Sustainable Wealth Management Revisited

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Introduction

   Karen Wendt, Marta Ra

   Abstract

   Sustainable Wealth Management: Female Leaders Transforming the Industry explores the transformative role of female leaders in reshaping the wealth management sector through sustainable, inclusive, and ethical financial practices. This publication highlights how gender-diverse leadership is driving innovation, integrating ESG factors, and aligning investment strategies with long-term value creation. It examines the evolving financial landscape, the rise of impact and gender-lens investing, and the integration of technologies such as AI and fintech. Through academic insights, case studies, and expert perspectives, the book underscores the critical contribution of women to building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable wealth management industry.

3. Chapter 2. Understanding Sustainable Wealth Management

   Natalie Baki

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the concept of sustainable wealth management, highlighting its integration of ethical and socially responsible principles with traditional wealth strategies. It examines the shift from profit-driven approaches to a “wealth with purpose” mindset, emphasizing long-term financial returns, ethical considerations, and positive societal impact. The chapter distinguishes between asset management and wealth management, outlining various frameworks for sustainable investing such as ESG, SRI, and impact investing. Key facts include the growing influence of women in wealth management, with women controlling 32% of global wealth as of 2019, and their tendency to prioritize sustainable and socially responsible investments. The chapter concludes that sustainable wealth management is reshaping the financial industry, driven by a growing awareness of global challenges and the desire to align investments with personal values. This transformation, led significantly by women, is creating a more inclusive and forward-looking approach to wealth management that balances financial success with positive social and environmental impact.

4. Chapter 3. Wealth Management Strategies

   Sabrina Failo

   Abstract

   This chapter outlines essential approaches for effective wealth management. It covers long-term investment planning with a focus on strategic asset allocation and sustainable practices, and short-term investment strategies aimed at capturing market opportunities while managing volatility. The chapter also discusses balancing risk and rewards by considering both financial and non-financial factors like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks and emphasizes the significance of personalized wealth management solutions tailored to individual client goals and values.

5. Chapter 4. Changing Landscape of Wealth Management: The Upcoming Generation of Clients Is More Diverse

   Désirée Dosch, Marta Ra, Barbara Schreier

   Abstract

   The Great Wealth Transfer marks a historic shift, with an estimated $84 trillion in assets transitioning from baby boomers to younger generations by 2045. This generational handover reshapes wealth ownership, particularly benefitting women—who are expected to hold two-thirds of U.S. wealth by 2030—due to longevity, inheritance trends, and rising professional success. Millennials and Gen Z, more diverse and values-driven, are emerging as dominant wealth holders, demanding personalised, ESG-aligned financial services. As traditional wealth structures evolve, the financial industry must adapt to meet the expectations of a new, inclusive generation of investors and address the growing influence of female wealth holders.

6. Chapter 5. Humanizing Wealth: Understanding Clients Beyond Assets

   Rosa Sangiorgio

   Abstract

   Wealth is more than money. It holds deeper significance, shaped by personal values, aspirations, and long-term vision.

   This paper introduces an original framework that defines wealth across eight key dimensions, reflecting the many ways individuals, families, and society interact with prosperity. These dimensions are grouped into three categories:

   • Individual: Financial wealth, personal freedom, physical & mental health, and intellectual growth, each contributing to personal well-being and autonomy.
   • Inner Circle: Family legacy and social wealth, emphasizing the role of relationships in shaping financial decisions.
   • Society at Large: Social, cultural, and environmental impact, recognizing the broader responsibility that comes with wealth.

   By understanding these dimensions, wealth managers can move beyond transactional strategies and foster deeper, more meaningful client relationships. Aligning financial planning with clients’ unique values and long-term goals allows for truly tailored solutions. It also provides a meaningful way to implement recent regulatory requirements, such as the MiFID II amendment on sustainability preferences, by going beyond box-ticking and embedding client priorities at the core of wealth management.

   As wealth management evolves, those who embrace this multidimensional approach, blending financial expertise with personal insight and long-term vision, will be best positioned to meet the changing needs of clients and shape the future of the industry.

7. Chapter 6. Sustainable Investing, the New Normal in Wealth Management

   Tina Minci, Monika Seppi

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the integration of sustainability into wealth management. It examines shifting client preferences driven by generational change and the role of regulatory frameworks in shaping standardized, sustainable investment practices, highlighting the different developments as well across key wealth management hubs. The chapter highlights the challenges and opportunities of ESG vs SDGs investing, clarifying how ESG principles and SDGs complement each other while addressing distinct priorities. ESG investing provides a solid sustainability framework while SDGs investing enables high-net-worth individuals and families to align their wealth with societal goals, fostering legacy-building through targeted outcomes. It also outlines investment gaps within SDGs, identifying sectors most in need of funding and attention. The chapter further discusses stewardship (active ownership) as a strategy for driving corporate practices toward social and environmental goals, offering an alternative to divestment when values misalign, which is gaining more weight in wealth management. Case studies showcase ESG-aligned investments that support legacy-building and succession planning, alongside SDGs-aligned approaches that facilitate impactful intergenerational wealth transfer.

8. Chapter 7. Impact and Gender Lens Investing

   Espinosa Arlette

   Abstract

   This chapter dives deep into impact investing as one of the most sophisticated approaches when performing sustainable investing. The chapter will introduce the reader to the impact investment concept, similar to other impact-driven practices, market characteristics, impact themes, investment practices, investment process, and impact metrics. In addition, the chapter showcases the case of Gender Lens Investing (GLI) as a particular investment lens in impact investing.

9. Chapter 8. Longevity Finance: A Gender-Specific Approach

   Karen Wendt, Marta Ra

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the intersection of longevity finance and gender, emphasizing the unique financial challenges and opportunities women face due to their longer lifespans and societal roles. The chapter delves into demographic trends that highlight the aging global population and the gender-specific impacts of these shifts. It proposes innovative financial products and services tailored to women’s needs, including long-term care insurance, gender-responsive pension schemes, and investment opportunities in women-focused funds. Furthermore, it examines the role of technology, such as fintech solutions, artificial intelligence, and health-tech advancements, in addressing these challenges. By adopting a gender-specific approach to longevity finance, this chapter advocates for an inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers women to achieve financial security and independence throughout their extended lifespans.

10. Chapter 9. Artificial Intelligence in Wealth Management

    Sabrina Herold, Christina Goltzsche

    Abstract

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on the way to transform wealth management by improving quality, efficiency, and personalization. This chapter begins by introducing the foundational concepts of AI, including its key branches—machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI—and their relevance to wealth management. It then explores practical applications such as portfolio optimization, sustainable investing, fraud detection, and personalized client engagement. The chapter concludes by addressing current challenges and providing initial insights into potential solutions.

11. Chapter 10. Learn or Loose: Wealth Management Needs Female Wealth Managers

    Karen Wendt, Marta Ra

    Abstract

    The first totally female driven publication in WM shows the following core topics: Impact, gender lens investing, longevity, wealth transfer to gen Z, and therefore a family oriented perspective instead of soley individual personal wealth maximization approach. It appears that women are more thinking in family networks and are optimizing wealth over the life cycle and generations and combined with a stronger risk lends and a stronger risk management approach. These findings of our publication show that enriching the industry with more female managers is important with regards to value driven- and impact investments.

12. Backmatter