Women in Finance

Gender parity in industry is a continuing conversation but is particularly current in the financial sector. Within the past year, the UK government has commissioned research into the position of women in this sector, examining the number of women in leadership roles and how to ignite change in a very traditional sector.  

On this episode of Levelling With, we hear from two women with great experience in this sector. Olivia Toulson, who has previously been a guest on the podcast, hosts this special episode. She speaks to Annabel Schaafsma, Managing Director at Moody’s. Annabel joined Moody’s over 20 years ago and is the first female Managing Director at the company. She has worked extensively on engendering change that facilitates women’s careers within the company. Olivia and Annabel discuss her journey so far and the future actions that could be taken by institutions in financial services. 

Your Host: Olivia Toulson

Olivia is a Legal Director in Birketts' Employment Team. She predominantly acts for clients in the financial services, life sciences and technology sectors.

Olivia has considerable experience handling employment tribunal litigation for employers, having worked on many complex, multi-day claims involving unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, breach of contract and unlawful deductions from wages.

This Week's Guest: Annabel Schaafsma

Annabel Schaafsma is the Managing Director and the Global Head of the Structured Finance Group. She is responsible for a global team that assigns primary ratings and the surveillance of existing ratings covering all asset types, including Asset Backed Securities, Commercial and Residential Mortgage Backed Securities, Structured Credit and Covered Bonds. Annabel is passionate about diversity and inclusion; she is the executive sponsor of the Moody’s UK Women’s Business Resource Group.