This development is already visible in the figures. Population ageing continues: a large share of the European and American population is now over the age of fifty. At the same time, a large-scale transfer of wealth is taking place from the older to the younger generation, often referred to as the great wealth transfer. In Europe, women now manage a substantial proportion of invested assets, and this share is expected to grow further towards 2030.
ING research shows that women are increasingly managing their financial affairs independently and report having a good understanding of their finances. At the same time, only just over half feel confident about their own financial knowledge. There is also still a gap in wealth accumulation towards retirement. This tension highlights the importance of education, accessible information and personal advice, particularly at key life moments such as moving home, divorce or the loss of a partner.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Financial independence requires insight"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Jolanda Penninx, Director of Private Banking & Wealth Management, notices that women who come into contact with wealth are often highly engaged. “Especially when it concerns family wealth, they prepare thoroughly. They feel responsible for the long term.'' Trust also plays an important role. ''After a bereavement, we regularly see that the relationship with the advisor is decisive in the choices that are made.''
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Investing with a long-term perspective"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Differences are also visible in investment behaviour. On average, women are more likely to opt for calm and continuity: a longer investment horizon, fewer transactions and a focus on preserving wealth. There is also interest in investments that align with personal values or societal themes, alongside financial return. Not as an objective in itself, but as part of a broader view of wealth.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Entrepreneurship and networks"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A growing share of wealth is created through entrepreneurship. More and more women are building wealth independently through their businesses. At the same time, access to growth capital is not always self-evident. Initiatives such as the Borski Fund, in which ING is involved, specifically focus on supporting female scale-ups.
Networks play an important role in this context. According to Penninx, women often prefer smaller, trusted environments in which to network. These settings create space to ask questions and exchange experiences, without barriers. This fosters recognition and trust.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What this means for wealth management"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The growing role of wealthy women calls for attention and a tailored approach. Not by advising differently, but by connecting more effectively. By creating space for questions, by listening, and by not automatically directing attention to the man during conversations. “The role of women is underestimated, even though it often turns out that behind the scenes they are the ones who are decisive and make the decisions,” says Penninx.
A well-considered financial plan provides structure and reassurance. It helps maintain oversight, organise choices and look ahead. With attention to flexibility, knowledge transfer and timely wealth succession. This creates peace of mind, now and in the future.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Investing involves risks and costs. You may lose your deposit or part of it.
"},"title":"Disclaimer"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Read more"},{"cards":[{"body":"Learn how timely conversations within the family can create peace of mind and trust.","cardSize":"medium","cardType":"article","componentType":"articleCard","date":"2026-02-26","image":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/19d6ad52-2d22-4ead-8330-7c5a040ece0c/600580931.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/19d6ad52-2d22-4ead-8330-7c5a040ece0c/600580931","type":"image","width":2100},"link":{"url":"/en/private-banking/knowledge-and-insights/wealth-planning/wealth-transfer-openness-within-families"},"title":"Wealth transfer and the importance of openness within families"},{"body":"Many women have a business plan, but what about their personal financial plan? Read more.","cardSize":"medium","cardType":"article","componentType":"articleCard","date":"2025-10-15","image":{"extension":"png","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/566e025f8aa29481/original/Interview-Agnes-Vrouwen-Vermogen.png","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/c54cbcbd-e748-4925-9449-a4be39a208a4/Interview-Agnes-Vrouwen-Vermogen","type":"image","width":2880},"link":{"url":"/en/private-banking/knowledge-and-insights/wealth-planning/women--wealth---interview-agnes"},"title":"\"Financial control starts with the right conversation\""}],"componentType":"cards"},{"componentStyle":"default","componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"title":"Related"},"textLinks":[{"text":"Investing","url":"/en/private-banking/investing"},{"text":"Wealth planning","url":"/en/private-banking/wealth-planning"},{"text":"Our approach","url":"/en/private-banking/our-approach"},{"text":"Savings","url":"/en/private-banking/savings"}]}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"d9498d28-230f-47ca-8379-84a9acce4bbc","localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Grow your wealth","url":"/en/private-banking/knowledge-and-insights/wealth-growth"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Women live longer on average, are often slightly younger than their partner and, as a result, ultimately assume responsibility for wealth in many families. This changes not only who manages the wealth, but also how decisions are made.","headerImage":{"altTextNL":"\"\"","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/724442a9b998ec51/original/Senior-couple-getting-ready-to-ride-on-a-motorbike.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/28da83a6-a38e-409d-813d-8019ddf29605/Senior-couple-getting-ready-to-ride-on-a-motorbike","type":"image","width":6720},"subtitle":"More and more women are shaping how wealth is managed, preserved and transferred","title":"Wealthy women are the future"},"date":"2026-05-15","readingTime":3},"publishDate":"2026-06-19T14:27:58.462+02:00"}}