Research and Resources

Published in 2023 in partnership with Charles Schwab Foundation, this white paper includes results from a survey of CFP Board Registered Program directors at various institutions around the country, revealing successes and challenges in maintaining an academic undergraduate program. 

This 2022 report presents articles from academics and practitioners that outline recommendations and lessons learned based on their research and experience with the goal of diversifying the financial planning profession. Each article addresses a different stage and component of the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) journey.

This 2021 guide provides students, recent graduates and career changers with information on launching and sustaining a successful career in financial planning. Based on extensive research of workforce development practices at a variety of companies, the guide introduces typical entry points and career tracks, companies that hire financial planners, and guidance on finding the right opportunity.

This 2020 thought leadership paper compiled a series of case studies from a select number of firms that outlined their current initiatives aimed at increasing racial and ethnic diversity, and provided advice on how others can replicate and scale efforts to diversify their own workforces.

Released in 2019, this literature review outlines why a diverse workforce is critical for both the financial planning profession and financial services firms. Through data compiled from a variety of research studies, the report shows that diversity leads to stronger sales revenue, customer growth, greater market share and higher profit levels. The report also goes deeper and identifies four data-supported explanations for how diversity leads to stronger overall financial performance.

Released in 2019, the Center’s comprehensive workforce development guide is designed to help firms in the financial planning profession with financial planner recruitment, onboarding, training, career development and retention. The guide highlights the importance of clear and transparent career advancement to attract and retain the next generation of financial planners. It helps firms structure and effectively communicate career path opportunities by examining five rungs of the financial planner career ladder.

Published in 2018, this white paper details outcomes from the initial pilot of the Center’s Financial Planner Re-Entry Initiative (FPRI). FPRI is an innovative workforce development program aimed at attracting experienced, professional women into the financial planning profession who are seeking to return to the workforce after taking a career break. The white paper discusses the pilot program’s model and its key components, initial hurdles, successes and outcomes shared by the participating firms, as well as insights from re-interns and firm program managers.

Released in 2018, the Center’s thought leadership paper outlines actionable solutions for industry stakeholders to create a more diverse and inclusive profession. The report was developed in consultation with the Center’s Diversity Advisory Group, and is based on findings from the Center’s comprehensive research study on the under-representation of blacks and Latinos in the financial planner workforce.

Released in 2014, this white paper from the Center’s Women’s Initiative (WIN) presents the findings from a comprehensive study on the causes of under-representation of women in the financial planner workforce. The paper also presents recommendations for bringing more women into the profession and making it more attractive to women.