Women have always played a crucial role in finance — driving consumer trends, investing in businesses, or shaping economic policies. Yet, for centuries, systemic barriers held women back from fully participating in the financial world.
At Monefit, we’re committed to improving the financial lives of everyone, and we’ve got a way to go ourselves. With a 40% female staff team, we’re better than the 31% average in the tech giants (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft), but thats not good enough for us.
We want to follow in the footsteps of trailblazers, and to mark this Women’s Day, we’ll offer you a brief history of amazing women in the worlds of finance and investing, with some eye-opening facts thrown in at the end.
A timeline of female financial milestones
1870s–1900s: Early female investors in Europe and the US
Wealthy women in France, Germany, the UK, and the US, began investing in stocks and bonds —often discreetly or through family trusts. These include notable examples like:
- Victoria Woodhull & Tennessee Claflin (1870s, Wall Street’s First Female Brokers)
These sisters opened the first women-owned brokerage firm on Wall Street in 1870, defying gender norms. Victoria was also the first woman to run for President, and later moved to the UK, continuing to advocate for women’s financial independence.
- French women investing in railways & government bonds (1880s–1890s)
Women in France began investing in railway stocks and government bonds, with Parisian widows and businesswomen in banking and fashion quietly building fortunes.
- The ‘Lady Stockbrokers’ of London (1880s–1890s)
Despite restrictions, London women invested through male brokers. Amy Bell gained recognition for her stock portfolio, inspiring aristocratic and middle-class women to take financial control.
1919–1940s: Women’s economic power grows in the UK and France
Women entered the workforce in large numbers after World War I and took on vital financial roles during World War II, proving their economic capability.
1957 — Treaty of Rome recognizes equal pay for equal work
This EU treaty laid the foundation for equal pay laws across Europe.
1974 – The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (USA)
Before this, women needed a male co-signer for credit. This law finally granted women full financial autonomy.
1975 – UK’s Sex Discrimination Act and Equal Pay Act take effect
This ensured women could access financial services and be paid fairly.
1980s – Women break into Wall Street
Trailblazers like Muriel Siebert paved the way for women in finance.
1980s–1990s: Rise of female investors and business leaders in Europe
Countries like Germany, Sweden, and the UK see a surge in female entrepreneurs and investors with major names like Debbie Moore, Karren Brady, Joanna Shields (now Baroness Shields), and more having big impacts in their industries.
2003 – Norway introduces gender quotas for corporate boards
Setting a global precedent for female representation in leadership.
2009 – First woman becomes CEO of a major US bank
Irene Dorner’s appointment at HSBC USA marked a new era in finance.
2021 – Women’s wealth on the rise
By 2030, women in the US are expected to control much of the $30 trillion wealth transfer from baby boomers.
2022 – EU introduces boardroom gender quotas
A new law requiring at least 40% female representation on the non-executive boards of large companies by 2026 offers women more seats at the table and more decision-making power.
Fascinating facts about women and finance
- Women are better investors — Studies show women often achieve better investment returns than men due to their strategic and patient approach.
- Women make most household financial decisions — Women influence 80% of consumer purchases, shaping financial trends
- The first self-made female millionaire was black — Madam C.J. Walker built a haircare empire in the early 1900s.
- Women’s wealth is growing fast — By 2030, women are expected to control nearly 40% of all investable assets in the US.
- A record number of women are CEOs and CFOs in finance — Female leadership in top financial firms reached new highs in 2023.
- Scandinavian women lead in financial independence — Sweden, Denmark, and Finland have some of the world’s highest female workforce and investment participation rates.
The future is financially equal
Women have fought for financial independence for over a century — and they continue to break new ground.
With more women investing, leading, and shaping economic policies, the future of finance is diverse, strategic, and balanced.
Take charge of your financial future today — because the best investment you can make is in yourself.
And there’s no easier way to start living your best financial life than with Monefit SmartSaver. Open a 24-month Vault and earn 10.52% APY with the option for monthly return payouts. Start earning this Women’s Day.
*The information presented in this blog post is valid as of the time it is published. The content is intended to provide information only and is not meant and should not be considered as financial or investment advice of any kind.