At NAPFA, we often talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Of these, belonging feels the most personal. It’s about truly feeling welcomed, respected, and valued. This sense of community is essential to NAPFA, not just among our members but also for the clients they serve.
Our DEIB efforts focus on creating real pathways within the profession, opening doors to careers in financial planning and building an environment where all professionals can thrive. We see this as essential to professional excellence: continually raising the bar for how our members support each other and deliver outstanding fiduciary advice.
In this issue of Advisor Magazine, we take a closer look at how diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are showing up across financial planning. Through a range of perspectives, we explore how firms and individuals are creating more inclusive environments for advisors and their clients. One theme is clear: when everyone feels valued and represented, advisors can deliver better service and strengthen client trust. Through examples of peer networks, volunteer opportunities, scholarships, and mentorships, this edition shows how inclusion is becoming a driving force in the profession. We also explore the importance of forging career paths and firm structures with intention, and the need for stronger industry standards to identify high-quality financial planners in a crowded market. Whether you’re seeking practical tools or thought-starters, we offer timely insight into what it means to embed DEIB into the future of financial planning.
Access to quality financial guidance is still uneven, and many consumers don’t yet understand fiduciary advice or how to find it. Building a more inclusive profession helps change that. When clients see themselves reflected in their advisors, trust grows stronger. And when advisors bring cultural awareness to their work, client outcomes improve.
NAPFA members serve a wide variety of clients across firm types, life stages, and experiences. Many focus on supporting diverse client groups with unique needs. This wide-ranging expertise strengthens the profession and elevates the value of comprehensive financial planning.
We recognize members come to DEIB from different backgrounds and perspectives. To support every step of this journey, we offer a variety of resources and opportunities designed to help us all grow stronger together, including:
Belonging isn’t a destination; it's an ongoing commitment. Thank you for being part of a financial planning community grounded in excellence, inclusion, and connection.
To learn more about how NAPFA is advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and to explore the resources available, visit www.napfa.org/napfa-diversity--inclusion-initiative.