Broadridge Financial Solutions is launching an initiative to extend its Fi360 Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) Designation Training to financial professionals from underrepresented groups at no cost.
To help increase the accessibility of training for women and people of color in financial professions, an initial group of 100 advisors will receive free training through the program, which is sponsored by Envestnet and supported by Choir.
AIF Designation Training provides those responsible for managing or advising on investor assets with a fundamental understanding of the principles of fiduciary duty, the standards of conduct for acting as a fiduciary, and a process for carrying out fiduciary responsibility. Fi360 is accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board under international standard 17024 for the AIF Designation.
“Through this initiative, we hope to play a role in increasing the likelihood that underrepresented individuals will stay in financial services, and help them be recognized for career advancement opportunities,” said John Faustino, head of Broadridge's fiduciary training, technology and analytics business. “Additionally, financial advisors from diverse demographic groups generally have a higher percentage of clients from those groups, and more AIFs in that equation will help increase access to advisors acting in the best interest of investors.”
According to the announcement, candidates will be identified with the help of Choir, a diversity-tech platform that aims to assist the underrepresented in the financial services industry. Among the ways candidates can be eligible for selection is to sign up for Choir's Voices platform, which connects people of color, women, and non-binary financial professionals with speaking and media opportunities. Interested individuals should also apply directly with Envestnet.
"Envestnet is proud to support the 401(k) marketplace—a market expected to triple by 2028—and we are equally committed to the development and careers of women and people of color. With this, we believe there will be an even greater opportunity to support these populations in all of their financial needs," said Dani Fava, Envestnet's Head of Strategic Development and an Advisory Board Member for Choir.
