How Are Women Shaping the Financial Advisor Field Today? Stats, Trends, Outlook
You might not notice at first, but more women are stepping into the financial advisory world. They’re picking up client trust, shaping firm strategies, and driving growth. Here’s how and why it matters.
1. Women in Financial Advisory
23.9 percent of CFP® professionals are women, out of 104,874 total as of July 1, 2025.
That share has doubled over 10 years. Between 2021 and 2024, female CFPs grew by 13.9 percent compared to 10.7 percent for men.
Women make up 18 percent of all financial advisors according to industry reports.
Among RIAs and broker dealers, leading firms list female advisor representation under 30 percent though a few like Commonwealth Financial Network and Osaic are making progress.
In S and P 500 companies, women hold 29.2 percent of senior roles even as they control over half of personal wealth.
This is a start but it does not reflect the clients served.
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Women in Financial Advisory
2. Why This Matters
Women lead financial decisions in most homes. More than two thirds of women say they are the primary investment decision makers in their households.
Income roles have shifted. Four in five partnered working women head or share household income duties.
Women trust people over algorithms. Fifty six percent believe a certified financial planner can best help them meet goals. Only seven percent prefer automated tools for planning.
Women already hold more than ten trillion dollars in US household assets. By 2030 they will control two thirds of all household assets.
Firm diversity is not just ethical. It is smart business. Firms that reflect their clients will win trust and market share.
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3. Trends and Momentum
Female CFP professionals increased by 4.5 percent in 2024, reaching a total of 24 546. They now account for nearly 24 percent of all CFP certificants. This growth reflects rising interest and momentum among women in the field.
Between 2021 and 2024, the number of women earning CFP certification grew by 13.9 percent—outpacing the 10.7 percent growth rate for men. Nearly 2 900 new women earned the CFP mark during that period.
In March 2025 the CFP Board launched its initiative called Accelerate & WIN. The program focuses on boosting recruitment, leadership and mentorship through outreach to high school and college students, recent graduates and career changers.
Firms are setting measurable goals and building stronger pipelines. The CFP Board aims to support women entering the profession through partnerships, scholarships, events and career programs designed to increase diversity and strengthen long term growth among women advisors.
These efforts show a clear strategy to grow the number of women in financial planning and sustain that momentum in the years ahead.
4. Why Women Advisors Make a Difference
Why Women Advisors Make a Difference
Women advisors connect deeply with female clients. Surveys show most women prefer working with women led advisors. They feel more at ease in financial conversations. They value being treated as full decision makers.
These advisors bring real life experience to their advice. Many have managed caregiving responsibilities for aging parents. They’ve guided clients through sudden wealth events. They understand the dynamics of blended households.
They excel at empathy and listening. They make clients feel heard and understood. They tailor guidance to each person’s values and goals. They build trust through genuine connection.
They boost trust and satisfaction. Women advisors report strong client loyalty. They see higher career satisfaction and deeper referrals. Their presence helps firms build diverse teams. Diversity in teams drives innovation and growth.
6. Key Industry Gaps Impacting Women Advisors
Only 23.8 percent of CFP professionals are women. That number is well below gender parity in the field.
The profession lacks ethnic diversity. Nearly 79 percent of financial planners are white, and women make up just 33.5 percent of all planners.
Structural bias and a lack of mentorship continue to limit opportunities for women in the industry.
Burnout and job turnover are common concerns. About one in three female advisors considered leaving the profession in the past year.
7. What Firms Can Do
Build mentoring programs early in careers.
Commit to balanced hiring. Aim to interview at least one woman for every role.
Offer flexible work to ease family pressures.
Highlight women leaders internally and externally.
Track representation targets in recruitment and promotion.
Some firms are already doing this. Now more must follow.
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8. The Road Ahead
Wealth is shifting fast. As women inherit and control more assets, they’ll expect advisors who get them. Advisors who are women are not just optional, they’re essential.
Diverse teams perform better. They drive deeper client trust, new perspectives, and stronger growth. This benefits everyone, clients and firms alike.
Bottom Line
Women advisors are gaining ground but far more are needed. The data shows women drive trust, align with client needs, and help firms stay competitive as wealth shifts. Here at ONE Advisory Partners, we are committed to serving the needs of women clients and advisors. If you are a firm leader, investor, or client, this is not just about fairness. It is about relevance.
Reference
CFP Board. (2025, July 1). CFP® Professional Demographics. Retrieved from https://www.cfp.net/knowledge/reports-and-statistics/professional-demographics
CFP Board. (2025, March). Accelerate & WIN. Retrieved from https://www.cfp.net/initiatives/diversity-and-inclusion/womens-initiatives
CFP Board. (2024, April 4). The Number of Female Certified Financial Planners Grew By 13.9 %. Retrieved from https://www.cfp.net/news/2024/04/the-number-of-female-certified-financial-planners-grew-by
Investopedia. (2022, June 17). Growing Women’s Wealth. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/women-investors-on-the-rise-5442891
McKinsey & Company. (2020, July 29). Women as the New Face of Wealth. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/women-as-the-next-wave-of-growth-in-us-wealth-management
Citywire. (2024, September 11). Women Will Control Two‑Thirds of Household Wealth by 2030. Retrieved from https://www.citywire.com/ria/news/women-will-control-two-thirds-of-household-wealth-by-2030-are-rias-ready/a2448954
