The disclosure of Ken Fisher’s remarks during a closed- door session at a recent industry event and the resulting fallout are being carefully watched by financial advisors
and the media. Given the significance of these developments, Investment Advisor/ ThinkAdvisor.com polled financial professionals to ask them what they specifically think
about Fisher’s comments and the ensuing reactions, overall
bad behavior in the industry, and what should come next
to deter it.
The survey’s 1,350-plus respondents — about 30% of
whom are women — have common views on many themes
across gender lines. However, on some topics, the differences
in the opinions of men and women are striking.
The exclusive poll — which drew more than three times
the number of advisor respondents gathered in some prior
industry surveys on gender issues — could serve the financial-services business well in its quest for greater diversity
and better treatment of all its participants.
Poll: What Do You Think of Fisher’s Comments,
Bad Industry Behavior and How to Address It?
How would you describe the actual comments
made by Fisher?
Sexist/Highly
inappropriate
Stupid
Racey
Not big deal
65%
26%
6%
3%
85%
11%
3%
1%
70%
22%
5%
3%
What was your first reaction to the news about
Fisher’s crude remarks?
Shocked/
disgusted
Not surprised
Surprised
Not shocked/
disgusted
39%
26%
24%
11%
48%
38%
9%
5%
41%
30%
20%
9%
Is the withdrawal of assets from Fisher’s firm
due to the comments appropriate?
Is Fisher’s banning from two industry events
an appropriate response?
82% 18%
16%
90% 10%
84%
Would you attend an event that had Fisher
as a speaker?
Do the withdrawals send a clear message that
such behavior is unacceptable?
WOMEN MEN TOTALRESPONDENTS
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
71%
84%
75%
16%
29%
25%
83%
92%
86%
8%
17%
14%
87%
91%
88%
9%
13%
12%
