WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Securities Professionals (“NASP”) today announced that it has launched a three-year partnership with Cerberus Capital Management (“Cerberus”). Cerberus will become the lead sponsor of The NASP Institute and a contributing sponsor of NASP Annual Financial Services Conference, Mentors Luncheon, and Women’s Forum. Cerberus will make a $300,000 contribution to NASP, which represents the organization’s largest donation to date.

Expected to launch this year, The NASP Institute will provide research and insights on minorities and women in the financial services industry as well as professional development opportunities. The platform will also support NASP’s programming for college students and professionals from underrepresented communities. NASP currently hosts premier events to promote the sharing of information and create networking opportunities, such as:

• NASP Mentors Luncheon: An annual showcase and interactive event for financial services firms to present internship and job opportunities for talented college students from underserved minority communities.
• NASP Annual Pension and Financial Services Conference: A conference that brings together more than 600 financial services professionals to discuss issues pertinent to minorities in the industry as well as general trends within financial services.
• The Women’s Forum: A space for women professionals in finance to gain insights from one another and connect with peers in the industry.

“This multi-year partnership with Cerberus is a great example of what NASP can do in collaboration with industry-leading firms,” commented Ronald C. Parker, NASP President and CEO. “The NASP Institute will help explore and analyze the state of play for minorities in the financial services industry. Cerberus’ additional support of our programming will also accelerate the impact we can have on women and minority professionals right away.”

Doston Bradley, Managing Director at Cerberus, added, “NASP is an incredible change agent for the finance industry and we are proud to expand our partnership with them. Research is critical to increasing awareness and NASP’s platform will deliver data-driven insights on the importance of diversity. This partnership will also expand NASP’s reach by providing more resources and opportunities for women and minority professionals.”

NASP greatly appreciates this strategic partnership with Cerberus. For more information, please contact Beza Tenna, Director of Programs and Communications at btenna@nasphq.org.