Women are reshaping the world of alternative investments driven by increased wealth, increased economic flow and increased access to new platforms. From healthcare innovation to blockchain-driven opportunities, women are redefining ALT's success, not only investing more. The future is clear. Women are changing the alternative investment environment.
This post is the second in a two-part series that shares insights about women and alternative investments through the lens of over 50 financial industry leaders around the world. Here we share clearly edited key highlights and selection quotes.
When we talk about women and alternative investments, everything we talk about is part of the broader context of economics, monetary policy, regulatory environment, politics and culture. This applies especially to the “money culture.” These factors are often interrelated and vary considerably from country to region, as demonstrated by the following insights:
Women's wealth is increasing. So is their need for economic flow
The ongoing transfer of generational wealth is accelerating, with women poised to play a leading role. Women are living longer, inheriting family assets, and becoming important decision makers in the future of finance.
“Women are earners and dominate their finances more strongly while they are gaining more finances for their families,” said Madam Chair, founder and CEO of Pantegrion Capital, New York. Founder Alicia Syrett emphasized.
“We've seen a lot of people living in the world,” said Caroline Miller, an independent corporate director based in Montreal, Canada. Their goal is not only financial literacy, but also economic mobility. ”
This shift is creating a new wave of female investors preparing to navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence and long-term strategies.
New Platforms and Tokenization: Benefits for Women
Digital transformation has democratized investment opportunities, making alternative investments more accessible than ever. “Fintech tools such as robo-advisors and AI-driven platforms simplify the process and provide transparency and ease for retail investors,” says Sofia Beckman, co-founder and partner of North House in Stockholm. states.
Diana Biggs, a partner at 1KX in Zug, Switzerland, said, “Tokenization is a game changer. It eliminates traditional barriers such as check size and gender, allowing for small investments and allows for women's private life. It will allow us to expand access to equity.”
Hannah Plezan, chairman of Israel's experience in Tel Aviv, highlighted Israel's progress. “In 2010, only 30% of securities accounts are women. Today, that number has risen to 42% due to account setup and ease of digital platforms.”
Platforms like Moonfair and Crowdcube allow retail investors to enter private equity spaces with smaller stakes, breaking the long-standing exclusivity of London's Winefi's extremely wealthy Callum Woodcock CEO.
Healthcare is the number one sector of interest
HealthTech and Femtech have emerged as key areas of interest to female investors, driven by recognition of gaps in women's healthcare innovation. “We are pleased to announce that Alice Tang, Chief Operating Officer of MA Asset Management in Sydney,” said:
Charlotte Bayer, Founder and Principles of the Quest Foundation, Founder of the Institute of Private Investors in New York, I shared her excitement. “I have invested in a venture that works on male birth control, and women are driving groundbreaking innovations that challenge traditional health care norms.”
Anna Pearson, co-founder of Harriet in Singapore, highlighted the struggle within Femtech. This underscores the need for greater support in this important sector. ”
Investment culture
Cultural dynamics play a key role in engaging women with alternative investments. In male-dominated areas like Switzerland, women are cautious and don't invest in things they don't understand, but men sometimes jump in with confidence..
In contrast, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia and Turkey show high gender equality, according to interviewees in the region. Metin Aslantas, partner and TMT country leader at Deloitte in Istanbul, commented: They often outperform their male counterparts in long-term profits. ”
Joann Fan, venture capitalist and board director of TAIPEI's Cheng-An Investment Company, “Many women here are second generation family business leaders. They are proactively strengthening their portfolios with private equity and private credit, showing strong involvement with alternative assets.”
Regulatory Framework and Policy
Regulations have a major impact on accessibility to alternative investments. Anna Jonsson, CEO of StoreBrand Asset Management in Stockholm, “Strict rules regarding the in-depth onboarding process that can stop potential investors, especially women, “need to have strict rules regarding the marketing of non-liquid products.”
In India, Hansi Melotra, founder of Bengaluru Moneyhans, pointed out innovative solutions like gold bonds.
Meanwhile, in Australia, Anna Shelley, chief investment officer at AMP in Melbourne, highlighted the country's value-driven culture. High-end fund managers don't even enter this market. ”
Geopolitics and alternative investments
Geopolitical factors have influenced investment trends, particularly in Ukraine and Lithuania. “War memorabilia has become an investment in resilience. It tells the story of our brave people and their sacrifices,” said Olga Burenko, vice president of investment banking at Kyiv's Dragon Capital.
Nora Laurinity, Invega's Green Finance Expert in Villinias, Lithuania, It emphasized changes in perception. “Like drones and radar systems, defense technology is no longer considered macho. These investments are practical tools for resilience and security.”
Pension system and tax policy
Pension systems and tax policies vary widely across regions and shape women's investment behavior. Judith Sanders, sustainable investment strategist at ABN Amro Bank NV in Amsterdam, said, “Our pension scheme reduces the need for aggressive private capital investment, but this has changed as social costs rise. It may be.”
In Eastern Europe, taxed retirement plans encourage long-term investments. “These plans are great opportunities, but many older generations are reluctant to embrace them entirely,” says Prague's financial advisor Kathegina Bendva.
Some regions lack replacements
There is a significant shortage of ALT investors (men or women) in certain countries. In cash-driven societies such as Japan and China, conservative investment cultures may be preventing the adoption of alternative investments.
Stephanie Leung, chief investment officer at Stashaway, Hong Kong SAR in China, summarised the environment. “Asian traditional investment culture revolves around cash. For comparison, both Europe and the US hold cash balances in the range of 15% to 18%. Cash at banks The idea of ”hiding” has been around for a very long time in Asia and unlike Europe and the US, there is a lack of financial advice that will make this even worse. ”
Keiko Sydenham, CEO and co-founder of Luca Japan Co. in Tokyo, says that many people lack a high level of financial literacy and are unaware of alternatives and don't know what they want to invest in.
Social Change
The rise of women in alternative investment is not just a financial trend, but a social change. As women increase access to wealth, economic flow and innovative investment platforms, they are breaking barriers and shaping the future of ALT in unprecedented ways. From advocacy for HealthTech and Femtech to using digital tools to democratize access, women are driving change not only in themselves but in the overall investment climate. Their influence ensures that opportunities expand, innovation and alternative investments reflect the diverse needs of a changing world. The message is clear: Alts' future is becoming more and more women, and the industry is getting stronger than that.
To dig deeper into my in-depth interview this summer, check out the Women & Alts: A Global Perspective whitepaper.
