An authority on family offices in Saudi Arabia and the wider world – and a prominent figure at the Columbia Business School – sets out why women of wealth in Saudi Arabia are an important cohort for wealth managers to focus on.

The author of this article, Abbas Hashmi (pictured), is the principal of Saudi Family Holdings, a single-family office based in New York and Riyadh. He has served in leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and AIG and is program leader at Columbia Business School’s Global Family Enterprise Program. (See previous articles here and here.) The theme he explores was also, to some extent, covered in this "Winning Women In MENA" research report from this news service, issued in 2023.
 
WealthBriefing is pleased to share these insights and arguments; the usual editorial disclaimers apply to views of guest authors. Email tom.burroughes@wealthbriefing.com and amanda.cheesley@clearviewpublishing.com

Introduction
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant change in wealth creation and management. Vision 2030 has increased the role of women in business, finance, and governance. They are no longer just participants; they are now active decision-makers shaping investment strategies and planning for the future. For capital raisers and wealth managers, this represents a fundamental shift in who controls capital and how decisions are made.

Women now make up over one third of the Saudi workforce (1) and hold around $224 billion in investable assets (2). With a rise in education, entrepreneurship, and inheritance, a new group of financially savvy, values-driven women is emerging. Their approach is careful and focused on trust, transparency, and Shariah compliance. This requires a change in how investors are engaged and how products are designed.

A redefinition of wealth ownership
Wealth in Saudi Arabia is moving beyond traditional male-dominated models. Changes in family structures, multiple marriages, and Shariah-based inheritance rules are spreading wealth among a wider group of beneficiaries. Daughters, wives, and mothers are inheriting stakes in family businesses, properties, and investment portfolios. They need not just investment options but also advice on governance, succession planning, and faith-based compliance.

At the same time, more women are building their own wealth through entrepreneurship and leadership roles. In 2023, women made up over 45 per cent of new entrepreneurs registered with the Ministry of Commerce (3). Many are investing their profits in diverse opportunities that reflect their family values and aim for a social impact.

This combination of inherited and earned wealth is forming a strong new class of investors that blends tradition with modern ideas.

Strategic opportunities for capital raisers
To cater to this market, capital raisers need to shift from a transactional approach to one that focuses on building relationships and educating clients.

Lead with education
Women investors appreciate knowledge and clarity before making decisions. Offering learning circles, private briefings, and workshops on real estate, sukuk, and private credit helps build trust and confidence.

Ensure shariah alignment
Having faith-based authenticity is critical. Products like sukuk, Shariah-compliant private funds, and ethically screened portfolios show integrity. Engaging respected scholars and providing transparent certifications boosts credibility.

Segment by persona
Entrepreneurs often look for liquidity and reinvestment chances, while those who inherit wealth focus on preservation, income, and governance. Tailoring communication and product design to these different groups can enhance engagement and conversion.

Build authentic partnerships
Women prefer advisors who understand their life goals rather than just aiming for sales.

Long-lasting trust, clear reporting, and shared intentions lead to sustainable relationships that span generations.

New mandates for wealth managers
Wealth managers must now act as educators, strategists, and governance advisors. To succeed, firms should:

-- Create gender-diverse teams that reflect cultural values; 
-- Provide inheritance and estate planning that aligns with Shariah principles; 
-- Offer portfolios that integrate ESG factors and have a social purpose; 
-- Help families establish charters that outline their values and decision-making processes.

Shariah compliance must be incorporated into every stage of product creation. With advanced training in Shariah-compliant product management and product innovation, I’ve observed that authenticity and ethical design lead to stronger relationships and greater investor confidence.

Societal and economic impact
Financially independent women are strengthening household financial health, improving governance in family businesses, and promoting ethical capital allocation. Their involvement in investment committees and boards brings fresh perspectives on risk, sustainability, and purpose.

This trend directly supports Vision 2030, which aims to boost female workforce participation, diversify income sources, and promote inclusive prosperity. Over time, these women will manage their own family offices, philanthropic funds, and international investment partnerships, establishing Saudi Arabia as a centre for values-driven capital.

Conclusion
Women of wealth in Saudi Arabia are changing the country’s financial landscape. For capital raisers and wealth managers, success relies on understanding, cultural awareness, and faith alignment. By prioritising education, incorporating Shariah principles, and fostering trust-based relationships, firms can create lasting partnerships and contribute to a more inclusive and stable financial environment.

About the author
Abbas Hashmi is the principal of Saudi Family Holdings, a single-family office based in New York and Riyadh. He previously held leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and AIG and serves as program leader at Columbia Business School’s Global Family Enterprise Program. Abbas is honorary co-chair of United States Trade Missions to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, where he advises on cross-border capital strategy and private market access. He also serves on the advisory board of the Silverstein Dream Foundation, part of Silverstein Properties, a global real estate and venture platform with multi-billion-dollar assets under management and a legacy that includes the development of the World Trade Center. As a frequent keynote speaker, Abbas appears at global investment summits to speak on family office capital, co-creation models, and emerging market strategies.
 

Data Sources

1, Saudi General Authority for Statistics, Labor Market Survey 2024
https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/

2, Boston Consulting Group, Managing the Next Decade of Women’s Wealth, 2020
https://www.bcg.com/publications/2020/managing-the-next-decade-of-womens-wealth

3, Saudi Ministry of Commerce, Entrepreneurship Report 2023
https://mc.gov.sa/en/pages/default.aspx