The power of FFEM and women in finance

FFEM is a community for women and non-binary financial planners offering Education & Mentoring which I launched in October 2022.

I did this because I’m passionate about developing more women into senior roles within financial planning.

I believe that, despite some positive work already being done by several groups and individuals in the profession, to help women in finance, that there was, and still is, a gap in support, mentoring and safe spaces for women in the profession.

The dial shifts slowly

Almost weekly, I’m told about or see first-hand bad practice, sexism, bias, and misogyny. So much of this is born out of the alpha male cultures that have been so prevalent in our profession.

Whilst some small steps and progress has been made, the dial shifts so very slowly. In fact there statistics to show the numbers of women in financial advice are stagnant or reducing. The statistic of 16% from the FCA has been the same for at least the last 10 years.

Only last month The Treasury Select Committee launched a new inquiry into “sexism in the city”, which looks at the barriers faced by women in finance.

What's next for FFEM

FFEM is now nearly a year old now and with 180 members in the Linked In group. I want to build more engagement, more excitement and better content.

Today, as we launch the new website, we’re bringing together FFEM’s vision for you all.

Anyone joining FFEM will pledge to maintain a high level of respect and integrity as a member of the community. This group is about supporting women, encouraging others to be the best they can be.

"Where there is a woman,

there is magic."

- Ntozake Shange

FFEM hosts monthly virtual events that offer networking opportunities, workshops, and webinars, providing invaluable insights and practical skills. These will now be available to all.

In addition, we support a quarterly ‘honesty hour' – only accessible by women and non-binary members, allowing members to share workplace problems with others who may be able to support them, in confidence and in a safe space.

Sometimes it can be difficult or scary to share your opinions in the financial planning profession with the fear of being ridiculed or shot down. I've first hand experience of this.

FFEM offers a safe space for conversation where you can voice your opinions and ideas without worrying about the impact on your career.

I’m excited to welcome new members, renewed existing members from the linked in group and male advocates to FFEM and look forward to see what the next year will bring.

Note: At present FFEM is unfunded, and also free to members. Any time dedicated to generating content, organising events and promoting sessions is done voluntarily and without remuneration. We’ll most likely be looking for sponsorship in the future to continue to enhance what FFEM can provide to the profession. Get in touch if you can be of help, would like to get involved or to discuss sponsorship.