Keeley Simpson
Q&A with Keeley Simpson: Empowering Women to Take Control of Their Wealth
When it comes to the world of wealth management, women continue to remain underrepresented, yet their influence is quickly growing. Keeley Simpson, CEO, Chief Compliance Officer and Portfolio Manager at Aretec Wealth, is at the forefront of this change, bringing a personal mission and deep expertise to her work as a financial advisor. At Advisor Solutions, we are committed to supporting advisors who are driving real change in the industry—and that’s exactly why we’re proud to partner with Simpson and the Aretec team to help them elevate their advisory services.
Simpson’s journey in finance was shaped by early exposure to the industry and a life-changing family experience that reinforced the importance of financial planning. She is not just advising clients – through her initiative Women Realizing Wealth, she’s empowering women to take control of their financial futures.
Recently, we were joined by Simpson for a captivating Q&A where she shares her experiences, challenges, and advice for the next generation of women in wealth management. Her story is a testament to hard-working women across all industries, proving that grit and determination can break barriers and redefine industries.
Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself? What inspired you to become a financial advisor, and how did you get started in the industry?
While studying for my Bachelor of Commerce at McGill, I was able to start working at one of the banks during my first summer. One team asked me to stay on part-time during the school year, so I worked Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while attending classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I did that for a couple of years, worked through all the summers, and gained a lot of experience early on.
Originally, I thought my career path would be investment banking because that's the "sexy job" everyone talks about in finance. But then, my mom, who was a business owner, got sick. Unfortunately, we lacked true financial planning advice, so it became a health and financial crisis at the same time. That was when I decided I wanted to be an advisor instead of going into investment banking. I wanted to help people avoid situations like the one my family went through.
Since 2009, I’ve been dedicated to educating women and investors. I started hosting seminars through the McGill Women's Alumni Association, and now they’ve evolved into a program called Women Realizing Wealth. I’ve been running these seminars for over a decade because knowledge is power, and I want women to be equipped to ask the right questions and advocate for themselves.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in this profession, and how did you overcome them?
Being a woman in this profession is tough. There are very few of us. I won’t lie—it’s not an easy thing. You just have to keep working hard and doing right by your clients, and eventually, it will pay off.
There are advantages, though. Women are set to control around $4 trillion in Canada by 2028 due to the massive generational transfer of wealth. Even though women only make up less than 15% of portfolio managers, many female investors prefer to work with female advisors.
Another potential advantage to working as an advisor is flexibility. I won’t use the term “work-life balance” because it doesn’t really feel like balance – but I will say that if a woman wants to become an independent advisor, like I am, she will hopefully have some flexibility to raise a family. I had four children in five years, and yes, it has been challenging at times.
Still, I’ve stayed focused. If you keep your head down and focus on your clients, the business will come and so will flexibility if you want it. You have to block out the noise and keep moving forward.
How does being a woman in this industry influence your approach to working with clients?
I think women bring a different level of emotional intelligence (EQ) to the table. We communicate differently, think differently about investing, and take a more holistic approach. I know my clients' phone numbers by heart. I know their grandkids' names, where they like to vacation—every little detail. It’s a much more personalized approach. Clients appreciate that because it shows you’re sitting at the table with them, guiding them with their best interests in mind.
What’s one piece of advice you always share with your clients, especially women?
Planning is everything. If you don’t have a plan, what are you doing this for? Women need to take control of their financial futures. The more knowledge they have, the better decisions they can make. Financial security doesn’t just happen—it’s built with intention.
That’s why I focus so much on education through Women Realizing Wealth. When women are informed, they can advocate for themselves and make the right choices for their families and businesses.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you in the context of your work?
To me, International Women’s Day is about empowerment and progress. It’s about recognizing how far we’ve come while acknowledging how much work there is still to do. In finance, women are still the minority, but we are gaining ground. Women will soon control a massive share of wealth, and we need more female advisors to serve them.
Every day, I work to help women realize their financial potential and take charge of their wealth. On International Women’s Day, I reflect on that mission and recommit to it. We have the power to change the industry and shape the future of finance for women everywhere.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter wealth management?
Don’t be intimidated by the industry. It can be tough, but if you have the passion and drive, you can carve out a space for yourself. Find a mentor, build a strong network, and focus on delivering value to your clients. The industry is changing, and there is a growing demand for female advisors. Women have a unique perspective and skill set that clients truly appreciate. If you stay committed and focused, you can build a successful and fulfilling career.
