Women in ETFs has set a course for expansion into new regions and additional opportunities for members a decade after its inception, according to co-founder Deborah Fuhr.
The industry community – which provides networking, events and mentorship – has amassed more than 10,000 members since its launch in 2014, with plans to launch a series of new regional chapters this year.
“In Europe, we will be launching a new chapter in Poland on 23 April with a dinner at the exchange after their event on passive investing,” Fuhr (pictured) told ETF Stream.
“On 8 May, we will be launching a chapter in Spain. The exchange is going to be hosting an event for us to kick that chapter off.”
Fuhr said the group has plans to launch another chapter in Sweden later in the year and added presence in Spain will act as a gateway to increase the community’s focus on Latin America.
The planned openings come shortly after Women in ETFs expanded its reach in Asia in 2023 with chapter launches in India and a chapter debut in Seoul last November.
“There are a lot of positive drivers for Women in ETFs,” Fuhr continued. “We are still early days and there is still opportunity to continue to grow and evolve the benefits for members and enhance what we are doing and where we are doing it.”
An evolving community
Alongside expanded reach, the group has extended the range of services it offers across events, university and media outreach.
For instance, the Women in ETFs ‘speakers’ bureau’ provides opportunities for members to appear in media and events.
The community has also “revamped” its university outreach, educating students on the benefits and opportunities available in the growing ETF industry.
In addition to upcoming events at the London Stock Exchange, Chicago Board of Options Exchange, in Germany, Italy, Ireland and South Africa, Women in ETFs also intends to host more topical events – such as a crypto conference with DRW – in a push “to be more spontaneous in allowing for opportunities that present themselves to become an event”, Fuhr said.
Reflecting on recent successes, Fuhr noted she was encouraged by the number of new male attendees at the community’s recent event in London, with men now comprising 21% of total membership.
A decade of highlights
After co-founding Women in ETFs in January 2014 alongside Joanne Hill, Sue Thompson, Linda Zhang and Michelle Mikos, Fuhr said the organisation must continue to grow to represent the more than 60 countries where ETFs are listed, however, she added there had been “so many highlights” over the past decade.
“I really enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories about how Women in ETFs has helped them as well as launching new chapters, hosting events and networking with new members.
“You have to learn how to enjoy something every day and Women in ETFs gives me the opportunity to do that.”
