Editor's view: Challenging the 'male-dominated' advice narrative

The editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 8 November

Jen Frost
clock • 3 min read

Our top story this week celebrates the winners at the Women in Financial Advice Awards, affectionately known as WIFA.

Benchmark's Gillian Hepburn wrote a great piece for PA on how to impress the WIFA judges. It's full of practical tips and well worth a look for next year. One point that Hepburn raises is quite sticky – and that's on some of the language and clichés many of us use around the gender balance in financial services. In particular, Hepburn takes issue with the use of the phrase ‘male-dominated industry' to describe advice. "There is certainly a gender imbalance at certain levels and for some roles," Hepburn argues. "However, dominance propagates negativity, suggesting power and influence." ...

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 Your profession

Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Higher proof-of-value demands and operational challenges keep private markets on margins of UK advice portfolios

Sahar Nazir
clock 19 December 2025 • 9 min read
Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Business development exec Lawrence Patrick joined charity The Mehiel Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 19 December 2025 • 1 min read
Why human connection remains central in a digitally enabled advice sector

Why human connection remains central in a digitally enabled advice sector

'It is clear that the sector is moving through a significant period of transformation'

Tim Riseborough
clock 17 December 2025 • 3 min read