In addition, the joint standards anticipate that consumer financial services companies will conduct an annual selfassessment of their diversity and inclusion practices in these four areas and encourage both public reporting and selfreporting to the governing agency. Our Diversity & Inclusion Team can help financial institutions meet their diversity goals under Dodd-Frank. Although the standards technically are voluntary, in the regulatory context, any entity regulated by one or more of these six agencies will likely at some point be in front of them, whether to seek regulatory approval or in the uncomfortable position of having to explain the results of an audit or investigation. Complying with the standards will allow companies to show they are good corporate citizens. Additionally, many companies recognize that promoting diversity and inclusion is good for the bottom line, fostering creativity and innovation, and is instrumental in reaching multicultural markets. Our experience includes: • Developing strategic plans that include workplace initiatives and programs designed to enhance recruitment, retention, and promotion of diverse talent • Creating diversity and inclusion policies that reflect approval and support of senior leadership • Advising on the establishment of supplier diversity policies and programs to increase the participation of minorityand women-owned businesses in procurement • Designing assessment metrics and reports to evaluate and track diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives • Developing annual internal and external reporting and communication strategies for diversity and inclusion programs and practices CONTACTS For more information on how we can help your organization comply with the Dodd-Frank diversity standards, please contact a member of the team: Brian D.

Pedrow, Partner 215.864.8108 | pedrow@ballardspahr.com Meredith C. Swartz, Associate 215.864.8132 | swartzm@ballardspahr.com Dee Spagnuolo, Partner 215.864.8312 | spagnuolod@ballardspahr.com Ashley L. Wilson, Associate 215.864.8364 | wilsona@ballardspahr.com Suzanne O.

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