Develop Your Future Investment Leaders.

Applications for October 2026 cohort open 1 June 2026 with limited spaces available. Join firms leading the industry investing in the next generation of women investment leaders.

33%

promoted within 12 months

93%

programme satisfaction rate

75+

firms across UK, Europe, and US

The Pathway Programme stands out in the industry, equipping participants with the essential skills and confidence needed to advance into Portfolio Management roles. As a sponsor and coordinator, it is a remarkable opportunity for me to support the exceptional talent we have in the investment industry.

Peter Spano

Managing Director, Global Head of Indexed Portfolio Management, Systematic Fixed Income at State Street Investment Management and Pathway Programme Sponsor for 2024-2026 cohorts

What is the Pathway Programme?

The investment industry’s flagship career acceleration programme for women.

12-month intensive. Technical + Leadership curriculum

Industry-led. Taught by active fund managers and senior traders

Award-winning. FT Adviser & Investment Week D&I Initiative 2023 & 2024

The Pathway Programme is a talent and leadership development programme combining technical investment education with career development.

Through interactive sessions, hands-on projects, and mentorship, participants join a vibrant cohort of future women investment leaders, gaining the tools and community to accelerate one’s career.

Participants learn alongside a supportive cohort of peers and connect with the industry’s most respected portfolio managers, traders, and CIOs.

Programme structure:

Duration: 12-months
Start date: October 2026
Time commitment: Total time commitment of ca. 100 hours, not including travel to/from event sessions in Central London. Flexibility for those based outside of London.
Format: 50% in-person, 50% virtual

Benefits for your firm:

✓ Retain high-potential talent (firms report improved retention among participants)

✓ Build your pipeline with women ready for front office roles

✓ Access cross-firm insights from over 75 leading asset managers

✓ High return for modest investment of £4,000 per participant for Inclusion in Finance members (see Programme Fees section for more information)

The Pathway Program has been a game-changer for me. It’s practical, hands-on, and truly enriching. From building real model portfolios to simulating trades on market news, the experiential learning has deepened my understanding of the investment industry. What I value most is the sense of community and the opportunity to connect with peers across the industry. It’s inspiring, empowering, and incredibly motivating!

Tayana Johnson

Vice President State Street Investment Management and 2025 Pathway Participant

Curriculum

The programme covers both technical investment knowledge and career development.

AI & Technology

Apply Python-powered tools for portfolio management.
Leverage AI, LLMs, and alternative data for investing.

Applied Practice

Hands-on portfolio management: Simulate managing a model portfolio over 6 months.
Trading challenge: Design, test, and present a trading strategy.

Career Activism

Build resilience and understand how to influence perception.
Contribute to industry change via the Paying it Forward project.
Guided instruction on planning your personal and professional goals.

Career Capital

Connect with industry leaders.
Insights on transitioning to front office roles.
Master stakeholder influence and strategic networking.
Strengthen internal network through internal programme sponsor.

Investor Mindset

Deliver client-centric solutions with confidence.
Develop the traits of a successful investor.
Learn from CEO / CIO panels on industry trends.

Leadership Brand

Craft a personal brand and articulate your value.
Develop leadership presence with keynote insights.
Own your professional narrative with confidence.

Private Markets

Understand the lifecycle of a deal, from origination to execution
Learn ways to contribute to the process as a junior professional.
Evaluate private assets for long-term portfolio.

Investment Expertise

Develop investment decision-making skills
Understand behavioural and psychological risk factors
Strengthen fundamental and technical analysis methods
Learn to cut through the noise to identify the data that matters.

Sample of Curriculum Offered:

Portfolio Construction	Security Selection and Asset Allocation	Investing in Commodity Equities
Approaching Due Diligence in Private Markets	Strategic Networking for Career Developmen	Know Your Value

Candidate Requirements

Candidates may be a strong fit if they:

✔ Have 3+ years professional experience (average experience: 7 years)
✔ Work in or adjacent to investment management
✔ Have or are pursuing CFA/CAIA/IMC
✔ Want to move into or progress into front office roles
✔ Can attend ~2 sessions/month (sessions are in-person in Central London or virtual at various days/times in the month)

Get in touch now

“I have found the programme to be incredibly empowering. One of the greatest learnings for me has been to forge my own investment style rather than being obliged to adopt somebody else’s. My eyes have also been opened to the wider themes and trends across the investment landscape, beyond equities”

Mahgul Ansari

2024 Participant and Chair of Pathway Alumnae Committee

Programme Fee

Programme fee (ex VAT) per participant for 2026/27 cohort are:

£4,000 for Inclusion in Finance member firms

£7,500 for non-member firms

Speak to the Programme Director

If you are interested in strengthening your pipeline of high-performing talent or have any questions about the programme and how to apply, we encourage you to get in touch.