List of 7 Women Investors Who Revolutionize the Finance Industry

January 31, 2025 | 09:37 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - While the world is familiar with prominent impactful male figures in finances, some women's names emerge as pioneers within the field. These women investors break the barrier and make waves with their billion-dollar portfolios and groundbreaking financial tactics.

List of the World’s Major Women Investors

Investopedia and U.S. News mention Abigail Johnson among the most powerful women investors. Other leading women are:

1. Abigail Johnson

Born into wealth, Abigail Johnson didn’t just inherit her family’s fortune empire—she reshaped it. As the CEO of Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest financial services firms, Johson has led the company since 2014 and assumed the chairman role in 2016.

She owns an estimated 28.5% stake in the firm, which, as of June 2024 manages a staggering $5.5 trillion in discretionary assets. As a Bitcoin user since 2018, her forward-thinking leadership has moved toward embracing cryptocurrency by launching a platform that allows institutional investors to custody and trade Bitcoin.

2. Mellody Hobson

Among top women investors, Mellody Hobson is known for much more than her impressive investment track. Hobson is the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, one of the largest African-American-owned money managers in the US. 

With 34 years of dedication to Ariel, she holds around 39% ownership of the firm. Beyond investing, Hobson plays a key role on the boards of powerhouse companies like Starbucks and JPMorgan, making her a standout figure in both finance and corporate leadership.

3. Deborah A. Farrington

Farrington’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Co-founder of the Manhattan-based venture capital firm StarVest Partners, Farrington has sent her company among the names of the US’ largest women-owned firms. 

A Harvard graduate, Farrington’s interest in finance was sparked by her father, who worked at Lehman Brothers. Her expertise has earned her multiple appearances on Forbes’ Midas List, a prestigious ranking of the top venture capitalists in the world.

4. Geraldine Weiss

Known as “The Grande Dame of Dividends,” Geraldine Weiss was simply a true pioneer in finance. One of the first women to make a name for herself as a respected financial voice, Weiss initially concealed her identity during the early years of her career.

In 1966, she launched her investment newsletter, Investment Quality Trends, which she continued to publish until her retirement in 2002. The newsletter still follows her dividend-investing strategy today, preserving her legacy in the finance world.

5. Liz Ann Sonders

As Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, Liz Ann Sonders has become one of the most recognized names in the list of women investors. Starting her financial career in 1986, Sonders was once a portfolio manager at Avatar Associates before joining the U.S. Trust in 1999. Her significance is evident, as she regularly appears as a guest on various business news networks like CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg.

6. Muriel Siebert

When it comes to women investors, Muriel Siebert remained a famous one. Founder of her firm, Muriel Siebert & Co., her journey was far from smooth. Challenges such as resistance from male counterparts in the financial industry and difficulties securing the funding necessary to join the New York Stock Exchange were just a few of the obstacles she faced.

Without a degree, her fearlessness fueled her journey, earning her the distinction of becoming the first woman to become a member of the New York Stock Exchange and the superintendent of banking for New York State.

7. Sonal Desai

Sonal Desai is one of the top women investors in India and globally. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Franklin Templeton, she oversees more than $200 billion in assets at the firm. 

With a PhD in economics, Desai began her career as an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh before transitioning to finance. Her expertise has earned her recognition, including a spot on Forbes’ 50 Over 50 list in 2020.

These women investors successfully prove themselves as leaders in the male-dominated field. As the financial world continues to grow and diversify, they are showing us that there’s no limit to what can be achieved—no matter who you are or where you come from.

Don’t hesitate to continue your journey of finance discovery by exploring some of the best investors of all time.

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