A new study by DBS Bank India reveals that female entrepreneurs in urban India are increasingly taking charge of financial decisions, highlighting a significant shift in financial autonomy among women.
According to the bank’s latest ‘Women & Finance’ report, 69% of female entrepreneurs surveyed identify themselves as the primary decision-makers in financial matters.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, provides insights into the evolving financial behaviours, ambitions, and banking preferences of women across India.
The findings were released ahead of International Women’s Day 2026.
Titled “Money Matters: Mindsets, Financial Agency and Behaviour Across Life and Career Stages,” the report draws on responses from 1,342 women across India, including female entrepreneurs, High Net Worth (HNW) women, and rural women earners.
The respondents represent North (23%), South (36%), East (14%), and West (27%) India, offering a comprehensive view of financial attitudes across regions.
Growing Financial Authority Among Female Entrepreneurs
The report indicates that female entrepreneurs are increasingly assuming leadership in financial decision-making. Among the respondents, 69% of female entrepreneurs said they are the primary financial decision-makers, compared with 60% of rural women earners and 58% of HNW women.
The findings also show that financial independence strengthens with age. Among both female entrepreneurs and HNW women, financial confidence and control tend to grow as professional and life experiences accumulate.
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Global Banking Networks Influence Female Entrepreneurs
Global connectivity has emerged as an important factor influencing banking choices among urban Indian women. According to the study, 89% of female entrepreneurs said a bank’s international network influences their choice of banking partner.
A similar trend is seen among HNW women, with 84% stating that a bank’s global footprint plays a key role in their selection process. Reflecting these preferences, 81% of female entrepreneurs and 80% of HNW women surveyed already bank with international financial institutions.
These patterns suggest that female entrepreneurs value cross-border connectivity for business expansion, global investment opportunities, and access to broader financial ecosystems.
Beyond Capital: Female Entrepreneurs Seek Ecosystem Support
While access to finance remains critical, the study highlights that female entrepreneurs are increasingly looking beyond traditional banking services.
Among the female entrepreneurs surveyed:
- 44% value peer advisory and networking opportunities
- 40% seek sector-specific mentorship
- 33% want stronger investor connections to access growth capital
- 22% are looking for support related to government schemes, grants, or pitch competitions
These findings indicate that many female entrepreneurs are seeking a holistic ecosystem that includes mentorship, collaboration, and funding support to scale their businesses.
Banking Industry Must Support Women’s Growth Journeys
Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head, Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking, Financial Institutions and SMEs at DBS Bank India, said:
“Insights from the latest report in our Women and Finance study highlight the growing importance female entrepreneurs place on institutional credibility and global connectivity when choosing a banking partner.
This reflects the value they place on trusted partners that can support cross-border ambitions, offer access to global markets and connect them to broader ecosystems.
The findings also highlight that while access to credit continues to be an important enabler of growth, many female entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for support that goes beyond traditional banking services.
Access to mentors, peer networks and investor connections is emerging as an important part of the journey as businesses scale. The insights underscore the importance of engaging with entrepreneurs in a more holistic way, combining financial solutions with ecosystem support that helps businesses grow meaningfully.”
Confidence in Managing Finances
The report also examines confidence levels in financial management across different groups.
- 76% of rural women earners surveyed said they feel confident or very confident about managing finances.
- Among HNW women, the figure stands at 67%.
- 58% of female entrepreneurs reported confidence in managing their finances.
For women who do not independently make financial decisions, trusted personal relationships remain an important source of financial guidance.
Among HNW women surveyed, 55% rely on their spouse or partner for financial advice, compared with 50% of female entrepreneurs. This figure rises to 73% among rural women earners.
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Life Goals of Female Entrepreneurs
The study highlights distinct financial priorities across segments.
Among the entrepreneurs surveyed, 73% identified buying a new home or property as a key life goal, reflecting a strong preference for tangible assets and long-term wealth creation. A similar priority was observed among 64% of HNW women.
In contrast, 73% of rural women earners ranked children’s education as their top life goal, reflecting different socio-economic priorities.
How Female Entrepreneurs Engage with Banks
- Digital banking has become the preferred engagement channel for many female entrepreneurs.
- 44% of female entrepreneurs prefer digital platforms such as mobile apps and websites when interacting with banks.
- Among HNW women, 36% favour a hybrid approach, combining digital tools with in-person banking support.
- 29% of HNW women primarily rely on digital banking.
Meanwhile, 47% of rural women earners still prefer visiting bank branches, indicating a stronger reliance on face-to-face interactions and traditional banking channels.
Digital Adoption Among Female Entrepreneurs
The study also shows high digital adoption among entrepreneurs.
- 84% of female entrepreneurs surveyed use UPI for payments.
- 59% actively use digital financial tools, including banking and savings apps.
- Among HNW women, 77% use UPI, while 52% use digital financial platforms.
Despite 82% smartphone ownership among rural women earners, adoption of digital financial services remains limited. The main barriers include:
- Low familiarity with apps (44%)
- Fear of online scams (37%)
- Connectivity challenges (31%)
Career Break Trends
The research also highlights career break patterns.
Among female entrepreneurs, 46% reported taking career breaks for family or personal reasons, while 22% took voluntary breaks for travel or upskilling.
In comparison, among HNW women, 36% reported family-related breaks and 15% voluntary breaks. The findings suggest that female entrepreneurs often leverage the flexibility of entrepreneurship to pause their careers, recalibrate, or pursue personal development.
Retirement Planning and Financial Preparedness
The report further examines retirement expectations among women.
Among the entrepreneurs surveyed:
- 39% expect to retire after the age of 50
- 20% believe they may never fully retire
- 26% remain uncertain about their retirement plans
- Among HNW women, 41% plan to retire after 50, 29% expect lifelong work engagement, and 12% remain unsure.
- Among rural women earners, 42% expect to retire after 50, 29% believe they will continue working indefinitely, and 19% remain uncertain.
- Notably, 37% of rural women earners reported having no long-term retirement plan, while others rely on bank or post office savings (27%), formal pension schemes (23%), or informal financial instruments (13%).
Overall, the findings highlight the growing financial influence of female entrepreneurs in India and the increasing demand for financial institutions to offer broader ecosystem support beyond conventional banking services.
