Feb 21 (Reuters) - Morgan Stanley ( MS ) toned down its emphasis on diversity in its

latest annual report published on Friday, signaling a recalibration as businesses adapt to a

changing reality under President Donald Trump's administration.

The report omitted the bank's past statement that "a diverse and inclusive workforce is

important to Morgan Stanley's ( MS ) continued success."

Several corporate giants have been softening their diversity commitments amid a push by

Trump to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government and

the private sector.

Citigroup ( C/PN ) has said it will no longer require a diverse slate of candidates for job

interviews. Goldman Sachs ( GS ) also canceled a four-year-old policy of exclusively taking

public companies with at least two diverse board members.

Diversity has been a longstanding challenge on Wall Street. Morgan Stanley ( MS ) also drew

scrutiny previously for fielding an all-white, all-male slate of candidates to succeed former

CEO James Gorman.

The bank, however, has several women in top roles, including Chief Financial Officer Sharon

Yeshaya. Citing an employee survey, Morgan Stanley ( MS ) said that around 40% of its global workforce

and 29% of its officers - which include roles such as managing directors, executive directors

and vice presidents - are women.

In the U.S., 35% of its workforce and 28% of its officers come from ethnically diverse

backgrounds, the bank said.

"To facilitate talent attraction and retention, we strive to make Morgan Stanley ( MS ) a diverse

and inclusive workplace with a strong culture and opportunities for our employees to grow and

develop in their career," the bank said in the report.

A spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.