High-earning women closing the gender investment gap and now saving and investing more than men

While amongst the general population, only 13% of women have investments, nearly half of high-earning women (48%) report investing regularly – and are now putting more aside monthly than men in the same income bracket.

In fact, having investments is perceived as a leading marker of wealth amongst women regardless of income, with 53% of women across the UK classing investments as an important signifier of wealth, vs 42% of men. This trend was reinforced amongst higher earners, with 54% of women considering investments as a key differentiator of wealth (vs 53% of men).

HSBC UK outlined these findings in its new Your Money’s Worth report, which analyses the UK wealth landscape, revealing a wealth perception gap across the UK, with men and women alike underestimating their earnings relative to others by roughly 30 percentage points, on average.

Women perceive £232,000 as income needed to be wealthy

When asked what yearly income was needed for someone to be considered wealthy, women on average considered £232,000 as the threshold, whereas men’s was slightly lower at £193,000.

Although this figure increased substantially amongst higher earners, the gender trend however reversed within that group, with women earning over £100,000 considering £559,000 as the annual income needed to be wealthy, whereas men’s was a staggering £781,000.

This higher concept of what constitutes a ‘wealthy’ salary amongst women may be influenced by challenges some still face in their ability to save and build financial buffers, with nearly a third of women (30%) saying they aren’t able to save anything each month, and one in four (25%) holding less than £1,000 in savings (vs 21% of men).

The most commonly listed barrier to achieving financial goals for women was low income, with one in three (33%) saying that the main challenge they faced was not earning enough compared to one in four men (25%). While only one in five (19%) were on track to meet their financial goals, 83% thought their goals were achievable. Amongst high earning women, close to half (43%) reported being on track to achieve financial goals.

Regardless of income bracket, women are setting ambitious financial goals. The most common goal is retiring comfortably having met savings goals, which is a top three priority for 29% of women, while 27% aspired to have more holidays abroad and 25% aspired to pay off their mortgage and own their own home. One in four (23%) of women want to prioritise saving for a rainy day, while 18% want to upgrade their home.

Vicky Reynal, Financial Psychotherapist analysed some of the factors impacting this trend: “Women often prioritise financial security more than men due to historical and societal factors, which leads them to set ambitious financial goals centred around long-term stability, and when possible, save and invest to fulfil these objectives.

“However, women can feel more financially vulnerable because of the gender pay gap, career breaks due to maternity leave or caregiving, and the impact of working fewer hours, which likely explains why they set a higher income threshold for wealth. Interestingly, the trend reverses among high earners—successful women may feel they have outperformed their peers, while men are more likely to compare themselves to ultra-wealthy individuals in their network, inflating their perception of what it means to be wealthy.”

Women see markers of wealth through holistic lens

HSBC UK’s reported also analysed people’s attitudes towards signifiers of wealth, as well as the luxuries both women and men of various income levels can’t live without. It found that women generally consider markers of wealth through a more holistic lens that is more focused on quality of life and long term stability, rather than material goods.

Aside from having investments, the most popular signifier of wealth was the ability to retire early, which was a leading marker for 54% of women, compared to 41% of men. Women were also more likely to see relationships as a key marker of wealth, with 17% agreeing with this vs 12% of men. They were also more keen on travelling and taking more trips abroad each year, a marker of wealth for 53% of women vs 42% of men. Women were also more likely to see help within the home as a key differentiator, with 28% naming having a cleaner as a measure of wealth (vs 22% of men) and 38% saying the same about a housekeeper (vs 30% of men).

Christopher Dean, Managing Director, Premier Banking & Wealth Management UK, said: “The fact high earning women are now saving and investing more on a monthly basis than men shows that when the barrier of lower income is removed, women set and meet ambitious financial goals.

“It’s also important to recognise the role that financial institutions play in helping narrow the gender wealth gap and in supporting women with making the right decisions about their money. Providing tailored support including access to digital tools, educational resources and if applicable, financial advice, is key in helping bridge the gap further. We are also really proud to support women within our own industry, where wealth remains male-dominated, as our team of wealth advisors is made up of a 50/50 gender split.”

Financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal provides guidance for help women regardless of income grow financial confidence and manage wealth:

1. Challenge implicit gender bias: Challenge any gender biases around money – and consider some of those could be internalised! Financial competence is entirely a learned skill. This is reflected in the fact HSBC UK research has found that women are saving and investing more than men in a number of cases.
2. Know your strengths (and limits): Everyone has financial strengths, and the simple act of acknowledging these can help you to build confidence and resilience. However, even strengths have downsides, so it’s important to be aware of those too: for example, careful saving can become over-cautiousness, limiting growth. Work to strike a healthy balance.
3. Reframe “weaknesses” & take action: Avoid self-defeating narratives. Instead, identify specific habits to change, and set actionable goals. Use budgeting tools, seek investment education, or build a savings pot for security. Growth comes from action, not self-judgment.
4. Close the investment confidence gap: Financial management isn’t innate, and taking the time to increase your knowledge will also build confidence. Seek out information and resources and don't let shame prevent you from seeking help (including financial advice and wealth management tools, which can be found on the HSBC UK website). Asking questions is what will make you financially savvy. Avoidance won’t.
5. Shift to an “abundance mindset”: Fear and financial insecurity is fuelled by several things: focusing on what we don’t have (a scarcity mindset), preoccupying ourselves with factors out of our control, and comparing ourselves to others. Cultivating an “abundant mindset” doesn’t mean ignoring financial realities, but rather prioritising agency over helplessness. Focus on actionable strategies: reallocating funds to higher-interest accounts, adjusting investment approaches, or creating additional revenue streams. Taking control—however small the step—creates hope and has real financial benefits.
6. Build financial wellbeing habits: Schedule time to manage your money, just like you would for your fitness or health. Dedicate time each month to review priorities, assess tools, and explore benefits. Small achievements can build confidence.

HSBC UK’s latest report reveals a shift to a more holistic view of wealth among high earners. The bank’s new, enhanced Premier offer features tailored benefits across health, wealth, international and travel. From comprehensive healthcare cover to lounge access and personalised wealth management, the new Premier offer caters to high earners looking to build and grow their wealth, whatever their ambitions may be.

To find out more about the new Premier offer, visit hsbc.co.uk/premier

Please direct any media enquiries to:
Leila Taleb, HSBC UK – leila.taleb@hsbc.com