The growing influence of women in investment decisions as the sea of wealth transfers

Australia’s investment landscape is quietly transforming. Over the next decade, an estimated $5.4 trillion¹ will be passed from baby boomers to younger Australians. Around 65% of this wealth is expected to be inherited by women, making them a central force in how capital will be invested, managed, and put to work.²

Women are already playing a leading role in financial and philanthropic decisions. More than 80% of women in philanthropic networks, and 64% of women nationally, say they want to give more.³ In partnered households, women are often the primary decision-makers for giving and asset allocation. This is not just a future trend; it’s already influencing how capital is deployed today.

The impact for investors

Understanding women’s priorities is becoming increasingly important for investors, advisers, and fund managers. As women become primary investment decision-makers, they bring a broader perspective to investing; one that considers not only financial returns, but also social and environmental impact. Female clients are more likely to prioritise ESG factors⁴ and seek investments that align with their values, creating positive outcomes for people and the planet.

This holistic approach is especially relevant for family offices, foundations, and not-for-profits, where capital often needs to serve multiple purposes: preserving wealth, funding future obligations, supporting charitable objectives, and staying true to family or institutional values.

Themes that resonate: Supporting ‘People and Planet’

Women’s investment decisions increasingly reflect themes that matter to them and their communities. These include health and wellbeing, education and access, financial inclusion, equality and opportunity, climate action, resource efficiency, biodiversity, and sustainable infrastructure. These themes are becoming central to how portfolios are constructed and how capital is allocated. For many women, investing is about making thoughtful choices that support a better future.

Opportunity to reshape corporate behaviour

As more capital is influenced by investors who think this way, markets may begin to reward companies and funds that demonstrate responsible practices, strong stewardship, and measurable impact. Financial performance will continue to matter, but increasingly, so will questions about how a company treats its people, manages environmental risks, and contributes to long-term outcomes. This shift creates a meaningful opportunity for capital to encourage better corporate behaviour and more purposeful business practices.

The industry’s challenge and opportunity

Despite these changes, the investment industry has not fully kept pace. There is a clear need to better engage, educate, and support women and their networks, ensuring they are well informed and equipped to make confident decisions. This means clearer communication, stronger networks, and advice that reflects the way many women make decisions – balancing financial, philanthropic, and impact objectives. Financial literacy, confidence, role modelling, and storytelling all matter in helping women feel empowered.

At Janus Henderson, we see an opportunity to support this broader ecosystem, particularly across family offices, foundations and private wealth channels, which are at the centre of this generational transfer of wealth.

Within Janus Henderson, we have seen encouraging support for funds such as the Janus Henderson Sustainable Credit Fund, particularly from clients who want their portfolios to align with the wider purpose of their family, foundation or organisation. For these clients, the appeal is not just financial return, but the ability to invest in a way that feels considered, responsible and aligned with what matters to them.

A Janus Henderson survey⁵ conducted at a recent Equitable Philanthropy Female Funders event revealed that female investors see their assets as a lever for change, whilst noting some investor concerns around the lack of visibility and transparency in what their assets are doing in world. This is where robust sustainable reporting by asset managers could play a key role.

In Summary

The growing influence of women in investment decision-making is not a side story, it is one of the defining shifts taking place alongside the transfer of wealth in Australia today. For those advising capital, managing portfolios, or supporting philanthropic giving, the message is clear: understanding what matters to women will increasingly matter to the future of investing itself.