Initiatives
Diversity & Inclusion
Demand for personal financial advisors is expected to grow 13% through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — higher than other occupations. To address that demand, we're working to build and diversify the ranks of financial planners, so we can meet the needs of increasingly diverse consumers. Through the efforts of the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, we are making an impact in the following ways.
DIVERSITY INITIATIVES
See how CFP Board is taking a multifaceted approach to diversifying the financial planner workforce.
Diversity Summits
Annual Diversity Summits showcase research, case studies, best practices and actionable initiatives to advance racial diversity in the profession.
Advising on Inclusion
The Diversity Advisory Group provides guidance and expertise in the development of diversity and inclusion initiatives.
I AM A CFP® PRO
Learn about the campaign to attract more young people into financial planning careers.
ADDRESSING UNDER-REPRESENTATION
Women's Initiative
The Women's Initiative (WIN) addresses the issue of women's under-representation in the financial planner workforce. Nancy Kistner, CFP®, Chair of the WIN Advisory Panel, discusses the origins of WIN and shares her experience as a woman in the financial planning profession.
Research & Publications
Learn how initiatives from the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning and other efforts are attracting more women and minorities to the financial planning profession.
Working professionals in the office.
HOW TO ENGAGE DIVERSE STUDENTS
Published by CFP Board Center for Financial Planning in partnership with Charles Schwab Foundation, this paper focuses on the fundamental role academic programs play on the path to a career in financial planning and their impact on the profession’s diversity.
Female professionals looking ahead.
DEI-Driven Retention Strategies
This 2023 report provides case studies and best practices for advisor retention strategies in the financial planning profession that advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Diverse team working on best practices planning.
Metrics that Matter
Released in 2022, this report presents articles from academics and practitioners that outline recommendations and lessons learned with the goal of diversifying the financial planning profession.
A group of female professionals ready to work.
Building a Diverse Practice
Released in 2021, this report highlights the distinctive strengths and characteristics that female CFP® professionals bring to wealth management practices and clients.
Sustaining Diversity in Financial Planning
Released in 2020, this thought leadership paper compiles a series of case studies from several firms that outlined their current diversity and inclusion initiatives and provided advice on how others can replicate and scale those efforts.
Showcasing Business Case for Diversity
This 2019 literature review demonstrates why diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender and sexual preference, is so crucial to the sustainability of the financial planning profession.
Making More Room for Women
A comprehensive research study, this 2013 white paper explores the causes of under-representation of women in the financial planner workforce and outlines potential solutions.
Supporting Racial Diversity
This thought leadership paper outlines actionable, research-based solutions for industry stakeholders to create a more inclusive profession.
GET GUIDANCE AND ADVICE
The Mentor Program
The CFP Board Mentor Program provides candidates for CFP® certification the opportunity to connect with a CFP® professional who can offer the advice, guidance, and support needed to prepare for the CFP® exam. Mentors can help you stay on track and motivated throughout the process.
CFP Board Center for Financial Planning
The mission of CFP Board Center for Financial Planning is to advance competent and ethical financial planning and expand CFP® professional diversity for the benefit of the public.