Women comprised 68 percent of employees at the 18 banks surveyed. However, women are overrepresented at entry level – where they account for 60 percent of the workforce, and underrepresented in senior (33 percent) and top-level (26 percent) management roles.

Based on surveys of nearly 40,000 employees from banks as well as sit-down interviews with senior and middle bank managers, the study recommends increasing the share of women in leadership positions in the banking industry to drive inclusive growth and boost productivity.

It presents four sets of recommendations, including demonstrating commitment to diversity and inclusion, closing gender gaps in access to learning and development opportunities, advancing family-friendly practices and encouraging more flexible work arrangements, and promoting respectful workplaces.