Joining the FinextraTV studio for Predict 2026, Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer, Harrington Star and Samantha Emery, Financial Services Executive and NED discussed the slowing down of diversity and inclusion efforts and of how, without thoughtful people processes, the industry could be heading towards another financial crisis. Emery redefines what it means to label a conversation as ‘political’ and emphasises that it is about fairness and diversity of thought, more than any so-called ‘culture war’. Edwards-Dashti equally draws reference to the last time the industry made waves with it’s DEI metrics: during the last talent shortage. Both reiterate seeing the issue holistically as an effort that is both not optional, and fundamental to long-term growth.