Building a career in financial advice: Guidance for the next generation of women
Nicaela De Jager, a leading female adviser in South Africa, shares her insights on overcoming gender barriers in the financial advice industry and offers guidance for aspiring women in the field.
Despite the financial advice industry in South Africa remaining largely male-dominated, a new generation of women advisers is making a mark in the field. Among them is Nicaela De Jager, the top performer in PSG's 2025/26 Adviser Development Programme (ADP). De Jager's success demonstrates that being a successful financial adviser is not determined by gender, but rather by a commitment to continuous learning, building strong client relationships, and a willingness to adapt to challenges.
As the top performer in the ADP, De Jager has proven that a career in financial advice is not limited by gender. On her journey, she emphasizes the importance of being teachable, having confidence in one's abilities while remaining open to learning, and developing essential skills such as communication and problem-solving through real-world experience.
De Jager's daily work involves extensive client interaction, ensuring that their needs are met efficiently and professionally. However, the role also requires meticulous attention to detail, administration, problem-solving, and follow-up to deliver a positive client experience. Ultimately, financial advice is about people, and building a strong relationship with clients based on consistency, trust, and open communication is crucial.
De Jager's most valuable lesson is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. By taking on challenges, trusting in the skills developed, and remaining open to continuous growth, women aspiring to a career in financial advice can overcome obstacles and succeed in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
