Personal Finance Society (PFS) confirmed a £1m commitment to attract talent into financial services with its ‘Pathway to the Profession’ scheme at an event in London today, 23th July 2025.
The programme aims to attract new entrants to financial services and give aspiring professionals the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed at the start of their careers.
Part of the commitment includes a £200,000 investment to support 500 new entrants to take their first step towards gaining their Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
They will also benefit from free PFS membership as they embark on their professional journey.
A further £50,000 has been allocated to the delivery of a new annual symposium to showcase the profession to young people.
This will be held alongside the organisation’s flagship National Conference, ensuring attendees can truly experience the very best of our profession.
Half of the funding, £500,000, will be released immediately, with the remainder pledged for future projects.
About £20,000 will be ring-fenced for paid internships, with 100 placements planned each year.
Partnerships with Coventry University, UCAS, everywoman and upReach will provide financial-planning scholarships, apprenticeship routes and support for those seeking top jobs in the sector.
Eddie Grant, PFS board member, said: “This initiative is more than just the money – it’s about nurturing and serving future talent.”
Carla Brown, president of the PFS, said: “Every profession needs a pathway that anybody with the passion and potential can find and follow.
“As President of the Personal Finance Society, I’m proud to share that the PFS Board has approved the launch of our new Pathway to the Profession – a bold initiative backed by an initial £1 million investment in our 20th anniversary year.
“This marks a significant and deliberate step, we are demonstrating our ongoing commitment to nurture the next generation of professionals and support the vibrant future of the financial planning sector.”
Brown added: “We know that real impact comes from collaboration, and we’re excited to work with our members to shape meaningful initiatives that support them, their teams, and their communities.
“Alongside the partnerships already announced – including those with Coventry University, everywoman, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, UCAS and upReach – this initiative is about opening doors and building a profession that is inclusive, aspirational and accessible to all.”
