On the 8th March it was International Women’s Day. We spoke to Esther Walker, one of our Partners, to find out about her experiences on being a female Financial Planner.


Why did you want to become a Financial Planner?

Initially I was a Paraplanner and Head of the Paraplanning Team. It was work I really enjoyed and excelled at, so I hadn’t thought of becoming a Financial Planner and it was never really on my radar.

It was our Director who talked me into the role. He could see I possessed the qualities required to become a successful Financial Planner; my rapport with clients, my technical knowledge, and the ability to spot opportunities to help progress the clients’ financial journeys. He was pretty determined about my potential, so I decided to give it a try and I’ve never looked back.


There are far fewer female Financial Planners than there are male Financial Planners – why do you think this is?

It was always seen as a male dominated role. The female population of Financial Planners used to be almost minimal. However, when the FCA updated qualification requirements, a lot of male financial planners who could retire did, and it seems a lot more female financial planners stepped up to fill those spaces.


Why is it so important that there is more diversity amongst Financial Planners?

It just makes sense! It’s more appealing to a wider client base. We are now in an era where more women are financially independent than ever before, thriving in their own careers, and sometimes they prefer to get advice from another woman.


So, you find some clients specifically want a female Financial Planner. Why do you think this is?

Yes. Female Financial Planners have a different set of skills when it comes to advising clients.

A lot of Financial Planning is not just number crunching and talking about investment performance. It’s listening, being empathetic and understanding, and this really does come naturally to us as women. I’m not saying that male Financial Planners don’t also have these skills, but I think there are just different ways that we deliver them. An example that springs to mind is when a female client is widowed. It’s a distressing and very vulnerable time in their life, and they need a lot of patience.


What advice would you give to other women wanting to follow your lead and become a Financial Planner?

Try it, you have nothing to lose. Believe in yourself and don’t be put off by the amount of male Financial Planners out there. And always remember, women can multi-task!!


What is the best thing about your role?

Without a doubt it’s my amazing clients. I get to build lasting relationships and watch them achieve their goals, ambitions, fulfil their bucket list and transition into retirement. What could be better than that?!