LPL to Host Its First Stand-Alone Women’s Conference

LPL Financial (LPLA) says it will host its first stand-alone women’s conference in November. It expects about 125 female registered reps to attend.

“It’s part of our long-term goal of focusing on diversity in general and moving the needle for women and others. It really makes sense, too, considering the growing importance of women clients and the wealth they are inheriting,” said Susan Fargo, head of business consulting for LPL, during a forum for female advisors held on Sunday during the broker-dealer’s annual conference.

During LPL’s Focus event, held recently in San Diego, more than 160 female advisors met for the ninth-annual forum, which features top female reps and guest speakers. The Navy’s first female F-14 Tomcat pilot — Carey Lohrenz —spoke to the group.

The women’s forum and upcoming stand-alone event “were driven by the advisors, who are looking to build a community,” Fargo said, “so we have been adding to efforts to the program.” For instance, at gatherings of top-performing LPL reps, there are events for the female advisors.

Women represent more than 10% of LPL’s roughly 14,000 affiliated reps and their licensed staff, she says. “Long term, we want to be the destination for women advisors,” explained Fargo. “It’s a journey.”