Symetra and IRI Report on Allyship in Financial Services Industry

Symetra and the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) have collaborated on a new report titled "Allyship: A Commitment to Inclusion, Equity, and Opportunity," which examines the current state of allyship within the financial services sector, with a focus on supporting women in the workplace. The report defines allyship as the practice of supporting and advocating for marginalized groups, highlighting its significance as a driver for positive organizational change and enhanced talent development. The initiative seeks to provide actionable guidance for financial firms aiming to foster a culture of allyship to boost diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The research, based on a survey conducted in spring 2025 with 106 annuity industry professionals across insurance companies, asset management firms, and distributors, evaluates employee awareness and experiences related to allyship programs. Key outcomes emphasize the need for stronger allyship to support diverse talent growth and improve organizational performance, aligning with Symetra’s corporate vision to empower employees and partners. Symetra’s Women’s Action Group (SWAG), which includes both female leaders and male allies, promotes collaborative efforts to advance allyship within the industry. Symetra Senior Vice President Andrew Farrell and IRI Chief Operating Officer Shani Armon presented the findings at SWAG’s annual conference, highlighting the importance of enhancing allyship particularly among men to support women colleagues. The report aims to help firms develop effective allyship strategies as part of broader inclusion and equity initiatives, contributing to the advancement of retirement security products and services. Symetra and IRI plan to host a webinar on the survey results in early 2026 to further disseminate best practices and industry insights. Symetra Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation, operates nationally, providing employee benefits, annuities, and life insurance. IRI represents a broad coalition across the insured retirement industry, promoting advocacy and education to enhance retirement security and digital innovation in the sector. This partnership underscores the industry's ongoing efforts to integrate allyship into corporate culture and talent development.