From Making to Giving: The Financial Journeys of Women Billionaires

• Women now make up 13% of global billionaires, with growth driven by inheritance, entrepreneurship, and evolving societal factors.
• Female billionaires tend to focus more on philanthropy, social causes, and cultural investments, unlike their male counterparts.
• Women hold more liquid assets and private investments, whereas men dominate wealth in equities, luxury goods, and technology.

Women are reshaping the global wealth landscape, entering the billionaire ranks in record numbers, and redefining how wealth is managed, invested, and shared with society. According to the Altrata Billionaire Census, women now represent 13% of the world’s 3,323 billionaires, totalling 431 individuals. Though still a minority, the number of female billionaires has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by cultural shifts, entrepreneurial success, and the transfer of generational wealth.

Inheritance: A Major Driver of Female Wealth

The rise of female billionaires is closely tied to inheritance. A significant 75% of women in this elite group inherited at least part of their wealth, with 38% inheriting their fortunes in full. Notable examples include Alice Walton, heir to Walmart with a net worth of $104 billion; Julia Flesher Koch and her family, worth $76 billion; and Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to L’Oréal with a fortune of $73 billion.

In contrast, inherited wealth makes up only 5% of male billionaires’ fortunes, reflecting the historical trend where men have been the primary beneficiaries of family wealth transfers. However, this trend is evolving. The Great Wealth Transfer, expected over the next decade, is projected to see women inherit up to $30 trillion globally, further solidifying their position among the wealthiest.

The Growing Wave of Self-Made Female Billionaires

While inheritance continues to be the dominant source of wealth for women, the number of self-made female billionaires is steadily rising. Currently, 25% of female billionaires have amassed their fortunes through entrepreneurship, compared to 66% of men. This growth reflects shifting cultural attitudes, more inclusive work environments, and a greater presence of women in leadership roles across various industries.

Notable female entrepreneurs like Rihanna, Oprah Winfrey, and Sara Blakely exemplify this trend, showcasing resilience, innovation, and a drive to challenge industry norms.

Women at the Forefront of Philanthropy

A defining trait of female billionaires is their deep commitment to philanthropy. Nearly one in five devotes the majority of their professional efforts to social causes and charitable organisations, a stark contrast to just 5% of men. This focus on giving is often linked to inherited wealth, which provides the resources to engage in impactful work early in life.

Women often champion causes such as education, social justice, healthcare, and the arts, showcasing a broader perspective on wealth as a means to drive societal progress. They are more than just financial contributors; they take active leadership roles by designing initiatives, serving on nonprofit boards, and spearheading campaigns to tackle some of the world’s most critical challenges.

How Female Billionaires Invest Their Wealth

Female billionaires take a distinctive approach to managing their wealth. A significant portion of their portfolios is tied to private company holdings, making up 35% compared to 28% for their male counterparts. They also maintain higher liquidity, with 39% of their assets in cash or liquid investments, as opposed to 30% for men. This tendency toward liquidity and private holdings is often linked to the nature of inherited wealth.

On the other hand, male billionaires have a stronger presence in the stock market, with 40% of their wealth in equities versus 22% for women. This disparity is largely driven by the dominance of men in the technology sector, where fortunes are frequently built through publicly traded companies.

Luxury Investments: Art and Real Estate vs. Toys and Gadgets

Differences in spending patterns among billionaires reveal distinct preferences between genders. Female billionaires are 1.5 times more likely than men to invest in ultra-luxurious real estate valued above $10 million. Additionally, women often channel their wealth into art, curating extensive collections that reflect both cultural significance and personal taste.

Male billionaires, in contrast, lean toward acquiring luxury “toys.” They are 3.8 times more likely to own cars worth over $1 million and are twice as likely to possess yachts. Private jets, designer watches, and other high-status symbols also dominate their portfolios.

This contrast highlights not only differing priorities but also unique expressions of wealth and legacy.

Lifestyle and Hobbies: A Gender Divide

The hobbies and leisure activities of male and female billionaires reveal notable differences. Among women, philanthropy takes the lead, with 71% citing it as a significant interest. Other top pursuits include art, education, and travel, reflecting a preference for cultural and intellectual enrichment.

In contrast, male billionaires gravitate towards sports, with 71% identifying it as their primary pastime. Aviation, outdoor adventures, and politics also rank highly, showcasing a more competitive and thrill-seeking approach to leisure.

Shaping the Future of Wealth

The rise of female billionaires represents more than just a demographic change—it signals a transformation in how wealth is perceived and utilized. Women are not merely inheriting or building fortunes; they are reshaping the concept of success by emphasising purpose, inclusion, and sustainability.

As their numbers grow, so does their influence on global philanthropy, corporate practices, and investment trends. This new wave of wealth management prioritises social impact, cultural enrichment, and long-term value creation, challenging the traditional male-dominated billionaire archetype.

With the generational transfer of wealth and the steady growth of female entrepreneurship, women are poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of global wealth. Their expanding influence is redefining priorities and values, paving the way for a more balanced, equitable, and socially conscious billionaire class.