Why Women are Poised to lead Australia's Wealth Revolution

The next two decades present a groundbreaking opportunity for women in Australia. With one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history— valued at an astounding $5 trillion—women are poised to inherit a significant portion of this wealth. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s a chance for women to redefine wealth management, investment, and even philanthropy.

A report by JBWere, as highlighted in the Australian Financial Review, reveals that women are expected to inherit approximately 65% of this wealth transfer. This trend is further supported by the 'older daughter effect,' where the eldest daughter often assumes control of family finances.

Olivia Long, CEO of SMSFAI and a leader in the SMSF industry, emphasizes the importance of this moment: "We’re witnessing a pivotal shift where women are taking ownership of their financial futures. It’s not just about inheriting wealth; it’s about leveraging it to shape the next generation of financial decision-making and investment strategies."

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Why Is This Wealth Transfer So Important for Women?

Traditionally, financial decision-making was often seen as a male domain. However, times have changed dramatically. Today, women make up nearly half of Australia’s workforce, and they’re increasingly taking on leadership roles in finance, business, and investment.

In fact:

• Women now graduate from university at higher rates than men.

• Women are becoming millionaires at twice the rate of men.

"Women are no longer just participants in the financial world—they’re leaders," says Olivia Long. "This wealth transfer is an unprecedented chance for women to influence how wealth is managed, invested, and preserved for future generations."

The 'Oldest Daughter Effect': A Game-Changer in Wealth Control One fascinating trend in this wealth shift is the "oldest daughter effect," where responsibility for managing family finances, estates, and investments is increasingly falling to eldest daughters, rather than traditional male heirs.

This shift highlights a broader societal recognition of women's financial acumen. Over the next decade, women are expected to control $3.2 trillion in managed wealth—a powerful opportunity to shape family legacies.

Women, SMSFs, and Property Investment

A standout area where women are making waves is in property investment and Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs). Women are outpacing men in property purchases, leveraging real estate as a vehicle for long-term wealth creation.

"In the SMSF sector, we’re seeing more women step up as trustees, using their funds not only to invest in property but to diversify their portfolios and take control of their retirement outcomes," says Olivia Long. "This financial empowerment is redefining how women approach wealth creation and security."

With SMSFs now managing over $1 trillion in assets, women are uniquely positioned to use this platform for strategic investments, including property, shares, and even emerging markets like cryptocurrencies.

A Philanthropic Future

For many women, financial empowerment is about more than just wealth accumulation; it’s about creating meaningful impact. Studies show that women tend to prioritise charitable giving, often aligning their investments with causes that generate both financial and social returns.

"This wealth transfer offers women the opportunity to not only grow their wealth but to give back in transformative ways," says Olivia Long. "Whether it’s supporting local communities or funding global initiatives, women are redefining the role of wealth in creating a better world."

The Time Is Now

This wealth transfer is more than a financial event—it’s a revolution. Women are at the forefront, ready to lead the way in shaping Australia’s financial future.

"This is a defining moment," says Olivia Long. "Women have the power to turn this transfer of wealth into a transfer of opportunity, shaping legacies that extend far beyond their families."

From investing in property to managing SMSFs and supporting philanthropic causes, women are stepping into their financial power. The next 20 years are set to be a transformative period—not just for women, but for Australia as a whole.