FCA diversity plans: 'My client said, don't let them know you're gay'

Focus on data praised

Kathleen Gallagher
clock • 4 min read

“Right before I walked into the meeting, my client said, 'don’t let them know you’re gay'.”

This was the experience Belton Flourney, director with global consulting firm Protiviti, remembers distinctly, when asked why he is so passionate about diversity and inclusion. Now Flourney, who co-founded Pride in the City, has been named on the 2020 OUTstanding LGBT+ role model list and Google's Top 10 Black Role Models, is optimistic about the steps the financial regulators are undertaking to improve diversity and inclusion in the sector. His recollection comes from when he was working with a global bank and was asked to go into a meeting to discuss a project he and his team had su...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

'No difference in my view': Reeves LTAF-ISA decree not enough to make platforms offer them

'No difference in my view': Reeves LTAF-ISA decree not enough to make platforms offer them

Retail platforms await further rule change details

Eve Maddock-Jones
clock 16 July 2025 • 4 min read
Bikes, bias and the quest for outperformance

Bikes, bias and the quest for outperformance

I'm a disciple of the philosophy espoused by Lotus founder Colin Chapman: 'Add lightness'

Tobias Bucks
clock 14 July 2025 • 5 min read

Watch Professional Adviser's Working Lunch with Schroders - Beyond the Pulse: Essential insights for financial advisers in 2025

Catch up on the discussion

Professional Adviser
clock 10 July 2025 • 1 min read