Women feel more empowered to prioritize their financial wellness in workplaces that provide a sense of purpose, inclusion and a safe space to ask questions, says Dilys d’Cruz, senior vice-president of retail and wealth at Meridian Credit Union.
A September 2025 report by Meridian found 67 per cent of Canadian women felt stressed and uncertain when it comes to money and finances, and 66 per cent were focused on day-to-day bills and getting through life when it comes to managing their finances.
“Purpose and collaboration are so important for women in their careers and their financial lives,” says d’Cruz. “Purpose helps women move from reacting to planning, and collaboration ensures they don’t have to navigate those decisions alone. Women’s journeys are often nonlinear — they have a lot of responsibilities, whether it’s caregiving or elder care, so I think it’s [crucial] to have that collaboration and support in the workplace.”
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Values also play a critical role in how women choose employers and financial partners, she notes, adding women are becoming increasingly intentional, seeking employment at organizations that demonstrate inclusion and align with their longer-term thinking.
“At Meridian, we encourage employees to show up as their authentic selves, which resonates with female employees, [especially given the fact that] progress has to be made in male-dominated industries. We also support women entrepreneurs through grants and mentorship programs. It’s important to empower women, whether it’s through their businesses or career choices or financial decisions.”
The report also found 69 per cent of women would make different financial decisions if they could go back in time. “That tells us women don’t just need financial products, they need judgment-free spaces where they can ask questions and feel psychologically safe,” notes d’Cruz. “I really think financial knowledge can grow when a woman feels safe enough to ask those questions.”
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Significant progress has been made in supporting women’s financial wellness, she adds, but work still has to be done in terms of how leadership is defined and how potential is assessed. “Research consistently shows that the most effective leaders, regardless of gender, demonstrate collaboration, empathy and emotional intelligence, which is what women tend to lean in to. So I think corporate Canada has to continue to evolve in terms of how they define leadership attributes and characteristics.”
For young women who want to build a career in the financial sector, d’Cruz says it’s important to find people who support them, take calculated risks, learn more about the industry and to not make assumptions.
“Start talking to people in the industry, because it’s not as scary as some might think. A lot of women may stay away from financial services or wealth management because they might think it’s male dominated. So go out there and ask questions, take chances, have people that support you — whether male or female — and encourage you to take the leap. Some of the best career opportunities I had were because people saw potential in me and encouraged me to take that leap.”