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Financial markets

Breaking Down Barriers: Sheffield Business School's Initiative to Foster Diversity in Financial Trading

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University partnered with ZISHI to host a five-week accredited trading course, aimed at removing financial and social barriers to entry in the financial services sector. The course brought together academia and industry professionals to deliver immersive, real-time market experience to the next generation of financial services professionals. The programme, supported by Mako Trading and ICE, was free of charge and increased diversity by targeting under-represented groups, particularly women, who made up 50% of the 2025 cohort.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Financial Trading, delivered by ZISHI, removed financial barriers to trading by offering the course free of charge, supported by Mako Trading, ICE, and Sheffield Business School.
  • The course aimed to increase diversity in the trading sector by targeting under-represented groups, with a particular focus on increasing the number of women on the programme.
  • The 2025 cohort of the trading summer school saw the biggest number of female participants since the course was first hosted at Sheffield Business School, with 50% of students participating being women.
  • Students who successfully completed the course received an advanced diploma in Financial Trading from VTCT.
  • The programme was hosted in Sheffield Business School's purpose-built trading room, where professional traders delivered the course alongside academics.
  • Professor Conor Moss, Dean of College of Business, Technology and Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, praised the students' passion and commitment, as well as the programme's ability to build confidence, networks, and interpersonal skills.
  • Robert Russell, Global Head of Professional Trading Qualifications at ZISHI, highlighted the programme's development of resilience, adaptability, and discipline in students, which are essential skills for success in the financial services industry.

Statistics:

  • 50% of students participating in the 2025 cohort were women, making it the biggest cohort of female participants since the course was first hosted at Sheffield Business School.
  • The course was free of charge, supported by Mako Trading, ICE, and Sheffield Business School.
  • The programme was hosted in Sheffield Business School's purpose-built trading room, where professional traders delivered the course alongside academics.
  • Students who successfully completed the course received an advanced diploma in Financial Trading from VTCT.
  • The course was aimed at breaking down traditional barriers to financial services by bringing together academia and industry professionals.

Sources:

  • "Sheffield Business School's Initiative to Foster Diversity in Financial Trading"
  • "Mako Trading"
  • "ICE"
  • "ZISHI"
  • "VTCT"
  • "Sheffield Business School"
  • "Sheffield Hallam University"

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