CFA Institute Launches Voluntary Inclusion Code in Germany: DWS Becomes First Signatory

CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has launched the voluntary CFA Institute Inclusion Code for the investment profession in Germany, introducing a framework to support organizations in crafting impactful and measurable strategies that enable inclusive leadership and talent management practices.

The CFA Institute Inclusion Code is open to investment industry organizations of all sizes in Germany. Signatory organizations voluntarily commit to six metrics-based principles designed to drive inclusion progress across the investment industry by broadening talent pathways, embedding fair and inclusive workplace practices, leveraging leadership to influence change, and reporting transparently on outcomes.

Susan Spinner, CFA, CEO at CFA Society Germany, comments:
“The launch of the CFA Institute Inclusion Code in Germany marks an important milestone. Inclusive leadership and structured talent development strengthen the competitiveness of the German investment industry. We encourage firms to use the Code to drive progress and foster a culture where diverse perspectives improve decision-making and better outcomes for employees.”

DWS Becomes First Signatory in Germany

Global asset manager DWS marked the launch by becoming the first organization in Germany to sign up to the the Inclusion Code, underscoring its commitment to embedding inclusive principles into its business practices.

A signing ceremony featured a keynote address by Sarah Maynard, ASIP, Global Senior Head of Inclusion at CFA Institute, who highlighted the Code’s objectives and its relevance to leadership and organizational effectiveness within the investment sector.

Sarah Maynard adds:
“We are pleased to welcome DWS as the first organization to adopt the CFA Institute Inclusion Code in Germany, demonstrating real leadership in strengthening inclusive talent practices. By embedding inclusion across the employee lifecycle, firms can foster cultures that encourage constructive dialogue and broaden perspectives in decision-making. We applaud DWS for adopting the Inclusion Code and look forward to working with the team to advance their objectives.”

Building on Global Momentum

The launch in Germany follows the successful introduction of the CFA Institute Inclusion Code in several global markets.  

The European edition of the Code launched in the Netherlands in 2024 and follows earlier launches in Australia and Singapore in 2024, the United Kingdom in 2023, and the United States and Canada in 2022. To date, more than 200 investment organizations globally have become signatory organizations to the Code, representing approximately 30 percent of global assets under management.