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Wealthy Women Face Financial Advice Gap

Financial Times Companies •
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An estimated $83 trillion of family wealth will transfer to heirs over the next 25 years, with women positioned to inherit a disproportionate share. UBS data shows 27 of 43 female billionaires achieved that status through inheritance in 2025, highlighting a growing cohort of newly wealthy women. However, this demographic faces significant challenges in wealth management.

Research from Cerulli Associates reveals that 20% of women switch financial advisers after a spouse's death, compared to just 10% of men. Ashley Bleckner of Ellevest observed advisers prioritizing male family members over widows, creating friction. Women often seek impact investing aligned with their values, not just returns, and prefer long-term planning over transactional advice.

Emotional considerations are frequently neglected, with many women grappling with guilt and fear after sudden wealth gains. Marina Pearson, who inherited from her parents 15 years ago, founded a community to help women navigate these psychological shifts. The industry reflects this gap: women make up only 28% of the US wealth management workforce, with just 20% in client-facing roles.

While some banks like Citi Private Bank now integrate health and wellness discussions into financial planning, the sector must evolve to serve this expanding market of affluent women.