Jenny's story
Jenny Pedley, financial planner
What inspired you to follow a career in financial services, and how did you get started?
I began my career at Francis Clark Financial Planning when I was 20, with no prior experience in the industry. At the time, I was undecided about university, so I took a year out and worked in customer services to get a feel for working life. While it gave me valuable experience, I quickly realised there was limited opportunity for progression and that it wasn’t the right long-term path for me. It made me more determined to find a career that offered both development and purpose.
Joining Francis Clark Financial Planning was a real turning point. It gave me the opportunity to learn, grow and build a career while working alongside experienced people who were willing to support my development.
I started studying for professional exams in my spare time while gaining practical experience across different areas of the business. Over time, I worked my way through a range of roles, including Client Liaison, Business Support, Paraplanner and Adviser. That breadth of experience gave me a strong understanding of the profession and helped shape the career I have today.
What have been your most rewarding career moments so far?
As a woman entering what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, I have always felt a strong drive to challenge expectations and prove that women could thrive in financial services. In my previous role as a Financial Planner, I was proud to be one of 18% of advisers in the UK who were female and one of the 6% under 30.
I believe women bring an important and valuable perspective to the profession and have always been determined to be myself rather than conform to any outdated stereotype of what someone in financial services “should” look like.
How has gender diversity changed in financial services during your career?
When I first attended industry conferences, I often found I was the only woman in the room. Over the years, I am pleased to have witnessed a significant shift towards greater gender diversity.
Today, there are noticeably more women at such events and in financial services, which is a positive development.
What advice would you give to young women who are thinking about entering the profession?
My advice is to find a company that offers the right support and pathways for growth. It’s essential to have honest conversations with your employer about your career aspirations and to find a business that believes in you and provides opportunities for development.
Exploring different roles within the industry can also be beneficial. Support roles, tech roles, and advisory positions all offer unique experiences and require different skills, so finding what you enjoy the most is key.
What are your long-term career goals?
My primary goal is to become a Chartered Financial Planner which I am close to completing.
I now work within our Wealth Management team, supporting two Associate Directors in advising high-net-worth clients. This has given me the opportunity to be involved in more complex planning areas and to continue developing my understanding of wealth structuring, tax planning and long-term family financial planning.
I may consider studying towards the STEP qualification in the future. For me, ongoing development is important, not just for my own progression, but so I can continue to provide valuable support to clients and colleagues.