Faroese women less likely to invest than men, bank advisor says

Women in the Faroe Islands are far less likely than men to invest in financial markets, contributing to persistent gender disparities in savings and pensions, according to a senior investment advisor at Føroya Banka.

Hjalti Mohr Jacobsen, an investment advisor at the bank, told public broadcaster KVF that women show less interest in investing and are generally more risk-averse than men. This reluctance means fewer women benefit from potential returns, widening the gap in long-term financial security.

“Women already receive lower pensions on average,” Jacobsen said. “If they also earn lower returns, their financial situation won’t improve over time.” He stressed that taking the first step—such as consulting an advisor—could help close the divide.

While gender-based financial inequality is not new, Jacobsen noted that women’s hesitation to engage with investing only reinforces the problem. Historical patterns show that men have disproportionately benefited from market gains, leaving women at a lasting disadvantage.