship and merit, equitable education, and an environment that fosters safety and confidence. Hong Kong ranks highest among global financial centers
for societal acceptance, empowering women to sustain their careers.
“Hong Kong’s social fabric and unique historical
context provide a strong foundation for women’s leadership advancement, but the
true opportunity lies in building on these assets with intention and
inclusivity,” commented Jia Ning Song, Head of Advisory and Head of Banking and
Capital Markets, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China.
Jia Ning Song, Source: LinkedIn
Seventy percent of surveyed women feel encouraged to
lead, while only 15% have experienced gender bias from male colleagues.
Furthermore, safety in Hong Kong’s environment stands out as a critical factor,
with 76% citing it as key to their career progression.
Regulatory and Organizational Advances Fuel Change
Beyond social factors, regulatory reforms are
accelerating the advancement of gender diversity. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has
mandated the elimination of single-gender boards by 2025 and enforced annual
gender reporting at leadership and workforce levels.
At the corporate level, the presence of visible female
leaders acts as a powerful motivator. The report shows that 76% of women view
female leadership role models as the top factor facilitating career
advancement, and 72% recognize an increasing number of women in leadership
roles within their organizations.
You may also like: UK Company Directors Verification: Half of Firms Unprepared Weeks Before Deadline
“Traditionally, leadership traits have been associated
with the male gender, leading to a bias often unconscious – that women are less
“naturally” suited to senior roles. As more women in Hong Kong are seen leading
authentically and successfully, this stereotype is being challenged,” added Ivy
Cheung, Senior Partner in Hong Kong SAR and Vice Chairman of KPMG China.
Ivy Wing Han Cheung, Source: LinkedIn
Addressing the Mid-Career Dip
The report highlights a critical challenge: a
“mid-career dip,” where only 59% of mid-career women feel supported in pursuing leadership roles, compared to 77% of entry-level women and 68% of
senior-level women. This gap highlights pressures from family care responsibilities and limitations on workplace flexibility.
Male allyship remains essential to sustaining
momentum. The report finds men often underestimate ongoing gender disparities,
partially due to the visibility of some female promotions.
