Ahead of the summit, Mortgage Choice’s executive manager of corporate communications, events, and franchise marketing, Sally Chadwick, said that   diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is key to the long-term sustainability of organizations.

 “As societies change and grow, so too do consumers’ values and preferences,” she told SMSF Adviser.

 “Today, consumers’ social values are increasingly shaping their purchasing decisions, and organizations that demonstrate their commitment to inclusive   practices are more likely to build trust in the community and attract customers whose values reflect those of the organization.”

Chadwick noted that, in order to encourage more organizations to take action on DEI, it was critical to showcase how DEI practices benefit workplace   culture and business success. However, the financial advice industry and the wider corporate sector are not always reflective of the diversity across the broader society in Australia, particularly when it comes to the representation of women.

Indeed, according to Adviser Ratings’ 2024 Q2 Database Report, little has changed in the gender makeup of the advice profession in the last five years, with female advisers making up 22 per cent of the profession, compared to 78 per cent male.

Similarly, in the mortgage broking industry, only 26.6 per cent (or 3,547) of the 19,872 brokers in Australia were women, according to the most recent edition of the Industry Intelligence Service Report released by broking association the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA).

In 2020, the major brokerage established its Aspire program, a talent-nurturing program that offers professional development opportunities, education, and events designed to help women brokers build successful and fulfilling careers in the Mortgage Choice network.

Mortgage Choice has been the principal partner of the Women in Finance Awards since 2022 and also joined the Women in Finance Summit as the principal partner in 2023. Commenting on the partnership, Chadwick said the major brokerage is thrilled to continue this partnership in 2024. “The Women in Finance Summit 2024 will be held on Friday, 15 November, at The Star, Sydney.