LPL Financial says that supporting greater diversity and inclusion is not only important for advisors but also to enable better access to financial services for all.
The firm has announced its support for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the LGBTQ+ advisor business community and that it is part of the upcoming 2023 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference and awards ceremony which takes place in Denver next month.
Beth Csengody, vice president of advisor diversity and inclusion client communities and sustainability for LPL Financial, says that partnering with organizations like these is helping to build a more inclusive financial services industry for its professionals and clients.
“The marketplace is changing; today’s investors are multi-generational, multi-cultural and multi-dimensional with unique financial needs,” Csengody said. “Members of the LGBTQ+ community face financial challenges all their own, which is why advisors who are part of and/or support the community play an important role in building trust and providing a high degree of comfort and care for those investors and families seeking advice.”
LPL Financial’s own support for LGBT+ employees and their allies comes from its Pride Alliance Employee Resource Group, which enables better connections and a sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, advisors can access resources to better support clients through its LGBTQ+ Client Community.
One of its active members is Jeremy Gussick, a planner specializing in retirement income planning and investment management for individuals, families and LGBTQ+ singles and couples, and founder of Gussick and Barnett Financial Planning.
Gussick, who is also active in LPL’s Advisor Inclusion Council and is helping to implement LPL's Advisor Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program firmwide, explains why it’s important when large firms show their support for diversity and inclusion.
“When Fortune 500 companies like LPL step up to help expand economic opportunities for LGBTQ+ advisor businesses, that commitment and action can help make advice more accessible for the LGBTQ+ community,” Gussick said. “Access to an LGBTQ+ financial professional who understands specific financial needs and situations has the potential to greatly improve financial outcomes, while also creating a welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and families to engage in important financial planning conversations.”
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