Founded in London in 1980 as a non-profit making organisation, WIBF's original aim was to encourage more women to choose banking as a career and support those already established. Ten years later, the Group was extended to include financial organisations.
In 2002, a similar group was set up in Edinburgh. This was mainly driven by women who had previously been involved in the London organisation and who wanted to maintain contact through a similar organisation on relocation to Edinburgh. Today, WIBF UK has circa 800 members in London and Edinburgh.
Membership is from many diverse sectors of the financial world, including law and accountancy, encompassing women at all levels, from senior executives to those just starting out.
With the support of major Irish financial institutions, WIBF in Ireland was established in 2004 to give a forum to women working in the industry in Ireland. Our aim is to provide opportunities for women in banking and finance to meet, share experiences, develop personally and, equally as important, to develop others.
The Management Committee are volunteers from the membership. Our activities are focussed on delivering an interesting programme of monthly events, covering a wide range of topics. Responding to feedback from members, topics primarily relate to how we can support you in progressing your personal development and professional success. At the series of Business over Breakfast events, we are honoured to have inspirational and motivating people to address the group, sharing their business experiences - challenges and rewards - so that we can learn from their insights.
We welcome support from businesses who would like to sponsor an event. Please if you can provide a room and light refreshments for 20/25 people - all sponsorship and support is acknowledged and appreciated.
If you would like to find out more, please email us at