The study by NatWest Premier Banking found more than one in four (28 per cent) of Britain’s top women earners are worried they are not saving enough for retirement. Women saved an average of  £4,719 a year, 38 per cent less than the £7,566 typically put aside by men.

Natwest found that on the whole, affluent consumers are financially savvy, with 90 per cent saying they feel they are in control of their finances and just under half (42 per cent) regularly investing before the age of 30.

However, the index revealed clear differences in men and women’s attitudes towards finances. Men showed more confidence in their own knowledge, with 61 per cent saying they know more about financial services than their friends and family compared to less than half (42 per cent) of women who share this view.

The study also showed a clear divide in risk appetite, with 51 per cent of men surveyed claiming to be risk averse compared to 63 per cent of women. Just over a third (33 per cent) of women would be willing to risk their money if it meant getting a higher return, whereas this figure rose to around half (48 per cent) of the men surveyed.

On average, Britain’s top-earners save more than they invest and claim the amount that they are saving has remained unchanged since last year. The top saving goals were identified as rainy day (37 per cent), retirement (37 per cent), and a holiday (32 per cent).

Philip Northey, managing director of Premier Banking at NatWest, said: “This year’s aspiration index shows there are clear differences in the way that men and women think about saving, investing and who they turn to for their financial advice.”