10 Years of BCBF – The partnership perspective

Ian Foster has been a driving force behind AllianceBernstein’s (AB) partnership with the BCBF programme, which has made a significant impact in fostering social mobility and providing opportunities for young talent in the financial services industry.

Since the programme’s inception, Ian has dedicated himself to supporting this initiative, and his leadership has been instrumental in AB’s continued involvement. In this reflection, we ask Ian about his and AB’s journey with BCBF, the profound impact on both the company and the students, and the personal motivations that drive this commitment.

How long have you been a BCBF partner?

I was first introduced to BCBF in late 2016, and AB took our first intake in summer 2017, making 2024 our eighth year of involvement.

How would you describe the impact that your company’s involvement in BCBF has had?

Taking AB from a standing start eight years ago to becoming the second-largest provider of placements in the programme is something I am immensely proud of. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of the wider AB family, both in London and beyond. We offer a variety of opportunities to our students, host great group events, and provide valuable training during their time with us. I believe our students leave AB with a better understanding of the industry than when they joined.

Why do you think BCBF is such an important programme, both for your company and for you personally?

Social mobility has always been the driving force behind this programme, influenced by my own upbringing. I have always felt a sense of responsibility to give back. We are fortunate to work in the financial services industry, and being able to contribute in this way motivates me and many others. It is easy to stand by and complain about the challenges our young people face, but we all have a responsibility to improve our society. We should be grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of emerging talent, enhancing their outlook and prospects. It’s something we should all be proud of.

Are there any particular stories from your experiences with BCBF that stand out in your memory, or that you think highlight what makes BCBF what it is?

A couple of students particularly stand out in my memory. One had only been in the UK for just over a year, having fled from war-torn Syria. Providing her with the opportunity to spend two weeks with us was incredibly special. I also remember a conversation with a student who had grown up on an estate in Hackney. He shared how the love and guidance of his parents instilled in him the belief that education was the path to a better life. He expressed immense gratitude for being part of BCBF, which truly epitomised why we do this work. This year was also special, as our nine-day programme coincided with visits from the two most senior leaders in the firm. Their engagement with the students and the insightful questions posed during firm updates were particularly memorable.

What would you say to another company considering becoming a BCBF partner?

It is a fantastic programme that allows you to meet incredibly smart and talented young people eager to learn about our work. In return, you can build relationships that may lead to discovering future talent. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact this programme has on the young participants and provides a great opportunity for staff to give back.

What would you say to a young person considering applying to BCBF?

Do it, but be prepared to work hard. Be ready to learn and be proactive in maximising your experience in the programme.

Anything else you would like to add?

I would like to highlight that the team at IntoUniversity is exceptional and works incredibly hard. They are a true credit to the programme, making a tangible difference in the lives of young people across the UK.