International Women’s Day 2025: #AccelerateAction for Women in Financial Services

March 3, 2025

By Helen Quayle, Independent Financial Adviser for Mather & Murray Financial- International Women’s Day is on 8th March 2025:

It gives me a real buzz when people reach out to me for my thoughts about women in financial services in the lead-up to International Women’s Day (IWD). It makes me realise that I must be doing something right the other 364 days of the year!

Empowering women, particularly financially, is something I am truly passionate about. It’s a message I bring into many of my meetings, and it’s at the heart of what I do as a financial adviser.

#AccelerateAction: Why Urgent Change Is Needed

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is #AccelerateAction—a call for urgent action to address gender inequality and ensure women’s rights are protected.

While it would be wonderful if these changes happened overnight, the reality is that progress takes time. However, I believe that we, as women, can and should take ownership of our financial future, empowering ourselves to create change. By taking control, we may be the ones who truly accelerate action.

Why #AccelerateAction?

To challenge stereotypes and question bias.
To recover lost ground and ensure women aren’t left behind in the post-pandemic recovery.
To celebrate and support women’s success.

Women in Financial Services: Challenging Stereotypes

Stereotypes exist not only in those who provide financial advice but also in those who seek it. In 2022, only 16% of financial advisers were women, yet in 2025, women are expected to hold 60% of UK wealth.

I’m fortunate to work for a company that challenges the industry norm. Mather & Murray Financial celebrates and supports female advisers, recognising us as an asset. In our company of nine advisers, four are women—far exceeding industry averages. We bring different approaches, build strong relationships with clients, and contribute to a more inclusive financial services landscape.

The Intimidating Image of Financial Advisers

There’s still an outdated perception of what a financial adviser looks like—typically, an older man in a pinstripe suit. Early in my career, I was once told I wouldn’t be taken seriously unless I wore one. That moment stuck with me. From then on, I never wore a pinstripe suit.

Instead, I focused on being a supportive, empathetic, and approachable adviser. I’ve always believed that human connection makes for better financial advice, and it’s one of the reasons I see more women feeling comfortable seeking guidance.

Women & Financial Advice: Why It Matters

Only 36% of women have sought financial advice, compared to 46% of men. If we want to challenge the stereotype that women don’t take control of their finances, seeking expert guidance is an excellent place to start. Understanding our options, setting financial goals, and planning for the future brings confidence and security.

The Gender Pension Gap: The 19-Year Deficit

One of the most shocking statistics from the 2024 Gender Pension Gap Report is that, on average, a woman would need to work and save for an extra 19 years to retire with the same pension savings as a man.

This financial gap is caused by:

Lower pay and fewer promotions.
Career breaks for maternity leave or caring responsibilities.
Reduced pension contributions due to part-time or flexible work.
Impact of menopause on career progression.

Every stage of a woman’s life presents financial challenges that men are less likely to face.

Recovering Lost Ground: A Post-Covid Opportunity

Despite these challenges, I believe post-pandemic changes in the workplace have given women a unique opportunity to recover lost ground. Remote working, more flexible hours, and an increased acceptance of balancing work and family life have created a fairer playing field.

Covid changed workplace culture—men and women alike had to juggle careers and childcare. Employers became more understanding of family responsibilities, and I believe that many fathers now appreciate the rebalancing of parental duties.

For me, this shift means I can be both the parent I want to be and reestablish my career after maternity leave. This equity at home opens doors for equity in the workplace, enabling us to earn more, save more, and strengthen our financial future.

Financial Choice = Financial Empowerment

Ultimately, the most important thing is that women have choice. Whether a woman:
✔ Chooses to stay home with her children.
✔ Builds a successful career.
✔ Has a partner who stays home while she works.

Whatever her path, she deserves to be celebrated. And if she seeks expert financial advice along the way, she will be more empowered and in control of her future.

Picture of Helen Quayle Financial adviser in Yate near Bristol

Picture of Helen Quayle, Independent Financial adviser

Final Thoughts: Take Action & Seek Advice

International Women’s Day is a time for reflection and action. The theme of #AccelerateAction reminds us that we can drive change, we can challenge norms, and we can take control of our financial futures.

Let’s make financial empowerment a priority. If you’re unsure where to start, seek expert financial advice—it could be the key to unlocking long-term financial security. CONTACT US today or you can BOOK A CALL BACK now.

Happy International Women’s Day!