By Patricia Laplana for Current Leader
The expert analyzes how the growing participation of women in finance and leadership transforms economic decisions, fosters independence and redefines investment strategies globally.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American jurist and one of the most influential figures in the fight for gender equality in the 20th and early 21st centuries. I found her statement especially revealing: throughout history, women have always been present in decision-making, directly or indirectly, with greater or lesser recognition depending on the historical moment.
In the financial sphere, this reality is manifested today in a double transformation. On the one hand, we are witnessing growing visibility and greater female prominence in the professional field: financial management, investment, advice, entrepreneurship and corporate leadership.
On the other hand, a change in trend is consolidated in control and decision-making within family finances, where women assume an increasingly active, strategic and determining role.
Although women represent around half of the workforce in financial services, our presence decreases as the hierarchical levels rise and very few positions in traditional positions of power such as CEO or CFO are occupied by women.
Looking closely at our industry at a global level, there is an increase and a change in trend in the presence of women in senior management positions, although the figures change depending on the regions (in Asia the role of women as managers is much more widespread than in Western countries).
These numbers show that, although there is progress, there is still a gap between female presence at mid-levels and real strategic direction. This also translates into salary inequalities and lower visibility in positions of high responsibility. However, this is changing thanks to the proliferation of leadership programs, corporate networks, financial education in the early stages of teaching… among other initiatives.
The increase in visibility of female leaders as role models for younger generations, and the creation of references will drive a change of model in this sense and will allow us to advance this trend. This drive not only opens new professional opportunities for women in finance, but also transforms corporate cultures, leadership models, and the way relevant economic decisions are designed at a global level.
From my role as director of the client area at Norz Patrimonia, I see every day how the number of women who participate in the management of their personal and professional finances grows. Investment has become a key tool to promote our economic independence. It is a way to take control, to decide about our future and to gain peace of mind. However, it is clear that we still have a long way to go.
Even today, I know many women who think that the financial world is not for them, that they see it as complex, distant or even inaccessible. In many cases, it is not a lack of ability, but rather a lack of confidence or training. That is why I firmly believe that financial education is key. When we understand how our finances work, we stop delegating out of insecurity and start deciding with our own criteria. And this is what gives us independence and empowerment.
It is true that management positions and the investment field have historically been dominated by men. This has meant that, for a long time, the investor profile has been predominantly male. But it is also true that, in the family environment, many times we are the ones who manage, organize and, ultimately, make important decisions about assets.
From my experience, although each woman is different, I do observe certain common traits. We tend to be more cautious when investing. We are more comfortable taking moderate risks and prioritizing capital protection. It is not about a lack of ambition, but rather a different way of understanding profitability: we seek balance, stability and coherence with our vital objectives.
Furthermore, many women who start investing do so at a more mature stage, when they have already built an asset and want to preserve it. That influences the type of decisions they make. We usually have a clear purpose: plan for the long term, ensure the future, maintain stability. When faced with moments of volatility, our reaction is usually to remain calm and think about the time horizon, not the short term.
Still, I don’t like to generalize. We do not all invest the same, nor do all men do it in the same way. Each person has their profile, their story and their objectives. What I am clear about is that we need to continue promoting financial education and confidence, because when a woman understands and manages her finances, she not only gains independence: she gains security, freedom and decision-making power.
And that change, although progressive, is already underway.