Male allyship is often overlooked, yet it’s a vital part of the movement toward gender equality. As the UN has noted, “For too long, gender equality has been seen as a women’s issue for women to deal with.” Lasting change, however, requires everyone’s participation, especially in industries where men hold the majority of leadership roles.

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In asset management, this imbalance is striking. Globally, men make up 88% of fund managers, while women represent just 12%—a number that has not changed for the past two decades.¹ In the U.S., the Knight Diversity of Asset Managers Research Series found that less than 1% (just 0.7%) of the nation’s $84 trillion in assets under management (AUM) are managed by firms with 50% or more female ownership.² This lack of representation has big consequences for our investment products and for the economy.

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Actions That Lift Others Up

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Men who act as allies play a powerful role in supporting female asset managers. By using their influence and leadership, male allies can help shift long-standing cultures and systems toward more gender equity.

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Effective male allies amplify women’s voices, challenge outdated stereotypes, and make sure women are part of the decision-making tables and opportunity pipelines. In practice, this means speaking up against bias, making key introductions, advocating for fair hiring and promotion processes, mentoring, highlighting the success and impact of female asset managers, and actively remove barriers to inclusion.

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These actions not only advance equality, they also strengthen workplace culture —creating healthier, more respectful, and more productive environments and outcomes for everyone.

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Recognizing Male Allies

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The Nia Community Foundation is proud to introduce the first-of-its-kind Nia He for She Awards, honoring male leaders who are taking meaningful action to support, elevate, and promote women in asset management.

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These men are role models who can help move an industry that has been stagnant on this front for two decades toward greater balance and inclusion.​

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The inaugural Nia He for She Awards ceremony will take place on January 28, 2026, in San Francisco, CA. Stay tuned—awardees will be announced soon!