Rodriguez has spearheaded multiple efforts across the industry to help diversify the industry and narrow the wealth gap, including leading the development of the Financial Alliance for Racial Equity (FARE), which is focused on increasing the number of black financial professionals entering the industry and filling the voids to help retain them.

By all measures, they are an attractive market. Yet they are under-represented as advisors, and the mostly male profession has largely focused its attention on male clients; even among married clients. 

To date, wealth managers and advisory firms have been slow to respond to the demographic and social changes that are transforming the market for financial advice and many are missing the significant market opportunity that women represent. 

While women essentially need the same services as men, they do have some specific preferences and needs that firms have, so far gone unmet. Some leading firms have realized the opportunity, and are changing how they approach women as clients. Firms can learn about the changing trends in this important market segment, and how best to realize the opportunity.

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Specifically, the group examined the role big data plays in the financial services world and the potential ethical dilemmas that arise when data collection comes into conflict with profit and ethics regulations. Participants also looked at case studies dealing with data privacy and shareholder vs. stakeholder interest. 

Read the full 2020 Forum report here.

Azish Filabi, Executive Director of the American College Center for Ethics in Financial Services, examines the concept in this article.

Specifically, the group discussed what is needed to run an ethical business in the financial services industry. Topics included processes, incentives, and responses to current hot-button trends. 

Read the full 2001 Forum report here.

Specifically, the group talked about whether a strong ethical framework within a business could translate into more powerful outcomes for that business. Hiring and poaching agents from competing companies was also discussed. 

Read the full 2002 Forum report here.

Specifically, the group discussed multiple scenarios of ethical quandaries and how they could be resolved. These included hiring and firing of relatives, company-owned life insurance payouts, and focus on shareholder values. 

Read the full 2003 Forum report here.

Specifically, the group tackled the question of when and how annuity sales are ethical in the financial services industry. Other problems, including hiring and firing practices and corporate retaliation, were also brought up. 

Read the full 2004 Forum report here.

Specifically, the group examined practices that are intended to quell competition in a given space and whether they are ever justified and ethical. Contemporary American business values played a large part in the discussion. 

Read the full 2005 Forum report here.