FSI Announces Strategic Partnership with INROADS

Alliance with Non-Profit Organization is Part of FSI’s Ongoing Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

INROADS to Team with FSI Member Firms to Create Mentorships and Career Paths for Young People in Underserved Communities

The Financial Services Institute (FSI), the leading advocacy organization for the independent financial services industry, today announced a strategic partnership with INROADS, a non-profit organization devoted to advancing the professional success of young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds living in underserved communities. FSI President & CEO Dale Brown announced the partnership alongside INROADS President & CEO Forest T. Harper, Jr. during a Tuesday General Session at FSI OneVoice in Dallas, the organization’s annual conference bringing together the nation’s top independent financial services executives.

The alliance with INROADS is in keeping with FSI’s ongoing Diversity & Inclusion initiative, an effort aimed at increasing industry representation among women and people of color and a key step in making sure every investor across the country gets the financial advice they deserve. Providing opportunities for FSI members to collaborate with other organizations is an integral part of that process.

“As the advocacy organization for the independent financial services industry, FSI is uniquely positioned to help address the underrepresentation of women and people of color within our space,” said Brown. “With this goal in mind, I look forward to teaming with our partners at INROADS to build the next generation of independent financial advisors and to increase diversity among the ranks of financial services executives.”

INROADS will work closely with FSI member firms and sponsors to build a road map that reflects their specific diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals, challenges and opportunities. As part of each road map, INROADS will look to create mentorships that will further the professional development of high school and college students and help to foster more diverse and inclusive work environments. This hands-on, holistic approach allows for coordination with a firm’s existing DEI programs and acknowledges that one-size-fits-all solutions do not adequately address each firm’s unique needs.

“INROADS has a deep commitment to preparing students for success in the financial services industry. Financial Services Institute is the perfect partner for mobilizing our commitment. Together, we will increase the presence, readiness and visibility of financial advisers of color,” said Harper.

Brown concluded, “We are excited to hit the ground running with INROADS. The issues before us will not be easy to solve, but in the months and years to come, we will work to ensure not only that the industry works better for everyone, but that it is more reflective of society. This mission is crucial to ensuring every investor is able to save for retirement and reach their financial goals.”

The INROADS Financial Services Institute, a 10-week immersive student training program, is not directly related to this partnership.