Deborah Thomas
With the inaugural Financial Planning Association (FPA) Professionals Congress around the corner, the FPA has announced details of its Women in Finance Breakfast, featuring some of the leading female financial planners in the profession and high-profile magazine editor and business success story, Deborah Thomas.
Research has shown that the FPA has a higher representation of female members at 23%, compared with 18% in other associations (in aggregate) as a result of initiatives supporting the growth of women in financial planning1.
CEO of the FPA, Mark Rantall said: “Female financial planners represented 32% of our new membership this year and while it is positive to see that the female representation is growing each year, these numbers are not satisfactory and much needs to be done to close the gap between genders in financial planning, and the wider financial services. The FPA community hopes to see more women join the profession in the future and we continue to work hard to build initiatives that encourage Australians across all demographics to become CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS®. In order for Australians from all walks of life to receive appropriate advice, there needs to be equal representation across genders and all demographics.”
“The FPA Professionals Congress program has been developed to provide support and information to members in all aspects of providing advice. The Women in Finance breakfast is one way we aim to support our female community of planners in their careers. The FPA is excited to host a number of successful female financial planners with Deborah Thomas featured as the guest speaker. Deborah Thomas is a shining example of someone that has consistently excelled in their field and we expect attendees will be inspired by her remarkable achievements.”
Ms. Thomas is one of Australia’s most successful magazine editors, having edited some of the most popular women’s titles for 20 years before moving to a corporate role at one of Australia’s top publishing houses, ACP Magazines.
“I believe all women should understand and take control of their financial future; it is the key to independence. I look forward to sharing my story with 200 women who help make this happen,” Thomas said ahead of her presentation.
The Women in Finance breakfast will take place on Friday 18 October at 7:30am as part of the Professionals Congress. As well as listening to Deborah Thomas speak, attendees are invited to network with some of the industry’s leading female financial planners and discuss challenges faced by women in the industry.
Registrations to the FPA’s Professionals Congress (17-18 October) are now open, and current planners, international leaders and the planners of the future are welcomed to register. The Professionals Congress is focused on the purpose and influence of financial planners and the passion that the FPA community has to make a difference to people’s lives – by helping clients plan and manage their financial health and future.
Click here for more information or to register for the Professionals Congress.
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1 Investment Trends FPA Professional Dividend Report September 2012