Women of the Wealth Shortlist
We highlight the female fund managers to watch on the Wealth Shortlist.
Emma Wall,
Head of Investment
Analysis &
Research
Fund management is an industry that is sadly far from equal. Until recently, Morningstar’s annual gender split report revealed that there were more men called Dave running money in the UK than women. Last year, female fund managers surpassed this number, totalling 184 to 59 Daves – but a paltry figure compared to the 1,512 male fund managers.
Why does it matter? Are women better investors than men? If you’re expecting an answer that includes the “fairer” sex’s assumed virtues – patience, serenity, and tentativeness then you’ll be disappointed (and we definitely haven’t met).
This isn’t about who is the better investor. Rather, that different types of investors – a mix of people making investment decisions, with different views, challenges and thought processes – are more likely to produce more resilient investment ideas. Much like a well-diversified portfolio requires investments in different geographies, asset classes (like shares and bonds) and types of company to give it the best chance to thrive.
Ethnicity, background, education, religion, and gender - diversity of thought can come from many different reasons. Which is where Financially Fearless comes in, we believe investing is for everyone. That’s why we want to shine the spotlight on some female investors we think are among the best in the business, to help inspire you to take the first step towards your financial freedom.
The Wealth Shortlist
Below you’ll find female fund managers that feature on the Wealth Shortlist – funds selected by our analysts that we think have the greatest performance potential.
The Wealth Shortlist is designed to help investors build well-balanced and diversified portfolios. If you're unsure investing is right for you, read more about whether you should save or invest.
On this page we explore female run funds, but it’s not personal advice. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, ask for financial advice. All investments can fall as well as rise in value, so you could get back less than you invest.
It’s also worth noting that investing in these funds isn’t right for everyone. You should only invest if the fund’s objectives are aligned with your own, and there’s a specific need for the type of investment being made.
You should understand the specific risks of a fund before you invest, and make sure any new investment forms part of a long-term (5+ years) diversified portfolio.
Female run fund case studies
Charlotte Yonge, Troy Trojan
Charlotte Yonge and Sebastian Lyon run this fund, which takes a total return approach, meaning that rather than trying to keep up with every sharp move up in the market, it aims to grow investors' money steadily over time, while limiting losses when markets fall. The process looks to reduce volatility compared to the stock market – it is designed to smooth the bumps. It does this through investing in a mix of shares, bonds, gold and cash.
As a result, we think it could form the foundation of a broad investment portfolio, bring some stability to a more adventurous portfolio, or provide some long-term growth potential to a more conservative portfolio.
While the fund contains a diverse range of investments, it is concentrated and includes smaller companies, which is a higher-risk approach.
More information on Troy Trojan, including charges
Kirsty Desson, Abrdn Global Smaller Companies
Kirsty Desson was promoted to sole manager on this fund in December 2022, taking over from veteran Smaller Companies manager, Harry Nimmo. Abrdn Global Smaller Companies provides a double dose of diversification, by investing both across the globe and in smaller companies that are overlooked by many other investors, including some from higher-risk emerging markets.
Just note that smaller companies have more room to grow than larger ones but they’re also more volatile and higher risk. The managers can use a concentrated approach and derivatives to help them invest, which also adds risk if used.
This fund could work well as part of an adventurous portfolio looking to invest in under-the-radar companies for their growth potential.
More information on Abrdn Global Smaller Companies, including charges
Johanna Kyrklund and Remi Olu-Pitan, Schroder Managed Balanced
This is a ‘fund of funds’ run by Johanna Kyrklund and Remi Olu-Pitan, supported by a team of investors. Primarily invest in funds run by other talented Schroders fund managers, the investments collectively represent hundreds of different companies and bonds. This means the fund provides a high level of diversification in one convenient investment.
The managers tend to favour shares when the economic environment is positive. But in times of stress, they shift to more diversified assets, such as bonds and cash, aiming to minimise losses. The managers’ freedom to invest in high yield bonds and derivatives adds risk.
The fund also has a holding in Hargreaves Lansdown.
More information on Schroder Managed Balanced, including charges
More fearless female fund managers on the Wealth Shortlist
| Fund | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Olivia Micklem | Artemis US Smaller Companies | Co-manager |
| Grace Le | Artemis Corporate Bond | Co-manager |
| Audrey Ryan | Aegon Ethical Equity | Manager |
| Sophia Li | FSSA Japan Focus | Co-Manager |
| Lauren Romeo | FTF Royce US Smaller Companies | Manager |
| Eva Sun Wai | M&G Global Macro Bond | Deputy Manager |
| Victoria Stevens | Liontrust UK Growth | Co-Manager |
How to invest in these funds
If you want to invest in these funds, we offer a wide variety of investment accounts at HL. Find out what account could be right for you.