FPA launches new initiative to up female participation in financial planning

In an effort to help women both enter and remain in a profession where they currently only account for 20 per cent, the Financial Planning Association has launched a new mentoring program.

The program, which works by matching eligible females in the financial planning profession seeking guidance and support with more experienced FPA members, will kick off mid-February and run over a six-month period.

Noting that the demand for female financial planners is there, FPA chief executive Dante De Gori said encouraging more women to enter and remain in the profession will be vital to serving the needs of the growing number of Australians seeking advice. 

“Our challenge and opportunity [are] to both support women throughout their financial planning careers and also convert this consumer demand into financial planning clients,” said Mr De Gori.

“It is important for the profession to provide more support for women working in financial planning. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to offer a formal, structured mentoring program for FPA members.” 

To join as a mentee, candidates must be a member of the FPA, and a female working in the profession, and satisfy one or more of the eligibility criteria. 

The program will be funded by the $1.5 million grant awarded to the FPA by the government to further women’s presence in financial planning.