Quad-A conference highlights resilience and momentum for Black financial professionals amid DEI challenges
The Association of African American Financial Advisors (Quad-A) recently hosted its Vision Conference in Washington, D.C., attracting a record-breaking attendance of over 800 Black financial advisors, wealth management professionals, and students. Despite a challenging political climate, marked by pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that has led to funding cuts for civil rights and minority access to capital programmes, Quad-A’s event demonstrated the resilient commitment of Black professionals to advancing equity in financial services. The conference theme, “Voices of Wealth: Redefining the Game, Reclaiming the Future,” captured the spirit and ambition of attendees from across the industry and the academic world.
Quad-A CEO Sheena Gray emphasised that the conference was more than a gathering—it was a powerful statement of representation and collective strength. “While others may have paused,” she said, “we still pressed forward, Quad-A strong,” reflecting on how major financial firms such as JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Merrill Lynch sent their largest contingents ever, signalling their ongoing support for Black-led organisations despite widespread DEI challenges. The conference featured a range of highlights including a fireside chat with actor Tatyana Ali, touching on leadership and representation in finance, and a gala hosted by CNBC anchor Frank Holland, which added a dynamic media presence to the event.
The event also underscored Quad-A’s strategic partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Howard University, Bowie State University, Morgan State University, and Hampton University, among others, supported by the FinServ Foundation. These collaborations are vital in nurturing the next generation of Black financial professionals, as students attended the conference in significant numbers, evidenced by the growing presence of collegiate participants. Quad-A is pushing to bridge generations and institutions—from HBCUs to Wall Street—aiming for a shared vision rooted in advocacy, representation, and increasing financial literacy within Black households nationwide.
One of the conference’s landmark moments was the presentation of the Spirit of the Vision Award to Bilal Little, director of ETFs at the New York Stock Exchange. Little has been instrumental in advancing financial literacy and providing impactful experiences for Quad-A members and students, such as facilitating visits to the NYSE floor. His leadership stretches over 15 years and extends collaboration with key figures like Frank Holland, amplifying Quad-A’s influence and voice in the financial sector.
Looking ahead, Quad-A is focused on sustaining the momentum generated at this conference by maintaining engagement with Capitol Hill on policy advocacy and supporting its members’ professional growth throughout the year. Workshops at the conference incorporated continuing education credits and practical content designed in partnership with asset managers and firms to help advisors grow their clientele and careers. The organisation aims to elevate its role to a level commensurate with prestige platforms like Barron’s and Forbes, ensuring that attendance at Quad-A events translates into actionable career advancement.
This record turnout and the strategic partnerships highlight a crucial trend in Black representation in finance amid ongoing challenges to DEI efforts across the industry. Other organisations, such as the American College of Financial Services, have similarly convened large gatherings focused on “Reclaiming Black Wealth,” spotlighting the urgency for concrete initiatives supporting Black financial professionals, especially in light of legal and social headwinds impacting affirmative action policies.
Quad-A’s holistic approach—combining professional networking, education, advocacy, and community-building—reflects a broader movement to address industry disparities. With only around 2% of Certified Financial Planners in the U.S. identifying as Black, efforts to increase representation through early education, exam preparation support, and financial literacy programmes in schools remain imperative. This conference marks an important milestone in that ongoing journey, showing that even amid adversity, Black financial advisors and their allies are not only persevering but forging a path toward greater inclusion and influence in wealth management.
