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Barbara Stewart

Presentations

Barbara’s presentations to global banks, investment firms, stock exchanges, financial communities and academic institutions include the following topics:

Women & Alts: A Global Study

Barbara Stewart, CFA released her white paper Women & Alts: A Global Study on October 17, 2024. This research features 50 commentaries from a diverse group of finance industry leaders around the world.

Barbara will discuss her key findings:

  1. Top 10 alts: What women want
    • A range of asset classes are featured, including fine arts, gold, wine and private equity.
    • Although the #1 category of interest to women is private equity, there are multiple barriers for women trying to access these investments.
  2. Investment sectors of particular interest to women
    • Health care is #1 around the world.
    • Local aspects include defence bonds.
    • Women in regions like Lithuania are showing interest in these bonds as they align with a protective approach to family and national security.
  3. Geographic trends and nuances
    • Despite being global centres of financial wealth, cash represents 40-55% plus of personal wealth for residents in Hong Kong and Japan.
    • Regulations around alternatives, including private credit, are nuanced - in some countries, only sophisticated investors (and equivalent) can access this asset class.
    • Australia, like many countries, is undergoing a generational shift in wealth - it is an interesting time to be in asset management.
  4. Marketing to women: What's not working
    • Alts are opaque
    • The 'network effect' is lacking for women
    • Macho-themed sales and marketing
  5. How to attract more women to the alternatives asset class
    • Explain the product effectively
    • Women's forums, events, communities and campaigns work!
    • It's generational: meet them where they are

What’s in your investment portfolio?

Barbara Stewart, CFA released her 14th annual Rich Thinking report What’s in your investment portfolio? on March 8th. This research features 50 global investment portfolios and as always findings are based on qualitative interviews with amazing people (25 women and 25 men) from different professions and industries around the world.

Barbara will share:

  • How portfolios varied by gender, by region and by industry
  • Cultural investing nuances
  • Niche investment categories
  • Big bets and investing flops
  • Research implications

How smart women and men invest in themselves

How do you invest in yourself? Interestingly, responses from 52 accomplished men and women around the world did not differ significantly based on cultural background.

The stories do vary considerably, however, based on unique personalities, interests, and needs.

In this latest instalment of her “Rich Thinking®” research series, Barbara interviewed 26 women and 26 men across many categories:

  • Ages: early 30s to early 70s
  • Regions: 18 from the Americas, 20 from EMEA, and 14 from Asia
  • Industries: arts, entertainment, real estate, public relations, investment management, education, technology, sports, food… among others

Around the world, the top three ways to invest in yourself are: fitness, food, or travel. Barbara will share excerpts from three people’s stories – one for each category.

The big surprise: Nearly twice as many men as women spoke about their mental health as a priority. Find out why from three men’s stories that Barbara will also share.

And what are some of the most interesting ways to invest in yourself that you might not have thought about? Barbara will share excerpts from five people’s stories.

Lastly, what are the research implications for the investment industry? And what are the research implications for marketers? Barbara will share her insights in an open discussion.

Suddenly Single

Most of us grew up with a fairy tale assumption……that we would get married for life, buy a house, have kids, and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, those stories aren’t serving us well from the perspective of financial competence. If you knew for sure that there was a 90% chance that you would end up single at some point within the next 30 years, would you plan for this?

My calculation is that 90% of married women will end up needing to manage their own finances at some point due to divorce or widowhood. The numbers don’t lie: they reflect reality. So why is there still such a stigma around planning to be single? We need to change the narrative! What if we were to assume that every one of us is likely to become single one day and we all talk about this scenario as part of prudent financial planning and investment management? Talk about life and love in the context of overall financial planning. Whether we choose to talk about this with our friends, our advisors, or ourselves. I’ve got some ideas as to how we can make this happen! I’ll share some of my key insights that I’ve learned through my global research in the area of women and finance.

Smart Women and Risk-Taking

The financial landscape has been evolving, with women taking more and more of a role in both the industry and in managing family finances. The industry has its own preconceived notions about what women’s financial goals and risk tolerance are, but those notions are often incorrect. Based on the findings from my decade plus Rich Thinking® research, I will illuminate the true objectives sought by women, and discuss how women perceive risk in their investment portfolios.

Smart Women: Big Ideas

What is the biggest idea you have ever had in your life? Where did you get that idea, what did you do with it, how did you invest in it, and what ended up happening?

I asked 55 women around the world these questions and my findings were exciting! I will discuss the implications of this research for the investment industry. The bottom line? The investment industry needs to put Big Ideas first on our list of topics to discuss with clients and potential clients. Women are getting these ideas all the time, and in most cases need to finance them, fund them in size, and do it yesterday. I will share what women want in terms of financial services and communication and highlight some of the most progressive models today in the women and wealth space.

How Smart Women Manage Their Money

In today’s world, every business is a digital business, every industry is the financial industry, and every job requires financial knowledge. Financial knowledge allows women to move towards meaningful work in any field that they choose. Women are boldly venturing into the world of finance using a combination of analytics, problem-solving capabilities, risk-awareness, intuitive thinking, relationship skills and creativity. They are building careers that are in line with their values. As part of my research, I interviewed over 50 accomplished women around the world to uncover three dominant styles in how smart women manage their money. Some women are more structured and disciplined in their approach to their finances, some are highly knowledgeable and strategic about investing, and others are perfectly willing to focus on their personal interests and passions so they will often seek out trusted advisors for their money management. I’ll offer a current perspective on how financial institutions are responding to these archetypes.


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UPCOMING EVENTS

Inspirational Women 2024 Forum & Leadership Awards
Moderating Panel: The Risk Of Being Risk Averse
LA Times
Los Angeles
November 14, 2024

How smart women invest in themselves
International Women Board of Directors
Dubai (virtual)
November 26, 2024

Rich Thinking: Changing the Global Conversation around Women and Money
The FEP Finance Club
University of Porto (virtual)
December 6, 2024

How smart women manage their money
NASDAQ
Toronto
January 29, 2025

IWD Event
NASDAQ
Stockholm
March 5, 2025

IWD Event
Kvinno Kapital
Stockholm
March 7, 2025

RECENT EVENTS

What’s in your investment portfolio?
CFA Society Singapore
Singapore
April 18, 2024

MoneyPenny Investment Salon
MoneyPenny and More
Copenhagen
March 5, 2024

Rich Thinking Research Launch
KvinnoKapital
Stockholm
March 8, 2024

CFA Society of Toronto Wealth Conference
CFA Society of Toronto
Toronto
See the Invitation / Registration
September 21, 2023

BULLWEALTH
Women & Wealth
Toronto
Listen to the podcast
May 29, 2023

Technology Revolution Radio: The Future of Now
The Future of Investments and Technology: Show me the Money
New Jersey
May 10, 2023

How smart women and men invest in themselves
CFA Society Taiwan
Taipei
April 19, 2023

How do you invest in yourself?
CFA Society Singapore
Singapore
April 11, 2023

Suddenly Single: How women are transitioning through death and divorce
Globe Advisor
Toronto
March 22, 2023

Creating Your Own Personal Business Model
CFA Institute’s Guiding Assets Podcast
New York
March 15, 2023

How women manage risk as investors, at work and in life with Michele Wucker and Barbara Stewart
The Purse Podcast
London
March 11, 2023

Rich Thinking Research Launch
KvinnoKapital
Stockholm
March 8, 2023

Planning for a Post Pandemic Non-Retirement
Canadian MoneySaver
Toronto
January, 2023

Planning for a Non-Retirement
The Money Show
Toronto
September 17, 2022

Launch of 2021 Canadian Entrepreneur Report
Echelon Wealth Partners
Toronto
March 31, 2022

Rich Thinking Research Launch
KvinnoKapital
Stockholm
March 8, 2022

Pathways in Finance Conference
University of Waterloo Women in Finance (WIF)
Toronto
Febuary 25, 2022

ESG & Private Equity panel discussion
Kensington Capital Partners
Toronto
October, 2021

A Decade of Rich Thinking®
CFA Society Columbus
Columbus
See the invitation
May 5, 2021

The Myths about Women & Investing
Yieldstreet
See the invitation
New York City
April 21, 2021

A Decade of Rich Thinking®
Mission Cloud
Los Angeles
March 26, 2021

Women in Finance event
The 51 and CFA Society Calgary
See the invitation
Calgary
March 16, 2021

Rich Thinking Research Launch
KvinnoKapital
Stockholm
See the invitation
March 8, 2021

Embracing Serendipity for Business Success
WinTrade Global Talks
London, England
Watch podcast
Febuary, 2021

ESG & Sustainable Investments
CAiP (Investment Strategies for Canadian Pensions)
Toronto
See the invitation
February 25, 2021

Going For Gold Podcast
Female Invest
Copenhagen
December 10, 2020

Sense and Serendipity: The Story of Rich Thinking
Acuris (A member of the ION Group)
London, England
October 28, 2020

Goals and Managing Your Money
Women Investors Club
Sydney, Australia
See the invitation
October 8, 2020

A Decade of Rich Thinking
George Brown College
Toronto
See the invitation
September 30, 2020

Women and Wealth: A Decade of Rich Thinking
CFA Society Toronto
Toronto
See the invitation
September 22, 2020

Top Tips for Business Success
CFA Society Louisiana
New Orleans
September 17, 2020

The51 Live IGTV show
Financial Feminist Friday
Calgary
July 17, 2020

MoneyShow (virtual event)
“A Current Snapshot: The COVID-19 Impact On Women, Money, And Investing”
Toronto
See the invitation
July 8, 2020

Kvinno Kapital & Storebrand Asset Management
"Rich Thinking Research Launch"
Stockholm
See the invitation
March 9, 2020

MoneyPenny
"Rich Thinking Research Launch"
Copenhagen
See the invitation
March 8, 2020

Echelon Wealth Partners
Canadian Entrepreneur Summit
Toronto
See the invitation
March 2, 2020

Paris Fintech Forum 2020
Paris
See the invitation
January 28-29, 2020

CFA Society New York
"Smart Women and Risk-Taking"
New York
See the invitation
November 20, 2019

Advocis
"Suddenly Single"
Toronto
See the invitation
October 17, 2019

The Moneyshow
Toronto
See the invitation
September 21, 2019

CFA Society Switzerland
"Smart Women - Big Ideas"
Geneva
See the invitation
September 11, 2019

CFA Society Switzerland
"Smart Women - Big Ideas"
Zurich
See the invitation
September 10, 2019

CFA Society Pittsburgh
"Diversity in Finance: Why it Matters"
Pittsburgh
See the invitation
June 17, 2019

European Women in Payments Network (EWPN)
Annual Conference
Amsterdam
June 5, 2019

CFA Society Taiwan
"Smart Women - Big Ideas"
Taipei
See the invitation
March 26, 2019

Kvinno Kapital
"Smart Women - Big Ideas"
Stockholm
See the invitation
March 7, 2019

Israel Society of Investment Professionals
CFA Research Challenge – Judge
Tel Aviv
See the invitation
March 3, 2019

MMF Symposium 2019
The World Forum on Finance, Technology, Investments & Risk Management
"Diversity in Finance: Why it Matters"
Toronto
See the invitation
January 11, 2019

CFA Society Argentina
"Diversity in Finance: Why it Matters"
Buenos Aires
See the invitation
October 11, 2018

CFA Society Chile
"Diversity in Finance: Why it Matters"
Santiago
See the invitation
October 9, 2018

CFA Society Ukraine
"How smart women invest"
Kiev
See the invitation
September 7, 2018

CFA Society Switzerland
"How smart women invest"
Geneva
See the invitation
May 31, 2018

CFA Society Switzerland
"How smart women invest"
Zurich
See the invitation
May 30, 2018

CFA Society Malaysia
"Smart women and risk-taking"
Kuala Lumpur
See the invitation
April 11, 2018

CFA Society Singapore
"Smart women and risk-taking"
Singapore
See the invitation
April 10, 2018

CFA Society Japan
"Smart women and risk-taking"
Tokyo
See the invitation
March 22, 2018

CFA Society Slovenija
"How smart women invest"
Ljubljana
See the invitation
February 13, 2018

CFA Society Poland
"A perfect storm: women need finance and finance needs women"
Warsaw
See the invitation
November 28, 2017

CFA Society Sweden
"How to leverage gender intelligence for greater success in business"
Stockholm
Register for the event
November 15, 2017

Danske Bank
"How smart women invest"
Helsinki
See the invitation
October 12, 2017

Danske Bank’s Women’s Conference
Copenhagen
See the invitation
June 14, 2017

CFA Society Miami
"How smart women invest"
Miami
See the invitation
May 30, 2017

CFA Society Calgary
Diversity in Finance: The Competitive Advantage of Gender Balance
Calgary
See the invitation
May 9, 2017

Swedish and Nordic Chamber of Commerce
Women and Finance Conference
Luxembourg
See the invitation
May 4, 2017

BNP Paribas
"Why do YOU invest?"
Stockholm
See the invitation
April 8, 2017

CFA Society Indonesia
"How smart women are managing their money in 2017"
Jakarta
April 4, 2017

CFA Society Singapore
"How smart women are managing their money in 2017"
Singapore
See the invitation
March 31, 2017

Danske Bank Norway
International Women’s Day - Evening Event
"How smart women invest"
Oslo
See the invitation
March 8, 2017

KvinnoKapital
Rich Thinking: How Smart Women are Managing their Money in 2017
Stockholm
See the invitation
March 8, 2017

Danske Bank Sweden
International Women’s Day - Breakfast Event
Stockholm
See the invitation
March 7, 2017

Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society
Moderator: Business in society: Contributing to create social value
Deauville
See the invitation
November 30, 2016

Danske Bank
How to attract female customers
Stockholm
November 14, 2016

Sixth Annual Women in Real Estate Conference
University of San Diego, School of Business Administration
San Diego
See the invitation
October 26, 2016

21st annual Global Forum on Action Learning, Leadership & Transformational Change – How smart women are shaping the future of all industries … and why you can’t afford to ignore them!
Stockholm
See the agenda/invitation
June 13, 2016

CFA Society Orange County – Rich Thinking 2016: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Orange County
See the invitation
June 2, 2016

CFA Society San Diego – Rich Thinking: More Women Equals More Money
San Diego
See the invitation
June 1, 2016

CFA Society Los Angeles – Rich Thinking 2016: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Los Angeles
See the invitation
May 31, 2016

Cumberland Private Wealth Management - Rich Thinking: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Toronto
See the invitation
May 9, 2016

CFA Society Montreal - Rich Thinking 2016: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Montreal
See the invitation
April 27, 2016

CFA Society Johannesburg – Rich Thinking 2016: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Johannesburg
See the invitation
April 20, 2016

CFA Society Capetown – Rich Thinking 2016: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Capetown
See the invitation
April 18, 2016

CFA Society Mauritius – How social media has changed the world for investors
Mauritius
See the invitation
April 14, 2016

CFA Society Singapore – Rich Thinking 2016: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Singapore
See the invitation
April 11, 2016

CFA Society Istanbul – Rich Thinking 2016: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Istanbul
See the invitation
March 16, 2016

Israeli Society of Investment Professionals - Rich Thinking 2016: A Global Study – How smart women are shaping the future of the financial industry
Tel Aviv
See the invitation
March 13, 2016

Danish Bankers' Association – Roundtable: Women and Finance
Copenhagen
March 10, 2016

NASDAQ Women’s Interactive Network – Fireside Chat about Women and Finance
Stockholm
March 9, 2016

Nordnet – Research Launch Event – Rich Thinking: More Women = More Money!
Stockholm
See the invitation
March 8, 2016

CFA Society Romania - Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Bucharest
See the invitation
November 5, 2015

CFA Society Austria - Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Vienna
See the invitation
November 3, 2015

CFA Society Germany - Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Frankfurt
See the invitation
October 29, 2015

CFA Society Spain - Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Madrid
See the invitation
October 27, 2015

CFA Society Denmark - Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Copenhagen
See the invitation
October 23, 2015

NASDAQ Ladies' Night
Copenhagen
See the invitation
October 22, 2015

AGF Women's Alliance Network: The Future of Women and Finance
Toronto
July 23, 2015

JUMP Forum: 'The Female Economy'
Paris
See the invitation
See event photos
June 18, 2015

CFA Society France – Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Paris
See the invitation
See event photos
May 21, 2015

CFA Society Luxembourg – Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Luxembourg
See the invitation
May 19, 2015

CFA Society Sweden – Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Stockholm
See the invitation
May 6, 2015

NASDAQ Women's Event - "How social media changed the game for female investors"
NASDAQ, Stockholm
See the invitation
May 5, 2015

FEI (Financial Executives International) Canada - "Panel Discussion: Women and Capital Markets"
The National Club, Toronto
See the invitation
April 22, 2015

CFA Society Singapore - Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Singapore
View Invitation
March 21, 2015

CFA Society of Istanbul - Rich Thinking: The Future of Women and Finance
Istanbul
View Invitation
March 12, 2015

Nordnet International Women's Day Event - Rich Thinking: Highlights of 2015 Research
Stockholm
See the invitation
Watch the video
March 6, 2015

Panelist - Toronto CFA Society Inaugural Conference: "Alpha: The Competitive Advantage of Gender Strategy"
Toronto CFA Society
View Invitation
January 26, 2015

Deloitte AB - "Rich Thinking's Greatest Hits: plus a Sneak Peak at 2015 Research"
Stockholm
View Invitation
November 10, 2014

Panel for judging the Business Woman Award (BWA) Canada
Sponsored by Veuve Clicquot and The Globe and Mail
Toronto
View Invitation
July 30, 2014

TORYS - Panel discussion for women lawyers
TORYS LLP, Toronto
June 20, 2014

FEI (Financial Executives International) Canada - "Rich Thinking: How Smart Women Invest"
The National Club, Toronto
View Invitation
April 22, 2014

NASDAQ OMX - "Rich Thinking: How Smart Women Invest"
NASDAQ OMX, Reykjavik
March 21, 2014
Watch video of event
Watch the interview
See event on NASDAQ OMX website

Toronto CFA Society "Media Boot Camp"
Toronto CFA Society
View Invitation
February 26, 2014

"Nordnet Live"
Nordnet, Stockholm
February 20, 2014
Listen to the 2014 Nordnet Live interview

NASDAQ OMX -
"Building Financial Confidence in Girls and Women"

NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm
View Invitation
October 17, 2013

Nordea Asset Management - "How Smart Women Invest"
Nordea, Stockholm
October 17, 2013

NASDAQ OMX - "Women's Night at the Exchange"
NASDAQ OMX, Helsinki
View Invitation
See event on Nasdaq OMX website
October 16, 2013

J.P. Morgan - "Women's Interactive Network"
J.P. Morgan, Toronto
View Invitation
October 2, 2013

The Turkish Financial Literacy and Inclusion Association
Çirağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul
May 22, 2013

Nelson Education Ltd - "Aligning our personal causes with our careers"
Nelson Education Ltd
May 17, 2013

Accenture - International Women's Day
Four Seasons Hotel - Sultanahmet, Istanbul
March 8, 2013
Watch video of speech

Rich Thinking Research Launch Event
Verity, Toronto
March 27, 2013
See invite

Rich Thinking Research Launch Event
Verity, Toronto
March 8, 2012
See invite

Rich Thinking Research Launch Event
Gardiner Museum, Toronto
December 2, 2010
See invite

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VIDEOS

Up Close With the Portfolios of Finance Pros in Canada
Moolala Money Made Simple - Bruce Sellery
June 20, 2024


What Is Rich Thinking Research? (54s)
Nordea IWD Research Launch
Stockholm
March 8, 2024


Why is your portfolio the way it is? (1:17m)
Nordea IWD Research Launch
Stockholm
March 8, 2024


Asset Allocation By Gender (39s)
Nordea IWD Research Launch
Stockholm
March 8, 2024


How our backgrounds affect our investing strategies (33s)
Nordea IWD Research Launch
Stockholm
March 8, 2024


What’s in your investment portfolio? (54m)
Nordea IWD Research Launch
Stockholm
March 8, 2024



Voice America Technology Revolution Radio
"Women's Wealth & Technology: Three Themes for the Future"
New York
July 2022



Women and Wealth
CFA Society New York
New York City
November 2019



"Women are risk aware... and why this matters."
The Money Show (2 minutes 40 seconds)
Toronto
September 2019


CNN Chile Interview
Santiago
October 2018







"The Future of Women and Finance: Rich Thinking 2015 Research Launch"
Nordnet International Women's Day Event
Stockholm
March 2015


"Rich Thinking: Getting Started"
2014 Research Launch
Tel Aviv
February 2014



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PODCASTS

Up Close and Personal With the Portfolios of Finance Pros in Canada
Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery
Toronto
June 19, 2024


Women in Finance
Bullwealth’s Insights into Wealth Podcast
Toronto
May 29, 2023


What’s your business model?
CFA Institute’s Guiding Assets Podcast
New York
May 15, 2023


Creating Your Own Personal Business Model
CFA Institute’s Guiding Assets Podcast
New York
March 15, 2023



Barbara Stewart about risk and her journey
ADA Economics
London
July 15 2022



How Women Manage Their Money and Take Risks
The Purse Podcast
London
August 2021


Global Trends: Women and Finance
The White Spaces Show
Zurich
July 2021


The Myths about Women and Investing
YieldStreet - Women in Investing
New York
May 2021


Embracing Serendipity for Business Success
Win Trade Global Talks
London
February 2021


Money in Relationships
Female Invest “Going for Gold”
Copenhagen
December 2020


Financial Advisers and Female Clients: Risks and Opportunities
CFA Institute Take 15 Podcast
New York
June 2020


A conversation about women and money
CFA Institute’s Take15 Podcast
New York
June 18, 2020


10 Years of Rich Thinking Research: The Purse Podcast
with accompanying video montage
London
March 2020



Dagens Media podcast
Stockholm
April 2019


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WEBINARS

Rich Thinking: A One Hour Webinar Presented by The51 and CFA Society Calgary

  • Barbara shares the high level findings from her 2021 Rich Thinking report (20 minutes)
  • Barbara and Shelley Kuipers have a dialogue (20 minutes)
  • Audience Q&A (20 minutes)

Calgary
March, 2021


Rich Thinking: Changing the Global Conversation around Women and Money
Barbara Stewart shares her high level findings from a decade of Rich Thinking (30 minute webinar)
Mission Cloud Services
Los Angeles
March, 2021


Embracing Serendipity for Business Success
Acuris
London
October, 2020



The Money Show – short excerpts

What is the biggest risk for a female investor?
A 1:37 minute listen
MoneyShow
Toronto
July 8, 2020


The number one question for investors: What is the money for?
A 1:08 minute listen
MoneyShow
Toronto
July 8, 2020


Are you really interested in managing your own money?
A 1:31 minute listen
MoneyShow
Toronto
July 8, 2020


Should you be using a female investment advisor?
A 3:15 minute listen
MoneyShow
Toronto
July 8, 2020