Young women using Lloyds Bank's Invest Wise platform hold investment portfolios averaging £14,040, which is 49% more than the average £9,450 held by young men, according to new data from the bank. This represents a difference of £4,590 between the two groups.
Active engagement among young female investors
The research shows that 69% of young female investors are classed as active, compared to 56% of their male counterparts. This suggests that while fewer women may start investing, those who do tend to engage more consistently with their portfolios.
Separate analysis of new Lloyds investment customers across all age groups indicates that women often adopt a more measured approach when they begin their investment journey. Women who opened a new investment account during 2025 typically took slightly longer to fund their accounts, made fewer trades in their first 90 days, and initially invested slightly smaller amounts than men.
Lloyds' view on the gender investment gap
Lauren Gradys, Investment Specialist at Lloyds, which has branches in Birmingham, commented: "One of the most striking findings is that while young women are less likely to invest than men, those who do are often highly engaged and building larger portfolios."
"The data suggests the challenge isn't a lack of interest in investing, it's helping more young women feel confident taking that first step," Gradys added. "Investing can sometimes feel complicated or intimidating, particularly for first-time investors. But getting started doesn't have to mean investing large sums of money or becoming an expert overnight."
"Making investing simpler, easier to understand and more accessible can help more people feel comfortable beginning their investment journey."
Practical advice for new investors
Lloyds has issued guidance for those looking to start investing. The bank recommends starting small, noting that investors can begin with as little as £20 a month, with the key being to build a regular habit.
It also advises using ISA allowances, highlighting that a Stocks and Shares ISA is a tax-efficient way to invest, meaning no UK income or capital gains tax is paid on returns. The allowance for the current tax year is £20,000.
Finally, Lloyds cautions against trying to time the market, stating that buying at the lowest point and selling at the highest is nearly impossible. Instead, it recommends focusing on 'time in the market' and using pound-cost averaging, where investing small amounts regularly can smooth out market volatility.
