The financial services and insurance sector is expected to hire more women over the next year, according to the latest Salary & Employment Outlook from recruiter Michael Page.

“In the past 18 months we have seen a dramatic rise in businesses placing a bigger focus on gender diversity, and [this year] has seen that importance elevated to business critical,” the report says.

Michael Page notes the financial services sector is “historically male-dominated”.

The report reveals some ambivalence about business conditions and expectations for the next year.

Among the key insights: 64% of respondents judge the national economy as “fair” (16% “good” and 20% “poor”); 52% say their confidence in the financial services sector is poor or fair; and 49% of executives with hiring responsibilities do not expect to grow their teams this year.

On the plus side, 84% expect their direct employees to receive a salary increase this year.

The survey finds the top three talent-attracting factors are strong company culture (72%), work-life balance initiatives (60%) and recognition and rewards (42%).