New IWI Scholarship Fund: Bridging Diversity Gaps in Financial Services

Denver, CO — January 2, 2020  — The Investments & Wealth Institute unveiled a new Scholarship Fund designed to help address diversity and inclusion gaps within the financial services industry by offsetting the costs of the Institute’s advanced certification programs. For advisors to meet the needs of shifting demographics and increasingly diverse consumers it is crucial for the investments and wealth industry to expand and diversify. The fact remains that women make up a little over half (50.8 percent) of the U.S. population, but according to a 2017 report by Cerulli Associates, only 16% of financial advisors. Similarly, the statistics for minority and underrepresented groups is also significantly less than the U.S. population as a whole.  

Scholarships available include the Women in Wealth Scholarship, Diversity/Inclusion Scholarship for members of the LGBTQ community, disabled individuals, and minorities, and the RIA Center of Excellence Scholarship for Registered Investment Advisors. Scholarships can be used toward the Certified Investment Management Analyst^® (CIMA^®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor^® (CPWA^®), and Retirement Management Advisor^® (RMA^®) designations for qualified recipients.

“The Institute is committed to the advancement of exceptional advisors. Our scholarships help to recognize underrepresented groups and assist recipients in realizing their professional goals,” said Sean R. Walters, CAE, chief executive officer, Investments & Wealth Institute.  “Our vision is to expand the perspectives and voices heard throughout the investments and wealth profession. We aim to enhance access to premier professional development and increase involvement of diverse individuals in the Institute’s initiatives, committees and volunteer opportunities.”
 
Eligibility
The Institutes' commitment towards the advancement of diversity and inclusion in financial services allows individuals to receive a scholarship towards one of our certification programs.  Multiple options are available, and consideration is for advisors who show a commitment to advancing their financial advisory profession.

Application deadlines are aligned with certification enrollment deadlines. For more information or to apply visit our Scholarships page.