Female representation in senior roles across Ireland’s financial services sector has increased significantly over the past three years, according to the latest annual report from Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter.

The industry-led initiative, launched to improve gender balance in finance, has shown strong progress among signatory firms, which now number 100 and employ over 72,000 people—more than half the total financial services workforce in Ireland.

Key findings from the report, compiled by the ESRI in collaboration with major industry groups, reveal a notable rise in senior female participation:

• Board-level female representation has climbed from 30.3% to 36.3%
• Senior management roles have seen a rise from 36.2% to 43.4%
• Female CEOs now represent 22.6%, up from 19.4%

These figures reflect steady growth since firms began signing up to the Charter in 2022.

Over half of the 2025 reporting firms joined in that year, with further additions in 2023 and 2024.

Female employees now make up 50% of the total workforce in these firms.

Despite this progress, challenges remain.

Representation in junior and technical/professional roles remains static at 49%, while middle management saw a slight dip from 47.6% to 47.1%.

Barriers cited by firms include low turnover in senior roles, limited female applicants, specialist skill requirements, and issues around childcare availability and cost.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD welcomed the progress, stating: “These findings show encouraging momentum at senior levels.

“I urge more firms to sign up to the Charter and contribute to real, lasting change.”

Minister of State for Finance, Robert Troy TD, added: “This initiative boosts gender equality while enhancing Ireland’s appeal to international investors.

“It’s a win-win for our economy and our society.”

Patricia Callan, Director of Financial Services Ireland, praised the pace of change: “For many signatories, only one to three years have passed since they joined, yet the impact has been significant.

“The Charter is helping drive real accountability.”

Dr Helen Russell of the ESRI noted that firm-level strategies—like mentoring and succession planning—have proven highly effective.

However, she stressed the importance of continued government support, particularly in addressing gaps in childcare provision.

As Ireland pushes for greater inclusion and competitiveness, the Women in Finance Charter is proving a powerful driver of change.