Women flee boozy, lecherous insurance brokers at Lloyd's in London

LONDON — The cornerstones of the world’s insurance business, the prestigious Lloyd’s of London has been accused of having a deep-seated boozy, sexist culture. Female brokers say they feel uncomfortable working there and that the alcohol-filled, long lunches are a major contributing factor to lecherous behaviour. These women generally fear that there will be repercussions if they come forward and in many instances the harassers describe sexist comments as ‘banter’. This is not the first institution accused of sexual harassment in London. The President’s club had to close its doors last year after a backlash following a raucous all-male charity event in Mayfair during which female hostesses were groped and harassed. Lloyd’s of London has responded to the allegations saying they are developing a plan of action to address complaints. Bloomberg’s financial crimes reporter, Gavin Finch who interviewed women at Lloyd’s told Carol Masser that he believes Lloyd’s is the most archaic corner left in global finance and the sexist culture is driving women out of the insurance business. - Linda van Tilburg