Diversity matters in financial advice – new voices are reshaping the profession

Posted on 18 June 2025 • Career planning, Graduate opportunities, Jobs, internships and work experience

St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy is working to challenge outdated perceptions and build a more inclusive pipeline of future advisers. Explore St. James’s Place’s current opportunities. Since its launch, the Academy has supported over 1,800 individuals into advice roles and continues to attract candidates from all walks of life, including career changers, returners, and those who may never have previously considered a career in finance.

Find out more about equality and diversity in the workplace and take the free OpenLearn course Diversity and inclusion in the workplace to gain a digital badge you can use on your LinkedIn profile and in applications.

The financial advice profession is evolving and that’s a good thing. Historically, its routes in have been less visible to those from underrepresented backgrounds, but today, efforts across the industry are opening doors and inviting a wider range of people to take part.

SJP’s focus on accessibility goes beyond recruitment. The Academy offers flexible, location-free training that accommodates different lifestyles and needs. This approach supports people balancing family responsibilities, living with disabilities, or simply in need of a more adaptable path into the profession.

This isn’t just good ethics; it makes practical sense. It’s widely recognised that people are more likely to trust advisers who understand their personal journeys. When the profession includes a wider range of voices, it becomes easier to build those connections and offer advice that feels relevant and human.

At the same time, there’s a clear push to spark interest in financial education earlier. Reaching students in schools and universities helps demystify the world of finance and opens up possibilities for careers that may not have been on their radar.

Furthermore, the need for more financial advisers is growing. With an ageing adviser population and a growing demand for personalised financial guidance, the UK faces a shortfall of around 50,000 advisers. This gap presents a significant opportunity for new entrants to the profession, ensuring that individuals and families have access to the support they need to make informed financial decisions.

In the end, creating a more diverse advice profession raises the standard of service for everyone. With fresh perspectives, inclusive training routes, and a stronger focus on education, the industry is taking meaningful steps toward a workforce that’s more representative, more resilient, and far more engaging.

Georgia Stringer is a Marketing Specialist at the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, where she helps promote career opportunities in financial advice to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. She is committed to raising awareness of the profession and highlighting the long-term rewards it can offer, particularly for those considering a career change. Georgia plays a key role in showcasing the support available through the Academy and in encouraging more people to explore a future in financial advice.