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Financial advisors still misjudge women investors

The industry is still struggling with stereotypes and unconscious bias that could hurt its prospects, especially as younger women take more control of their financial lives

Past research has shown women are less involved than men in longer-term financial decisions and hold less retirement wealth—in part due to the gender wage gap and taking time out for caregiving—to fund longer life expectancies than men.
Past research has shown women are less involved than men in longer-term financial decisions and hold less retirement wealth—in part due to the gender wage gap and taking time out for caregiving—to fund longer life expectancies than men. Photo: Getty Images

The financial services industry has been talking a lot about diversity and inequality, but two new reports show that the industry continues to fall short when working with women, exacerbating a persistent gender gap in retirement savings.

Past research has shown women are less involved than men in longer-term financial decisions and hold less retirement wealth—in part due to the gender wage gap and taking time out for caregiving—to fund longer life expectancies than men. But the industry, which is still 80% male, also has played a role.

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