At the Beverly Hills event beside the Milken conference, attendees represented about $24 trillion in allocable capital, up from more than $15 trillion in 2025.
Organisers and investors said capital for emerging and diverse managers has fallen as Donald Trump's 2025 anti-DEI orders reshaped perceptions of merit and opportunity.
A 2025 GAO report said minority- and women-owned firms manage just 1.4% of roughly $82 trillion in US assets, underscoring concerns about access, growth and economic efficiency.
As federal anti-DEI rules tighten, what innovative new pathways to capital are emerging for diverse financial firms?
What is the true economic cost to the U.S. of dismantling diversity initiatives in finance and business?
Facing new legal threats, are major US corporations quietly abandoning their public diversity and inclusion commitments?
Power100 2026: Elevating $24 Trillion in Diverse Finance Leadership Amid DEI Backlash
Overview
The 2026 Power100 event responded to growing challenges faced by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in finance, including policy rollbacks and corporate retreat following a 2025 executive order. By showcasing established industry leaders alongside emerging diverse talent, the event provided crucial visibility and credibility to counter skepticism and regulatory uncertainty. This effort supports diverse fund managers who face capital access headwinds and a narrowing talent pipeline. The Power100 initiative further strengthens this ecosystem by categorizing honorees who mentor, invest in, and advocate for emerging diverse firms, fostering innovation and equitable capital flow despite ongoing political and economic pressures.