Women, Wealth and the Advisor Partnership That Makes All the Difference

The following post was contributed by Angie O’Leary, Head of Wealth Strategies at RBC Wealth Management.

A new RBC Wealth Management survey of more than 2,000 high-net-worth individuals reveals that women’s economic power is rising across three generations, in ways that are genuinely historic. 

For the first time, Millennial women are outpacing men in total and investable assets. More than 60% point to business ownership and innovation as wealth drivers compared to just 20% of Gen X women and 10% of Baby Boomer women. Gen X women are balancing competing priorities while building financial security. And Baby Boomer women are assuming stewardship of the Great Wealth Transfer, where an estimated $124 trillion will change hands in the coming decades, $40 trillion through interspousal transfers alone. 

“We are seeing a transformative era where women are focused on growing their wealth but also redefining its purpose, integrating personal values with financial success,” said Angie O’Leary, Head of Wealth Strategies at RBC Wealth Management. “This change recognizes that the growth of women’s wealth is not just a statistic but a testament to resilience, innovation and their capacity to carve out a legacy infused with purpose.” 

The data shows a trusted advisor relationship is more important than ever. More than 90% of women working with an advisor have a financial plan, and those with plans report higher confidence in achieving their goals. 

RBC Wealth Management Financial Advisor Tyler Thomas sees this convergence as a defining moment. “These generational trends reflect what I’ve witnessed firsthand with clients across different stages of life,” he said. “This is a historic shift, and I’d call on every advisor to recognize the responsibility that comes with it. Women at every generation deserve advice to meet them where they are, and we are here every step of the way.” 

RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.