How Gender Diversity Strengthens Financial Advice. And Why It Matters.

At Skybound Wealth, we believe that diversity isn’t just a goal, it’s a key driver of success. In 2024, 50% of our new hires were women, reinforcing our commitment to a balanced, inclusive workforce that drives innovation and better decision-making. Today, women make up 33% of our global team, and this number continues to grow as we invest in recruitment, leadership development, and mentorship programs.

But gender balance isn’t just about hiring more women, it’s about ensuring they thrive in leadership positions, influence corporate strategy, and help shape the future of the financial industry.

The evidence is clear: companies with gender-diverse leadership teams consistently outperform their peers. According to DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast (2023), organisations with strong diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have at least 35% women leaders on average, compared to just 25% in companies with low-quality or no DEI programs. Meanwhile, Forbes (2024) reports that companies committed to diversity see a 39% increased likelihood of outperformance, particularly in firms with higher levels of ethnic representation.

At Skybound Wealth, we see this impact first-hand every day, our female leaders are shaping financial services, guiding clients, and making critical decisions that strengthen our business.

Why Balanced Teams Make Better Decisions

The financial advice industry is built on decision-making, from strategic corporate moves to personalized client financial planning. Studies have shown that companies with a more balanced workforce consistently make better, more well-rounded decisions.

1. Risk Management & Long-Term Thinking

• Research from Credit Suisse found that companies with at least one female board member outperform those with all-male boards, especially in risk management.
• Women tend to take a more comprehensive approach to financial decision-making, considering long-term stability over short-term gains.

2. Stronger Client Relationships & Communication

• A study from the Kellogg School of Management found that gender-diverse teams communicate more effectively and better understand client needs.
• This is particularly important in wealth management, where trust and relationships are critical to long-term success.

3. Increased Profitability & Business Growth

• A Boston Consulting Group study found that companies with above-average diversity on management teams generate 19% higher revenue from innovation.
• This means that a gender-balanced team isn’t just good for culture, it directly impacts the bottom line.

At Skybound Wealth, we’ve seen how having the right mix of perspectives leads to stronger decisions, which is why we continue to invest in gender diversity at all levels of our business.

‍Women Leading the Way at Skybound Wealth

Strong leadership is built on expertise, vision, and experience. At Skybound Wealth, women are shaping the future of financial services in key roles across the business.

Carla Smart – Group Head of Pensions

A Chartered Financial Planner with extensive experience, Carla leads our Pension Services division, ensuring expatriates have the right structures in place for long-term security.

Veronica O'Brien – Group Head of Corporate Affairs

With 30+ years in international financial services, Veronica brings deep expertise in operations, asset management, and banking, strengthening Skybound Wealth’s corporate strategy.

Lily Johnson – Group Head of Talent

Lily has been instrumental in attracting and developing top talent across Skybound Wealth’s global offices, ensuring we continue to bring in the best people to drive our business forward.

Taylor Condon – Area Manager, Spain

With years of experience advising expats across Europe, Taylor leads Skybound Wealth’s expansion in Spain and runs a successful networking group for professional women.

Fiona Neill - Senior Financial Planner

A member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and a Level 4 Qualified Adviser, and a certified US Investment Advisor, Fiona has worked across major financial hubs, including Paris, Geneva, and New York, before returning to the UK.

Bethany Ward – Partnerships Manager

Bethany builds strategic partnerships across multiple jurisdictions, overseeing client events, introducers, and collaborations to strengthen Skybound Wealth’s network. managing client events, introducers, and collaborations to strengthen Skybound Wealth’s reach and engagement.

Rachana Pillamari – Product Lead - Advice Suite

‍Rachana plays a key role in driving the development of Plume, Skybound Wealth’s innovative WealthTech platform, ensuring a seamless digital experience for clients and advisers.

Zain Shahin – Lead Analyst

‍Zain is responsible for development of the Skybound Wealth’s app, enhancing accessibility and client engagement through cutting-edge technology.

These are just a few of the women shaping Skybound Wealth’s future, driving innovation, leadership, and client success.

Women Like Us: Financial Empowerment for Female Expats

Beyond recruitment, Skybound Wealth is committed to ensuring that more women take control of their financial futures. Women Like Us (WLU) was created to provide female expats with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make informed financial decisions.

Women face unique financial challenges, from career breaks to longer life expectancy and lower lifetime earnings compared to men. Yet, research shows that when women take charge of their finances, they invest more consistently, save more for retirement, and achieve stronger financial security over time.

How WLU Supports Women

Through a combination of one-to-one financial coaching, workshops, and networking events, WLU helps women:

• Plan for their future with tailored advice on savings, investments, and pensions.
• Prepare for life’s milestones, whether that’s starting a business, raising a family, or planning for retirement.
• Build confidence in financial decision-making with support from female advisers who understand the complexities of expat life.
• Connect with a like-minded community that offers real-life insights, mentorship, and encouragement.

With events hosted in key expat hubs and a growing online presence, WLU is helping women make informed, confident decisions about their finances while also creating connections that extend beyond wealth management.

Mike Coady, CEO of Skybound Wealth Management, commented:
"At Skybound Wealth, we don’t just believe in gender diversity, we see its impact every day. A more balanced team brings broader perspectives, stronger decision-making, and better outcomes for our clients. The financial services industry has made progress, but there’s still more to do. That’s why we continue to prioritise diversity, support female leadership, and create an environment where talent thrives regardless of gender. Seeing more women take on key roles across our business is not just encouraging, it’s essential to our long-term success and the quality of advice we provide."

Creating a Future Where More Women Succeed

At Skybound Wealth, we are focused on building a business where talent rises, opportunities are equal, and more women step into leadership roles.

• Diversity isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a fundamental part of how we drive business success.
• Women in leadership improve financial decision-making by bringing balanced perspectives, strong communication, and long-term strategic thinking.
• Gender-balanced teams are proven to perform better, with higher profitability, stronger risk management, and better client outcomes.

Whether you’re looking to build a career with real impact or want to be part of Women Like Us, now is the time to get involved.

Join a company where diversity drives success, explore career opportunities at Skybound Wealth today.

Want to take control of your financial future? Join Women Like Us and connect with a community of financially empowered women.