Financial advisers must change “old school” attitudes to reduce the investment gender divide

Experts reckon that the established perceived attitude of women as not being risk-takers needs to be challenged

Financial advisers need to change their ways (Getty)

Financial advisers have been warned not to ignore the needs of women. When it comes to investing, women are generally less tolerant of risk than men but risk profiling firm FinaMetrica is warning advisers to act in the best interests of both partners, not just the man’s.

“Our data shows with five out of six couples, men tend to favour riskier investments, while women typically have more conservative tastes,” said FinaMetrica co-founder Paul Resnik.

Meanwhile a report from KPMG said the industry has focused on engaging male investors for too long. It says: “With wealth shifting to new demographic groups and women typically outliving men by five to six years, investment managers needs to re-evaluate how to engage the female investor and whether or not they will be looking for a different investment philosophy.”

Experts reckon that the established perceived attitude of women as not being risk-takers needs to be challenged – or millions could face disappointing returns from investments.