A new initiative to boost the number of women in the financial planning profession has been launched by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.
In a news release, the CFP Board announced it has begun a comprehensive program known as Accelerate & WIN, that is aimed at increasing the growth, influence and leadership of women CFP® professionals. The board noted that of the over 103,000 CFP® professionals, women are significantly underrepresented, making up only 24% of the total.
The gap has continued even though the board said there is a growing need for women in the profession, “both because consumers want diverse perspectives and because firms must attract and retain women to stay competitive.”
To address the situation, Accelerate & WIN was developed as a multiyear strategy involving research, thought leadership and strategic partnerships. A focus of the program is strengthening the entire talent pipeline for women by engaging college-bound high school students, college students, recent graduates and career changers to make the profession more diverse.
“Women’s moment in financial planning isn’t coming — it’s now,” said CFP Board Chair Liz Miller, CFP®, CFA®. “Accelerate & WIN won’t just open doors; it can reshape our profession.” The board added that financial planning can be a strong career fit for women because it offers meaningful work, flexibility, and strong growth potential.
Accelerate & WIN includes two research initiatives for 2025: the Building Wealth: Insights on Women’s Aspirations & Growing Financial Power report that was published in February, and a fall research report studying how financial services firms successfully attract and retain women financial planners, which will be released at the 2025 Connections Conference in Chicago in October. The Building Wealth report found 69 percent of women serve as the primary investment decision-makers in their households, while another 56 percent agreed financial planners are in the best position to help them achieve their financial priorities.
The CFP Board will also host several women’s initiative webinars and a career-changers studio. The first webinar, “Serving Women Clients: Addressing Unique Financial Challenges,” will be held this week and will explore insights from recent CFP Board research and strategies for addressing the specific needs of women clients at every stage, whether they’re building wealth, managing life changes or navigating retirement.
Another event, the Power Women Design Summit on May 20 in New York City, will bring together CFP® professionals, financial planning leaders and organizations that empower women and girls and other thought leaders to explore effective strategies for attracting women to the profession and keeping them on the path to CFP® certification.
“Accelerating the growth of women in financial planning is about giving consumers the choice they deserve,” said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. “It equips the profession to meet the evolving needs of today’s clients.”
Accelerate & WIN will be led by Lisa Davis, JD, Chief Program Officer and Jillien Meier, Managing Director, Program Development.
Hyman Cotter PC PC represents advisors, brokers and other financial professional in all matters involving the CFP Board, including CFP Board investigations. Headquartered in Chicago, our securities attorneys represent clients nationwide. For more information relating to CFP Board investigations and discipline or other matters, contact Hyman Cotter PC at 312-291-4600 or through our online contact form for a free consultation
