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

Jen Frost
Author spotlight

Jen Frost

Editor at Professional Adviser

More on Your profession

Friday Night Takeaway: It's the return of the banks

Friday Night Takeaway: It's the return of the banks

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 10 July

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 July 2026 • 3 min read
Carla Brown on PFS/CII relationship reset and how chartered status is 'essential'

Carla Brown on PFS/CII relationship reset and how chartered status is 'essential'

PFS president and chair joins Professional Adviser in the studio

Professional Adviser
clock 10 July 2026 • 1 min read
FCA spotlights vulnerability in latest Consumer Duty review

FCA spotlights vulnerability in latest Consumer Duty review

Treatment of vulnerable clients still an area of improvement for firms

Sophia Panayi
clock 10 July 2026 • 2 min read