Showing the value of personal authenticity within the financial services industry is important to break down any pre-misconceptions, according to the Verve Foundation head, Hayley Rabbets.
When discussing what drew her to the Verve Group initially, Rabbets said it was because “their core beliefs really aligned with my own”.
She explained: “They very much wanted people to bring their authentic selves to work and I, at that point, was sick of being in a financial advice firm and having to hide my tattoos and having to dress a certain way.”
She added that advisers have an idea in their minds that “clients are going to be really intimidated by someone who’s got tattoos”, but argued that they “don't take the time to even ask their clients”.
“I think it’s just something they have in their head and the majority of people these days have seen them before,” she continued
“So for me that really shone through with the Verve Group, they had an attitude of ‘come as you are’ and I really wanted to be a part of it.”
Entering the industry
Rabbets outlined her professional journey, starting out in financial services back in 2007 as a receptionist for an IFA.
She stated that, at the time, she did not know anyone in the industry and had “very little idea about how the industry worked”.
However, Rabbets stated that her lack of experience, “if anything, was a benefit” and she entered into the industry “with no preconceptions”.
She explained: “Because I had no idea about the industry I was like a sponge and absorbed everything I possibly could.”
However, she also described her experience within the industry as not being welcoming, stating: “When I started out, because I don’t look like your typical person who works in finance, I experienced some barriers.”
She explained: “I’ve been in firms and in places where doors have been closed.”
She added that her background was also a barrier to some roles within the industry, stating: “I don’t come from a well off background at all, my mum was quite poor growing up.
“When I was going for roles beyond the receptionist role, I had a lot of people telling me 'your not suitable for this'.”
However, Rabbets shared her belief that the industry has become more welcoming recently, stating: “I do think that’s changing and I do think a lot more open-minded organisations these days.”
Advice gap
Speaking on current issues in the industry, Rabbets identified the advice gap as a particularly pressing one but added that “I don’t think it’s as simple as that”.
She explained: “There aren't enough advisers for the people that need advice, but there’s also not enough guidance for people who are ready for advice but still need guidance.
