Sibos introduces STAR scholarship to support next generation of female leaders

Sibos 2019 will include exciting new initiatives to enhance the event experience. This includes the launch of the STAR (Sibos Talent Accelerator Route) scholarship, a programme created to support the diversification of the financial industry and encourage the next generation of female leaders.

The STAR scholarship programme will foster the development of female talent by providing women in junior and middle management positions with opportunities to expand their networks and expertise, in order to support their progress to senior levels. It will open Sibos up to talented professionals who typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend.

For the launch this year, Sibos has invited more than 30 banks from around the world to nominate a high potential, ambitious female employee to participate. The scholarship will include a free full week pass to Sibos and will offer a dedicated programme, tailored to the interests of the individual participants. The group will be able to meet with speakers, leaders and senior mentors, access private networking events and participate in conference sessions.

The unrivalled education and thought leadership opportunities offered by Sibos, as well as the exposure to meaningful business collaboration with others in the global financial community, can help to empower professional women; accelerating their knowledge, skills and self-confidence to fully participate as future leaders of the financial industry.

“Attracting and nurturing a diverse talent pool is essential to ensure the financial industry moves with the times. Financial organisations want to address diversity imbalances at a leadership level and investing in future leaders now will drive change for the long term,” says Rosemary Stone, global head of human resources at SWIFT and sponsor of the STAR scholarship. “The industry is growing, the skills that employers need are evolving, and competition for the best talent is fierce. People from all backgrounds must be encouraged and supported to address talent shortages and the STAR scholarship is a great opportunity for top talents to be championed and gain new experiences.”

“Banks have nominated a very talented and varied group of individuals to take part in the STAR scholarship and it’s a real pleasure to welcome them to the Sibos community,” adds Chantal Van Es, Head of Sibos. “The group is truly global, with different specialisms and levels of experience. They will benefit from the opportunity to meet and learn from 9,000 senior people from across the industry, including dedicated sessions with carefully selected mentors. Their attendance, together with the broader Talent Thursday programme, will help ensure Sibos brings together the diversity of thought and fresh perspectives that will drive future innovation and success.”