Financial security is the foundation of independence and opportunity, yet statistics show a persistent disparity between men and women. By the age of 65, women in the UK hold 42% less wealth than men (Women’s Budget Group). The gender investment gap is striking—women own just 14% of private pension wealth, and men hold 177% more in stocks and shares. These figures highlight a systemic issue that needs urgent attention.
The disparity is not due to a lack of effort or ambition on the part of women. The financial system has historically been structured in a way that disadvantages them. The gender pay gap remains at approximately 15% in the UK (Pew Research), limiting women’s ability to save and invest. Career breaks and part-time work, primarily undertaken for caregiving responsibilities, further hinder long-term financial growth. Women also tend to live longer, requiring more substantial financial resources in retirement, yet often have fewer assets to sustain them. Additionally, traditional financial messaging has led to a confidence gap, discouraging women from actively managing and growing their wealth.
The impact of this wealth gap is far-reaching. Many women find themselves financially vulnerable later in life—whether after a divorce, stepping away from a career for childcare, or outliving their partners without financial literacy to navigate investments. These real-world consequences underscore the need for systemic reform and proactive financial engagement.
Addressing the gender wealth gap requires a combination of education, access, and action. Encouraging financial literacy from a young age can help shift long-standing norms, ensuring that girls are as equipped to invest and build wealth as boys. Women must also take ownership of their financial futures, regardless of marital status, by understanding their wealth, investments, and retirement needs. Additionally, those who have financial resources should focus on active wealth management rather than passive savings, ensuring long-term financial security.
As a financial services firm, Concentric is committed to promoting financial education for women, increasing female representation in wealth management, and empowering women to take control of their financial futures. Recognising that the industry has traditionally been male-dominated, Concentric is actively working towards fostering a more inclusive environment. Efforts include supporting female financial professionals and implementing training and qualification pathways to advance careers within the sector.
The gender wealth gap is not an inevitability but a solvable challenge. By confronting systemic barriers and fostering financial confidence, it is possible to create a more equitable future. Financial security should be determined by knowledge and opportunity, not outdated systems and biases.
TEAM plc (LON:TEAM) is building a new wealth, asset management and complementary financial services group. With a focus on the UK, Crown Dependencies and International Finance Centres, the strategy is to build local businesses of scale around TEAM’s core skill of providing investment management services.
