Milken-Adjacent Power100 Attendees Aim to Reclaim the DEI in Finance Narrative

Why It Matters

Re‑energizing the DEI narrative could unlock trillions of dollars for under‑served managers, boosting innovation and economic growth. The conference signals a coordinated industry response to policy headwinds, potentially reshaping capital flows in finance.

Key Takeaways

• Minority firms hold 1.4% of $82 trillion U.S. AUM
• Power100 attendees control about $24 trillion in capital
• Event boosts visibility for women and people of color
• AI and DEI seen as macro trends in alternative capital

Pulse Analysis

The Power100 summit arrived at a pivotal moment for diversity, equity, and inclusion in finance. After the Trump administration’s 2025 executive orders dismantled many DEI programs, industry leaders convened to counteract the narrative that diversity initiatives are ineffective. By gathering senior executives from firms with $24 trillion in allocable capital, the event underscored the sector’s willingness to invest in talent regardless of gender or ethnicity, reinforcing the business case that diverse perspectives drive superior risk‑adjusted returns.

Data from the Government Accountability Office highlights the scale of the challenge: minority‑ and women‑owned firms control only 1.4% of the $82 trillion U.S. assets under management. Power100’s curated environment, featuring figures like Kamala Harris and David Rubenstein, aims to bridge the information gap that often leaves investors unsure where to find qualified diverse managers. By fostering direct relationships, the conference seeks to translate visibility into concrete capital commitments, a strategy that could gradually shift the allocation landscape toward a more inclusive equilibrium.

Looking ahead, participants identified AI and DEI as twin macro trends reshaping alternative capital. While AI promises efficiency and new investment theses, DEI ensures that the talent pipeline feeding those innovations remains broad and representative. Younger managers, such as Austin Clements of Slauson & Co., are being positioned to lead this convergence, suggesting that future fund flows will be judged not only on technological acumen but also on the diversity of the teams delivering it. The Power100 gathering thus serves as both a barometer and catalyst for a more equitable, tech‑driven finance industry.