Diversity and equality

The insurance giant and No. 6 IBD made Alexa Von Tobel its chief innovation officer following the closure of the planning startup it acquired in 2015.

Despite the profession’s efforts to attract and retain women, demeaning experiences at industry events could be keeping them away — or driving them out.

Every man in the financial services industry should read this article, Nina O’Neal writes.

Marriage equality leads PridePlanners, a group focused on aiding advisors working with LGBTQ clients, to become part of the association.

Although the industry reflects stark disparities, these firms are leading their peers in the hiring of female registered representatives.

The firm says it’s working to increase the number of women in leadership positions.

Nearly three-in-four advisors (73%) do not have a succession plan in place.

“It’s incredibly important to have diversity. Period,” says Kara Murphy.

Ex-employee charges that African-Americans are denied opportunities at the brokerage giant in a climate of institutional discrimination.

Having benefited from mentors throughout her career, Amy Zhang now guides other women and minorities on their paths to success.

GraniteShares had yet to launch a fund when Kristen Winther joined two years ago. Now with five products on the market, it’s a “full-fledged business.”

As the first woman executive at Carson Group, Teri Shepherd made it a priority to increase the number of women advisors at the firm.

As FS Investments' chief U.S. economist, Lara Rhame mentors four women at the firm, meeting regularly to discuss their professional and personal goals.

As a PNC executive, Nicole Perkins looks at her position as a role model and thinks of it as "giving back or paying forward, however you look at it."

There are many more options for advisors who seek gender-equality based investments for clients, says planner Luisamarie Ruiz Carlile.

Since becoming Franklin Resource's first woman president, Jenny Johnson oversees a majority of the firm’s investment management services.

A “broad blended skill set" is part of what Voya Investment Management CEO Christine Hurtsellers says helped her become a better leader.

“If you’re not given an avenue to prove yourself, then effort and skill set will only go so far,” Shannon Saccocia says.

One thing that excites Dana D’Auria about the industry right now is factor investing, which helped draw her to Symmetry Partners 12 years ago.