Our Story & Impact
Empowering the next generation of investors
GAIN (Girls Are INvestors) was founded with a simple but powerful goal — to change the face of investment management.
Too few women and non-binary people consider a career in investing, and even fewer make it to senior positions. We’re here to change that — by inspiring, educating, and empowering the next generation of investors through accessible opportunities, real-world experience and strong role models.
Our Impact
Since launching in Autumn 2019, GAIN has grown into a national movement for change.
63,000+
Students directly reached through our events, programmes & online content
2,000+
Investment industry volunteers in our GAIN network
700+
Interns placed with investment firms
550+
Investment companies represented by our volunteers
250+
GAIN events delivered to date
These milestones are the result of a dedicated community of students, mentors, corporate partners and volunteers — all working together to create lasting change in the investment industry.
Our online community continues to expand:
17,000+ followers on LinkedIn, 2,500+ on Instagram, and an enthusiastic new audience on TikTok. Website engagement grew by 28% across 2024.
We are supported by 60+ corporate sponsors and more than 2,000 industry volunteers, whose generosity allows us to bring real-world experience and mentorship to aspiring students.
Why our work matters
There is still much to do to achieve gender diversity in the industry:
- At the senior level: The 2023 Citywire Alpha Female report found that only 12% of UK fund managers were women — inching forward to 12.5% in 2024.
- At mid-level: A 2023 Level 20 report showed women hold just 22% of mid-level investment roles.
- At entry level: Our own 2022 GAIN survey found that among firms hiring graduates, the average share of young women and non-binary applicants was 22%, with 82% of firms reporting half or fewer applicants from underrepresented genders.
These numbers show why our mission is vital: to empower and educate young women and non-binary students with the knowledge, skills and connections to thrive in investment management.
Reaching students nationwide
School outreach
The GAIN journey often begins in the classroom – with students aged 14–18 who are just starting to imagine their future.
Through engaging talks, workshops, and insight days hosted by partner firms, we open doors to an industry many have never considered.
In 2025 142 school teams took part in The GAIN Schools Investment Challenge, with 630 pupils taking part.
It was a record-breaking year for the Schools Investment Challenge with a 75% increase in Schools competing, and 36% more students completing the Challenge than in 2024.
University engagement
In 2025 GAIN significantly expanded its university outreach, deepening our partnerships and strengthening the pipeline of young women and non-binary students entering the investment industry. We now partner with 90+ university societies, and in 2025 launched the GAIN University Investment Challenge, delivering the programme to 25 universities and over 200 students.
Our flagship GAIN Empower Investment Internship Programme continues to thrive, in 2025 we placed 130 interns at 87 different firms. Of those, 64% of students were offered a role in the investment industry or secured a subsequent internship after completing the programme.
Meanwhile, our GAIN Investment Challenge for school students continues to grow, with a 50% increase in student applications in 2025 .
Celebrating five years of progress
In 2024 we celebrated GAIN’s fifth birthday — a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come.
What started as a small initiative to spark curiosity about investing has become a national movement, connecting thousands of students, volunteers and partner firms.
Our women led, fully remote team continues to champion collaboration, community and purpose. Whether through online webinars, in-person networking, or our annual GAIN Awards, every moment reinforces our shared belief that change is possible — and happening.
A note from our CEO
At GAIN, our mission is to empower and educate the next generation of investment professionals by providing a platform for learning, development and networking. We champion gender equality, working to equip young women and non-binary students with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in investment management.
Through our events, programmes, and vibrant community, we cultivate a culture of continuous learning, innovation and growth. Our vision is to build an inclusive network of investment professionals poised to shape the future of finance and this year I am delighted to share we reached over 12,500 students (or future investment managers)…
…Looking ahead, we are committed to building on this momentum, broadening our impact and making a lasting difference in student’s lives and in promoting gender diversity within the investment management industry.
— Tanya Tracey, CEO
Looking ahead
As we enter the next chapter of GAIN, our mission remains clear:
to inspire curiosity, break down barriers, and create pathways for young women and non-binary students to enter and excel in investment management.
Together — with our partners, volunteers and supporters — we’re not just changing individual futures.
We’re shaping the future of finance.