From wealth to capability transfer—Key challenges for women successors managing investment and how to address, explained

A majority of women investors, who lead their families' wealth decisions, are still learning and did not receive structured, financial training, which exposes a gap in wealth succession for the demographic, according to a report by Equirus Wealth.

The ‘Shakti & Capital: Next-Generation Women and the Future of Indian Family Wealth’ study found that four in 10 women interviewed by Equirus Wealth assumed responsibility for wealth decisions following a significant life event, including bereavement, separation, capital loss or inheritance, rather than through a planned introduction to family finances.

It noted that a key challenge thus is that financial responsibility can arrive before individuals acquire the knowledge and experience needed to exercise it confidently.

“Approximately ₹ 73 lakh crore could pass to women in Indian families over the next decade. But the larger question is whether the knowledge and decision-making capability needed to manage this wealth will pass on with it. Families devote considerable attention to building and preserving wealth, but preparing the next generation to manage it deserves equal attention,” according to Nitesh Arora, Managing Partner at Equirus Family Office.

According to women investors and inheritors served by Equirus Family Office,

“The findings point to a clear agenda for families, family offices and advisors — give the transfer of capability the same deliberate attention as the transfer of assets,” the report added. It listed five actions can help make that shift:

Begin family wealth conversations before a health event, bereavement, separation or succession deadline makes them urgent. Establish a regular forum for discussing assets, responsibilities and family objectives.

Bring the next generation into portfolio reviews, explain the reasoning behind decisions and, where appropriate, introduce a supervised investment mandate with defined limits and accountability.

Clarify who can raise investment ideas, evaluate opportunities and make allocation decisions. Where capital is pooled, define women’s decision rights—including their role in significant and less liquid investments.

Review investments alongside tax, insurance, liquidity, retirement cash flow, estate documents and planned giving. Ensure that wills , nominations and ownership structures are considered together, with specialist advice where needed.

Build a direct relationship with successors before a handover. Understand their objectives, invite their questions and give them the opportunity to assess the advisor relationship for themselves.

The report suggests building the successor relationship before the handover. Give the next generation direct access, context and a reason to trust the advice—not simply an inherited advisor . “The transfer that matters, is not of assets, but of the ability to understand, direct and steward them,” the Equirus Wealth report noted.

Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint.