FAIRFIELD, IA – April 17, 2023 — Cambridge is pleased to announce Gateway Financial Advisors of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Finity Group of Portland, Oregon were named finalists as part of the 2023 InvestmentNews Excellence in DE&I awards program. Gateway is a finalist in the ‘Diversity Champion’ category, while Finity is a finalist in the category of ‘Outstanding Practice.’ All finalists were profiled in the April 17 edition of InvestmentNews Magazine, and winners will be announced at a May 10 awards banquet in New York City.

Now in its fifth year, the InvestmentNews Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards recognize individuals and firms that have made an impact on the financial services industry through innovative diversity-enhancing programs, leadership, and willingness to share experiences and contributions with their communities. Finalists in the categories of ‘Diversity Champion’ and ‘Outstanding Practice’ were selected after an InvestmentNews judging panel evaluated firms around the industry making an impact in diversity, equity, and inclusion by implementing programs, practices, and elements of culture that have led to lasting, measurable change. A complete list of finalists in both categories can be found here.

Operating in the diversely populated city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gateway continues to create meaningful change in the financial services industry and local communities it serves. Over the past several years Gateway has worked with a variety of diversity-focused organizations — including Thrive/My Money My Future, Crossroads for Women, WomenToBe, and Albuquerque’s African American and Hispano Chambers — to provide financial literacy to Black and Latino people in Albuquerque and other surrounding communities. All of Gateway’s internal initiatives are driven by a small group of its financial professionals who serve on diverse non-profit boards and DE&I councils around the industry.

Looking to create a more inclusive workplace environment and community, Finity has its own DE&I committee comprised of department leaders from all levels of the company who have worked together to improve the firm’s DE&I practices, notably in the areas of hiring, training, and education. The committee began by working with the firm’s HR team to develop and facilitate company-wide trainings designed to help associates understand the value of diversity in the office and community. The trainings touch on why it’s important to encourage inclusivity in the industry and how associates can contribute in their daily conversations and actions. The committee has also worked with the HR team to review and refine Finity’s hiring criteria and methods with the goal of broadening the firm’s applicant pool. Some of the new hiring policies specifically target certain underrepresented groups, including women.

Members of both Gateway and Finity have appeared on the Cambridge Stronger podcast to share their work in the area of diversity and inclusion with Cambridge CEO Amy Webber. Peggy Haslach of Finity appeared in Episode 158, while Aprilyn Chavez Geissler shared her inspiring story on Episode 131. Shane Westhoelter of Gateway and Mike Merrill of Finity have also appeared on the show.

About Cambridge

Cambridge is a financial solutions firm focused on serving independent financial professionals and their clients while preserving its internal control. Cambridge offers a broad range of choices for independent financial professionals regarding solutions for advice, growth, technology, and independence. Cambridge’s national reach includes: Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. – a large corporate RIA; and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. – an independent broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, that is among the largest internally controlled independent broker-dealers in the country.

About InvestmentNews

InvestmentNews is a leading source for news, analysis and information essential to the financial advisory community. Since 1998, the publication has educated, informed, and engaged financial advisors across the country using its weekly newspaper, website, newsletters, research, events, social media, videos and webcasts. InvestmentNews provides exclusive and up-to-the-minute news, as well as actionable intelligence, that empowers financial advisors to serve their clients and run their businesses more effectively.

Contact: Jeff Wulf, Senior Vice President, Cambridge: jeff.wulf@cir2.com or 800-777-6080

Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of Cambridge Investment Group, Inc. Gateway Financial Advisors, Finity Group, and Cambridge are not affiliated.