Shaping an Inclusive Investment Industry for Southern Africa
CFA Society South Africa is leading the development of a voluntary Regional Inclusion Code for the Southern African investment and financial services sector.
This industry-led initiative aims to strengthen inclusion, transform talent pipelines, and position our region as a global leader in responsible, future-ready investment practices.
About the Inclusion Code
The Regional Inclusion Code is a practical framework designed to help firms:
Build more inclusive workplaces
Strengthen and diversify talent pipelines
Enhance organisational culture and leadership practices
Align DEI efforts with business and regulatory expectations
Collaborate across the industry on shared learning and progress
The Code is modelled on global best practice from the CFA Institute Inclusion Code, adapted for the realities and context of Southern Africa.
Why This Matters
The financial and investment industry continues to face:
Structural barriers to representation
Pipeline challenges affecting growth and competitiveness
Fragmented DEI efforts
Rising expectations from clients, employees, and regulators
The Inclusion Code offers a unified, industry-driven response that supports sustainable transformation and strengthens trust across the sector.
How Firms Can Get Involved
We are inviting firms, regardless of size, to join as early supporting partners.
By participating, your organisation will help co-create a regional standard that benefits the entire industry.
Our ask:
Confirm your organisation as a supporting partner
Approve use of your name and logo in call-to-action and partner communications
Nominate a primary contact person
Nominate 1–2 representatives to join sub-working groups
Support visibility by sharing initiative updates within your networks
This early support is essential in building momentum and ensuring broad adoption.
Working Groups
Supporting firms may nominate representatives for the following groups:
1. Principles & Framework
Develop the guiding principles, structure and intent of the Code.
2. Implementation & Tools
Translate the principles into practical actions, tools, and guidance.
3. Measurement, Reporting & Accountability
Develop simple, meaningful measurement approaches for industry use.
Working groups will begin in early 2026 and will run in focused, time-efficient cycles.
Benefits for Supporting Firms
Influence the regional standard for inclusion and talent development
Recognition as an early industry supporter
Visibility on CFA Society South Africa communications
Access to research, tools, and peer learning
Strengthened employer brand and talent pipeline
Contribution to a more competitive and future-ready industry
Timeline
Nov 2025: Confirm supporting partners
Early 2026: Working groups begin
Q1 2026: Draft Inclusion Code
Q2 2026: Industry consultation
Q3–Q4 2026: Industry launch and adoption
Alternatively, contact us at:
Join Us
Help shape a more inclusive, representative, and sustainable investment industry for Southern Africa.
Your participation ensures the Code reflects the realities and aspirations of our entire sector.