HSBC warns private banks risk missing $113T women’s wealth opportunity

Private banks are failing to meet the growing financial needs of women, who will control $113 trillion in investible global wealth over the next five years, according to HSBC.

HSBC Private Bank’s latest report shows that women are creating, inheriting, and controlling more wealth than ever, while many financial institutions fail to meet their evolving financial needs.

Women and Wealth: A Global Opportunity finds that wealthy women have historically been underserved compared to men, as many financial institutions have yet to fully embrace a client-centric approach to engage female clients. This is partly as many are failing to understand some of the gender differences between male and female investors.

The report, which is the latest in HSBC Private Bank’s Global Wealth Focus series, shows women are more likely to believe the purpose of their wealth is to plan for retirement or to fund their children’s education. More women also want to make a positive impact on society, and they are nine percentage points more likely to support philanthropy.

As women’s wealth grows – with approximately 40% of investible global wealth set to be controlled by women in the next five years, amounting to $113 trillion in assets – there are clear opportunities for firms to adapt their approach.

Investment access: Women investors remain underrepresented in private markets and direct investment opportunities. Private banks have an opportunity to expand access and engagement in areas such as private equity, venture capital and co-investments.

Advice and engagement: Many women report lower confidence in investment decision-making, reflecting an industry that has historically been designed around male clients. There is an opportunity for private banks to provide clearer advice, education and engagement tailored to women investors.

Entrepreneurial wealth: Female entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in building and scaling businesses, including access to capital and networks. HSBC Private Bank research also shows they are six percentage points less likely to have a mentor to provide business advice and guidance.

Ida Liu, chief executive of HSBC Private Bank, said: “The greatest wealth transfer is under way and women are not just participants – they are decision makers, founders, investors and stewards of capital. With women building, inheriting and directing capital at an unprecedented scale, the future of private banking will depend on how well we act as partners.”

Lavanya Chari, head of wealth and premier solutions, HSBC, said: “As we see more women join the ranks of the ultra-wealthy, we are not only seeing a greater understanding of the make-up of their portfolios and the companies within them, but also increasing demand for a full suite of world-class investment solutions to meet their specific needs.”

In light of the growing influence of women in global wealth creation and their investment needs, Liu, together with Maggie Ng, CEO and head of retail bank and wealth, Hong Kong, HSBC, and Danielle Johnson, global head of institutional clients, HSBC will co-host a Women Leaders Breakfast during the HSBC Global Investment Summit in Hong Kong, on 14-16 April 2026. This dialogue will convene senior women leaders from multiple industry sectors to exchange perspectives on global economic trends, innovation and the future of inclusive leadership.

Re-disseminated by Wealth and Society