The latest figures show that between 2016-17 and 2017-18 the number of female ISA subscribers declined by 674,000. This follows a record fall in 2016-17, when the number of women subscribing to ISAs dropped by 786,000 on the previous year.

The current downward trend is largely being driven by fewer women opening cash ISAs, as the number fell by almost a fifth (19%) year-on-year in 2017-18.

However, the number of women subscribing to a stocks and shares ISA has increased by 7% or 68,000 to reach one million for the first time since the 2010-11 tax year.

There has also been an increase in the number of male subscribers of stocks and shares ISAs, but this figure increased by just 4% during the same period, up from 1.24m to 1.3m in 2017/18.

Although stocks and shares ISAs are generally heavily favoured by older age groups, there is currently a surge in demand among younger, female investors.

The number of women aged under 25 who opened a stocks and shares ISA in 2017/18 increased by more than 200% in 2016/17, while the number of female subscribers between 25 and 34 rose by 66%. 

Together they represent 8% of all female stocks and shares subscribers in 2017/18, which is double the 4% share from 2016/17.

Men and women under 25 are now the fastest-growing demographic in terms of stocks and shares ISA subscriptions, followed by those aged 25-34, which suggests perceptions among younger savers are beginning to change.

Jill Mackay, savings and investment specialist at Scottish Friendly, has provided some insight for first-time female investors, she said: “You may want to consider getting started at an early age, even if you only have small amounts to invest. A little and often approach to investing can soon add up. Many people are unaware that you can have more than one type of ISA so even if you already have a cash ISA, you may also want to consider investing.

“The ‘stepping stone’ approach could be used as and when you have more disposable income. For example, start from £10 a month and if you can, increase it by what you can afford every year. If you have a Junior ISA for your children, once it’s open anyone can contribute so why not ask the family to get involved. Grandparents may have more disposable income to invest towards their grandchildren’s future.”

She added: “There has been an obvious shift away from cash ISAs from both men and women, which is unsurprising given the low rates of interest on offer from many savings providers.

“Nonetheless, we must keep a close eye on the share of female ISA subscribers overall. Despite the recent fall in numbers, this does seem to be stabilising more recently.

“Women are more likely to be financially disadvantaged by career breaks to raise a family or to care for relatives. But there are promising signs that younger women are choosing to invest into stocks and shares ISAs, which is an area where there has always been gender disparity.

“If we are to help close the long-term gender savings gap which widens over the course of a lifetime then it is younger, female savers that we must encourage to diversify from cash to a more balanced portfolio that includes investments.”

Ms Mackay concluded: “Even putting small amounts away to begin with, such as £10 a month into a stocks and shares ISA, can help to make a big difference over time. Every year of saving or investing can significantly boost your financial prospects in the long run, so it’s best to try and start as early as possible.

“Of course, history doesn’t provide us with certainty to make future decisions and you must remember that the value of investments can go down as well as up and you could get back less than you paid in.”