Barbara Stewart

Barbara Stewart, CFA, is a recognized authority on women and finance, with more than three decades of experience in the investment industry. Her career includes five years as a foreign currency trader, over two decades as a portfolio manager for high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and extensive interview-driven research for global financial institutions. Stewart has also served as a partner and portfolio manager with Cumberland Private Wealth Management, focusing on high-net-worth investors.

Stewart's interest in women and finance began during the financial crisis, when she challenged prevailing media narratives that depicted women as powerless or lacking financial confidence. She has contributed to changing the global conversation around women and money, focusing her research on real-life financial behaviors and providing insights into how women think and communicate about finance. Stewart advocates for the idea that women need finance, and finance needs women.

Central to Stewart's work is her signature "Rich Thinking®" series. These global research papers feature insights from women and men of diverse ages, professions, and countries. Stewart has conducted in-depth interviews with more than 700 female investors, exploring their approaches to investing and financial decision-making. In addition to her "Rich Thinking®" research, Stewart works as an executive interviewer for global financial institutions, helping organizations better understand their key stakeholders.

Stewart is a keynote speaker for CFA Societies, banks, stock exchanges, and industry conferences worldwide. She is a columnist for CFA Institute, Canadian Family Offices, and Canadian Money Saver magazine, and is frequently interviewed on television, radio, and in print media. Stewart is involved with the Milken Institute's Women's Financial Security Initiative in collaboration with Gloria Steinem and Gloria's Foundation. She serves on the advisory board of Kensington Capital Partners and is the ambassador for the Kensington Women's Forum. Through her research, speaking, and writing, Stewart contributes to reshaping how the financial industry understands and engages with women investors globally.