SFIG to Launch "Women in Securitization" Initiative with Special Event at ABS Vegas 2015

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Structured Finance Industry Group, Inc. ("SFIG"), a member-based trade industry group focused on improving and strengthening the broader structured finance and securitization market, announced today that it will launch its "Women in Securitization" initiative with a special event at the group's annual industry conference, ABS Vegas 2015, on February 8, 2015.  The initiative, which is open to members and non-members of SFIG, will be co-Chaired by Wendy Cohn, Managing Director of Fitch Ratings, and Patricia Evans, Vice President of Wilmington Trust.  ABS Vegas 2015 will take place from February 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Aria Resort & Casino.  The event is expected to draw around 6,000 industry participants from around the world. 

Ms. Evans said, "Wendy and I have long seen a critical need for a program such as this and are honored to lead this impressive group and help make an impact on our industry.  Through a combination of direct industry engagement, peer mentoring and sponsorship, education initiatives, events and social opportunities we are confident we can shed light on important issues related to retaining top female executives and encouraging talented females to enter our field."

"This initiative is important to our entire industry, which is one of the many reasons that SFIG has decided to open it up not only to its members, but all professionals in securitization.  The decision to make this event a key part of ABS Vegas 2015 is an important vote of confidence from SFIG and a phenomenal way to kick-off this initiative," said Mrs. Cohn.

SFIG's "Women in Securitization" initiative will provide a means of connecting women in structured finance to peers, mentors and sponsors. The initiative is anticipated to generate ideas that will positively influence industry perceptions and practices and facilitate an environment in the securitization community that encourages women's ambition and advancement.   Women in Securitization aims to accomplish these objectives via four key channels, notably:
1.       Industry Engagement
2.       Peer Mentoring and Sponsorship
3.       Education Initiatives
4.       Events and Social Opportunities

"SFIG as an organization believes this initiative is vitally important and we are pleased to leverage our central role in the industry to help bring this program together.  As the industry gathers together in February to look at the year ahead, we felt it was a great fit to have our launch event be part of the conference," said Richard Johns, SFIG Executive Director. "We believe this initiative perfectly aligns with SFIG's core mission of improving and strengthening the structured finance and securitization market as we work towards promoting the development and achievements of all people in our industry."

Industry participants, both members and non-members of SFIG, interested in joining the Women in Securitization initiative are encourage to visit http://www.sfindustry.org/membership/wis_registration.

About Structured Finance Industry Group, Inc.
Structured Finance Industry Group, Inc. ("SFIG") is a member-based, trade industry group focused on improving and strengthening the broader structured finance and securitization market. SFIG provides an inclusive network for securitization professionals to collaborate and, as industry leaders, drive necessary changes, be an advocate for the securitization community, share best practices and innovative ideas, and educate industry members through conferences and other programs. Members of SFIG represent all sectors of the securitization market including issuers, investors, financial intermediaries, law firms, accounting firms, technology firms, rating agencies, servicers, and trustees.  Further information can be found at www.sfindustry.org

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sfig-to-launch-women-in-securitization-initiative-with-special-event-at-abs-vegas-2015-300008800.html

SOURCE Structured Finance Industry Group, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sfindustry.org