As global wealth distribution continues to evolve, women are making significant strides in the billionaire realm. A report by Altrata highlights that, of the 3,323 billionaires worldwide, 13% (approximately 431) are women. While this figure may appear modest, it represents a notable ascent in both numbers and influence. This shifting landscape results not only from increased female entrepreneurship but also from changing societal attitudes towards women in wealth and ongoing wealth transfers across generations.
A critical factor in the rise of female billionaires is inheritance. Altrata’s findings reveal that 75% of female billionaires have acquired at least part of their wealth through inheritance, with 38% claiming to have inherited their entire fortune. This contrasts dramatically with male billionaires, only 5% of whom have inherited their wealth. Among the most affluent women — Alice Walton, Julia Koch, and Françoise Bettencourt Meyers — inheritance played a pivotal role in their financial ascension. As wealth transitions from one generation to another through the “Great Wealth Transfer,” women are expected to gain even more financial influence, with projections estimating they will inherit up to $30 trillion over the next decade.
The approach to wealth and philanthropy also varies significantly between male and female billionaires. Female billionaires often prioritize their financial resources for philanthropic and nonprofit endeavors. Altrata indicates that nearly 20% of these women dedicate most of their professional time to charitable organizations, a stark contrast to only 5% of their male counterparts. The desire to engage in philanthropy and social justice is notably linked to their inherited wealth, which allows them to allocate resources toward causes they value without the burden of commercial commitments.
Gender differences extend to wealth composition and investment strategies among billionaires. Female billionaires typically hold larger portions of their wealth in private holdings (35%) compared to their male counterparts (28%). Moreover, they maintain more liquid assets and cash as well, accounting for 39% of their wealth against 30% for males. In contrast, male billionaires dominate the stock market, with 40% of their wealth tied up in stocks, largely due to the success of tech companies led by men. This variance in investment preferences emphasizes a broader trend: women tend to favor stability over volatility, which may inform their financial strategies.
Differences in wealth distribution extend beyond investments to luxury possessions and hobbies. Female billionaires are notably more inclined to invest in luxury real estate and art, being 1.5 times more likely to own properties valued over $10 million. Conversely, male billionaires are more focused on luxury leisure items such as private jets, yachts, and expensive automobiles, being 3.8 times more likely to own cars worth over $1 million. This divergence in ownership preferences reveals not only a different approach to wealth but also a distinct lifestyle orientation.
Hobbies further highlight the contrast between billionaire men and women. For female billionaires, philanthropy ranks as the most popular pastime, embraced by 71%, whereas sports take the forefront for men, also noted by 71%. Female billionaires often express interests in art, education, and travel, while their male counterparts lean towards aviation, outdoor pursuits, and political engagement. These interests underscore the diverse ways in which wealth is experienced and expressed across genders.
The rise of female billionaires signifies not only the changing face of wealth but also the potential for collaborative efforts in philanthropy and wealth management. As more women enter this exclusive club, they bring different priorities and values, reshaping the landscape beyond mere financial metrics. Understanding and appreciating these differences may lead to a more equitable approach to wealth distribution, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. As we witness these shifts, the future looks promising for female billionaires—and the philanthropic impact they will continue to exert.