INDIAN: ACCA’s (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) latest annual Global Talent Trends Survey 2025 alerts employers to changing perspectives among accountancy and finance professionals, providing a unique view of how people feel about their life at work and future career aspirations

Now in its third year, this is the largest annual talent survey of accountancy and finance professionals across the world. Over 10,000 individuals from 175 countries including India responded to our survey on issues ranging from career ambitions, hybrid working and inclusivity practices to upskilling, mental health and employability issues. The India Talent Trends 2025 report gives full details on findings from the country.

Many respondents see accountancy as a gateway for entrepreneurial ambitions and skills. With 63% saying   they have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, it’s clear that many see accountancy as a natural springboard to eventually their own businesses in the future.  This could also be good news for employers – there’s a growing need for accountants to use their entrepreneurial mindsets in many finance and business job roles where skills such as commerciality and innovation are prized attributes.

Md. Sajid Khan, Director-India, ACCA, said, ‘This year’s Global Talent Trends Report reveals a pivotal moment for the Indian finance profession. With a remarkable 63% of professionals aspiring to become entrepreneurs and 75%  valuing hybrid work options, it’s clear that talent priorities are shifting rapidly.  At the same time, a growing number, especially from emerging markets like India, are looking beyond borders, with 85% of respondents intending to work in another country. These insights underline the urgent need for employers to reimagine workplace culture, one that encourages flexibility, nurtures ambition, and builds clear paths for internal growth. Those who listen, adapt, and invest in the evolving needs of their people will be best positioned to lead in a competitive and increasingly global talent landscape.’

This year’s emerging key themes from India are as follows:

1. 63% see accountancy as a springboard to running their businesses. This entrepreneurial mindset is highly valued by employers. 
2. Demand for sustainability-related careers is flying high, with 74% interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues. Globally, 48% of wider leadership roles below board level and 35% of middle management roles in finance currently include sustainability responsibilities.
3. Employability confidence is high,h with 80% expecting to move roles in the next two years and 67% expecting their next career role to be outside their current organisation – a retention challenge for employers.
4. Over 75% want hybrid working arrangements, yet 41% of respondents are still working in the office full time.
5. The recognition of older employees tops the list of diversity concerns, with 55% saying their organisation focuses more on certain aspects of diversity than others.
6. The cost-of-living crisis continues to top our ‘workplace fear’ index, with 67% of respondents expecting a pay rise in the next year.
7. 54% of respondents are concerned they’re not developing the skills required for the future workplace, and only 37% say their organisation is providing opportunities to learn AI-related skills.
8. Mental health indicators are improving slightly compared to previous years’ data, but remain challenging, with 51% of respondents agreeing their mental health suffers due to work pressures.
9. The ‘side hustle’ is on the rise. 32% across all generations suggest they’re now engaged in additional employment to their main jobs – another challenge for employers in terms of engagement and retention.
10. Accountancy remains a valued passport to global careers, with 85% of Indian respondents citing a desire to pursue career opportunities abroad at some point in their career.

Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors, Technology at ACCA said: ‘Our 2025 data continues to show a workplace in transition, but one of the exciting themes emerging this year is how accountancy training can be a brilliant early career pathway for building entrepreneurial skills. There’s no doubt this in part reflects how career ambitions continue to transform at work.’

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INDIA: The Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprises Group has revealed findings from its latest ‘Happiness Index Survey,’ highlighting that over 75% of women believe their sense of happiness has changed since implementing security measures, and tech-integrated solutions are one of the key drivers. Ahead of Mothers’ Day, the company aims to bring forth the growing importance of security in boosting confidence and well-being, with a significant number of women recognizing it as a key factor in their daily lives.

Commenting on the survey findings, Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head of the Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprises Group, said: “Security is not merely about protection; it is the foundation upon which women build their aspirations, confidence, and happiness. This survey highlights a fundamental truth: when women feel secure in their homes and surroundings, they are empowered to focus on their goals, families, and well-being without hesitation. The survey findings serve as a strong reminder of the need to prioritize security measures that align with the evolving needs of society. The increasing adoption of home security solutions such as wifi home cameras and video door phones, and professional security services marks a shift toward a security-conscious society that values both protection and peace of mind. As societal dynamics continue to evolve, it is essential to cultivate an environment where security is a natural state, not a concern. These insights reinforce our commitment to advancing home security solutions that create a future where every woman, especially every mother, can thrive with confidence and peace of mind.”

The survey further highlights that around 94% of women consider security as one of the key drivers of their happiness, reinforcing the need for advanced and reliable security solutions. It also reveals evolving security preferences, with 45% of women selecting smart home cameras and 41% selecting home lockers (Tijori) as their preferred security measures, while 21% opt for video door phones and 36% prefer security guards for security. These insights reflect an increasing awareness of security’s role in shaping a secure and confident lifestyle.

The survey further highlighted that smart home cameras are the most confidence-boosting security system for women who need to leave their children or elderly family members at home while they go to work.

Beyond security, the survey highlights other key drivers of happiness among women. Where 40% of women attribute their happiness to family, 14% associate it with physical health, and 8% link it to emotional security. The remaining 38% cite other personal and societal factors as influencing their well-being. These findings underscore the deep connection between security and overall happiness, demonstrating how a secure environment positively impacts various aspects of life.

The Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprises Group continues to redefine security by integrating innovation with reliability. Through continuous investment in advanced security technologies, the company is committed to building a future where feeling secure is not just essential but a source of confidence and peace of mind. By offering evolving security solutions, it aims to empower individuals and communities, ensuring security serves as a foundation for a secure and fulfilling life.

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PUNE: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of India’s leading private life insurers, has released a comprehensive study titled ‘Underinsurance Survey 2025’, conducted in collaboration with NielsenIQ. The survey covered 2,000 individuals across the metro, tier 1, and tier 2 cities, assessing life insurance coverage levels and identifying gaps in financial protection. The findings highlight the current state of life insurance in India and the key factors influencing purchasing decisions.

The survey reveals a significant shift in life insurance trends, with the average age of first-time buyers dropping from 33 to 28 years. Family responsibilities, income levels, and health concerns emerged as key drivers for insurance adoption. Notably, 81% of respondents believed that life insurance coverage of less than 10 times their annual income was sufficient for financial security. However, the actual coverage figures tell a different story—in urban areas, the average life cover stood at 3.1X times annual income, dropping to 2.9 times for Mass Affluent and Affluent families respectively.

Speaking on the survey findings, Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO, of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, said, that India, despite being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, has a total sum assured at just 70% of GDP—significantly lower than countries like the US (251%), Thailand (143%), and Malaysia (153%), highlighting a critical protection gap. This shortfall can leave families financially vulnerable, forcing them to dip into savings or liquidate assets in times of crisis, which can derail their life goals. To truly safeguard one’s loved ones, it’s essential to assess coverage needs holistically—factoring in income, liabilities, and future aspirations. A simple rule of thumb is to have life cover at least 10 times one’s annual income, ensuring financial security when it matters most.

“Our Underinsurance Survey 2025 highlights this gap. Along with IRDAI and the industry, we will continue to take firmer steps to drive awareness, enhance product transparency, and improve accessibility. A robust digital and tech-enabled service ecosystem will be key in bridging this gap. Together, we can move closer to achieving the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047”

Key Findings of the Survey

• Perception vs. Reality: Indians believed they had coverage of 6.4 times their income, but the actual coverage averaged just 3.1 times, highlighting a major gap in financial preparedness.
• Lack of coverage reviews: Over one in three Indians have never reviewed their life insurance coverage, even after major life events. This number rises to 43% among self-employed and affluent individuals, putting them at higher risk of underinsurance.
• Confidence in coverage: While younger individuals are purchasing insurance earlier, the 46-50 age group, which typically bought policies at age 33, expressed low confidence in their sum assured, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about coverage adequacy.
• Key factors for determining coverage: Family responsibilities, higher income, and health concerns were the top three considerations for individuals when deciding on life insurance coverage.
• Source of information: 46% of Indians rely on personal research for life insurance decisions, emphasizing a preference for self-directed learning. However, major life events are often overlooked when reassessing coverage needs.

The findings underscore a critical gap in life insurance awareness and adequacy in India. While more people are recognizing the importance of life insurance, misconceptions about required coverage persist, leaving many underinsured. Many find the concept of adequate life insurance coverage complex or struggle to grasp its importance. Bajaj Allianz Life has been focused on simplifying this, making it a routine part of household financial planning. The key is to determine the right coverage by assessing one’s income, savings, liabilities, and family needs. The general rule-of-thumb is to secure cover that is 10 times one’s annual income. This will keep the policyholder’s family financially well supported in the event of his/her death.

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INDIA: Security is more than just a measure of protection—it is the foundation of peace of mind and lasting happiness. The latest ‘Happiness Survey’ conducted by the Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprise Group reveals that an overwhelming 98% of individuals who experienced a security breach in their homes reported a direct impact on their overall sense of security and happiness. More alarmingly, 56% of these respondents admitted that the breach had a significant to extreme effect on their well-being.

With a concerning 35% of respondents having faced incidents such as break-ins, robbery, and burglary, the findings underscore an urgent need for enhanced security adoption. The survey delves into what fosters a true sense of security, with 41% of respondents opting for home lockers (Tijori), 45% citing surveillance cameras as the top measure to make them feel more secure, followed by 36% emphasizing the presence of security guards, 29% preferring alarm systems, and 20% highlighting the role of video door phones.

Commenting on the findings, Pushkar Gokhale, EVP and Business Head, of Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprise Group, said, “The strong link between security and happiness is evident in our survey findings. A secure environment fosters a happier and more confident society. The increasing adoption of security technology is not just a trend but a necessity for enhancing the quality of life. At Godrej, we continue to innovate and offer solutions that empower individuals to protect what matters most, enabling them to lead happier, worry-free lives.”

Security is not just about physical protection; it directly correlates with emotional and psychological well-being. When individuals feel unsafe, it affects their day-to-day life, productivity, and mental peace. The survey findings reiterate that ensuring home security is a fundamental step toward achieving true happiness. Whether safeguarding homes, protecting valuables, or simply instilling confidence in daily routines, home security plays a critical role in shaping an individual’s overall sense of well-being. The survey findings highlight a positive shift in awareness, as more individuals recognize the importance of proactive security measures. The preference for modern security solutions such as AI-enabled surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and smart video door phones indicates a growing inclination towards integrated security solutions that provide real-time protection and deterrence against potential threats.

As security becomes synonymous with happiness, individuals, families, and communities must take proactive steps to fortify their environments. The Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprise Group remains committed to driving awareness and equipping people with the necessary tools to transform security into a catalyst for long-term peace and happiness.

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MUMBAI: The Happiness Survey by Security Solutions business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group, unveiled that an overwhelming 70% of respondents cited safety and security as their primary concern when leaving their children at home, surpassing health emergencies and emotional well-being that stood at 57% and 44% respectively. This Children’s Day, the brand underscores the critical connection between robust home security and the peace of mind that allows families to thrive.

The survey’s findings reveal that parents increasingly depend on modern and convenient security solutions to alleviate the stress associated with balancing work and family responsibilities. Home cameras emerged as the top measure of instilling confidence, chosen by 40% of respondents, while other technologies like remote monitoring systems are becoming key enablers of trust and reassurance. Such insights point to a shift where home security has evolved beyond just physical protection to being integral to emotional and mental well-being.

Reflecting on these findings, Pushkar Gokhale, EVP, and Business Head, Security Solutions Business of Godrej & Boyce, stated, “At Godrej, we understand that a secure home is not just a physical asset but a crucial component of a family’s happiness and peace of mind. Our ‘Happiness Survey’ highlights that 70% of parents view home security as a top concern, directly linking the peace of mind that safety brings to their daily happiness. This Children’s Day, we encourage parents to consider the benefits of advanced security solutions designed to provide robust protection while fitting seamlessly into the modern home. The survey emphasizes that investing in home security is not only about asset protection but also about creating an environment where families can thrive without worry. With Godrej’s commitment to security, parents can focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with their children and loved ones.”

As urbanization accelerates and dual-income households become the norm, the need for advanced security solutions has never been greater. The company’s comprehensive range of products, including CCTV and Wi-Fi cameras, video door phones, and state-of-the-art alarm systems, are designed to meet these growing needs. This enables parents to step out for work or other commitments reassured that their loved ones are safeguarded.

The Security Solutions Business of Godrej & Boyce has a longstanding commitment to security, especially for the children, is evident through its extensive work in educational environments, with nearly 1,300 CCTV cameras deployed across schools nationwide, including institutions like Shanthinektan, Unicent School, and Rama Devi Public School. These efforts not only protect physical spaces but also reinforce trust in the brand’s dedication to safety.

The “Happiness Survey” engaged 2,400 respondents, including individuals between the ages of 18 and 45+, with a 45% male and 43% female demographic split. The survey was conducted in 12 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai, spanning North, South, East, West, and Central India, providing a comprehensive view of consumer perspectives on security and happiness across the country.

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JAIPUR: According to a fan survey conducted by MyTeam11, one of India’s leading fantasy sports platforms, the Netherlands and co-host USA are expected to be the top performers among the nine associate nations in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The five-question survey, conducted across the digital platforms of Myteam11, garnered close to ten thousand responses, with a significant number of votes likely coming from India.

Fan Favourites

The Netherlands received the most votes for predicted top performance among the associate nations in the tournament, followed by the co-host USA. The Dutch team’s record in ICC tournaments is a likely factor behind this favoritism, showcasing the awareness and knowledge of the fans about the game.

Commenting on the survey’s findings, Vinit Godara, Co-founder & CEO, of MyTeam11, said, “The beauty of the World Cup is that it allows fans to look at the development of future full members of ICC and as such there is always a lot of curiosity and excitement linked with the Associate teams.”

Who will be the Associate STAR?

The survey revealed Corey Anderson, the former New Zealand international who now represents the USA, as a clear fan favorite among associate nation cricketers. The dynamic left-handed batting all-rounder is not only the fans’ favorite Associate cricketer but also their pick to be the top-performing Associate cricketer of the tournament.

Interestingly, the Netherlands’ all-rounder Bas de Leede came in a close second, followed by his countryman Logan Van Beek and Nepal’s power hitter Dipendra Singh Airee.

Can an Associate Nation poised to cause a major upset?

The fan favorites’, the Netherlands is tipped to cause the biggest upset in the ICC Men’s T20 CWC 2024 tournament, followed by co-hosts, the USA, given their recent T20I series victory against the full-time ICC member, Bangladesh.

Could home turf advantage and a passionate Anderson propel Team USA to Super-8 and beyond or will the Netherlands continue their trend of upsetting the big teams in the ICC tournaments? Find out the answers as the ICC T20 World Cup unfolds!

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Work-Life Balance, Fitness, Property Ownership & Financial Security amongst Top Life Goals for Women

PUNE: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of the leading private life insurers, revealed compelling insights from the Women Demographic of the Bajaj Allianz Life India’s Life Goals Preparedness Survey 2023. The survey observed a more than 2X increase in the average number of Life Goals of Indian Women across both metros and non-metros, slightly higher than men. An overwhelming 86% of respondents prioritized work-life balance, followed by children’s education, owning a dream home, health, fitness, and travel goals.

This specialized cohort edition, part of the broader Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance’s Life Goals Preparedness Survey 2023 mapped over 40 life goals across diverse demographics. It offers in-depth insights into how Indian women are navigating their paths toward realizing their aspirations amidst evolving societal norms and economic conditions.

The study revealed that providing financial security for the family is the top life goal, with 71% of women prioritizing it. The findings also state that 46% of women express uncertainty about realizing their life goals, an increase from 39% in 2019, suggesting a confidence gap that is wider than that observed in men. 49% of women seek detailed expert advice for financial planning.

Chandramohan Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, “The rise of “me” along with “we” lifegoals amongst the women segment, provides a broad direction for the BFSI ecosystem for meaningfully catering to the changing aspirations. Keeping this in mind, Bajaj Allianz Life has been curating relevant propositions for the women segment including the women-centric variant for our flagship product or special pricing for term plans”.

TOP LIFE GOALS OF WOMEN IN VARIOUS CATEGORIES

1. Providing financial security for the family remains the # 1 life goal of Women in 2023
2. Work-life balance, health, and travel remain among the top 10 goals
3. 62% of Women want to live a peaceful life and over 42% want to have a good work-life balance
4. Personal fitness along with travel goals have gained significance in Women’s priority list
5. To provide for children’s education – 3 in 5 Women have this Goal
6. Dream Home – More than 1 in 2 Women have this Goal
7. Physical and mental fitness is a Life Goal for close to 1 in 2 women in 2023
8. More than 1 in 3 women want to pursue travel goals
9. Life insurance is the most preferred investment option for 70% of the Life Goals
10. 49% of women cite the need for expert financial advice

RESEARCH DESIGN

Kantar conducted the Bajaj Allianz Life India’s Life Goals Preparedness Survey 2023 with 1936 people across 13 cities including metros, Tier 1, and emerging Tier 2 cities. Cities covered:

• North: New Delhi, Ludhiana and Bareilly
• East: Kolkata, Patna and Bhubaneswar
• West: Mumbai, Surat and Amravati
• South: Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai and Guntur

Demographics include:

• Age group 22-55 years
• New Consumer Classification System (NCCS) A1+, A1, A2/A3 (20:50:30 ratio)
• Salaried and Businessman/Self-employed (50:50)
• Investment decision-makers

Statistically valid insights were gathered through a quantitative approach to provide a holistic understanding of India’s Life Goals. The data collection was done using tablet-based face-to-face interviews. The survey data was collected in October 2022.

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MUMBAI:  Frost & Sullivan, India’s top Growth Advisory Company, has revealed in its latest Total Cost of Ownership Benchmark analysis that Kia’s best-selling innovations – Seltos and Carens offer segments’ lowest maintenance expenses in both diesel and petrol variants.

According to the research findings, Kia Carens has emerged as the frontrunner in the family mover segment, showcasing the most economical maintenance costs for both petrol and diesel variants by 21% and 26%, respectively. Its diesel models feature the lowest acquisition cost presenting outstanding value for modern customers. Moreover, Carens Diesel closely follows the segment’s top performer in minimizing fuel costs, solidifying its position as one of the most premium family car options with a compelling value proposition.

Frost & Sullivan also stated that Kia’s bestselling innovation, the Seltos, also offers the lowest maintenance costs for petrol variants, delivering a minimum of 17% savings over the industry average. Additionally, the diesel variants share the lowest maintenance costs with another segment leader. In terms of overall total cost of ownership (TCO), the Seltos closely follows the segment’s top performers, securing the second-best TCO for its diesel variant and the third-best for its petrol variant.

Notably, the firm also declared in December 2023 that Sonet has the best maintenance cost in the Compact SUV segment. The report stated that Sonet’s Petrol and Diesel variants’ Maintenance Costs are 16% and 14% lower than the segment average, respectively.

Hardeep Singh Brar, National Head of Sales & Marketing, Kia India, stated, “We are thrilled to be recognized by Frost & Sullivan as the makers of one of most value-driven mobility solutions for new-age customers. Choosing a Kia isn’t just a wise decision for today; it’s an investment for the future, given its premiumness, unmatched maintenance and residual costs within their segments.“

These reports by Frost and Sullivan establish Kia models as one of the most value-for-money products in their segment. The survey also underpins Kia’s commitment to offering class-leading products with the best technology, design, and quality along with globally acclaimed aftersales services, which makes them a valued purchasing decision for customers.

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The survey also showcases that the frequency of weekly Physical Education (P.E.) periods plays a pivotal role in shaping the health of children. The comprehensive data reveals a noteworthy correlation between the number of P.E. sessions per week and various aspects of children’s physical fitness. Remarkably, the survey highlights that children engaging in more than two physical education periods per week exhibit significantly enhanced performance across multiple physical fitness parameters. Improvements are observed in crucial aspects such as Lower Body Strength, Abdominal Strength, Flexibility, and Aerobic Capacity. These findings underscore the positive impact of increased P.E. participation on the holistic well-being of children, emphasizing the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into their routines.

It also reveals notable distinctions in various health metrics between boys and girls. Particularly noteworthy is the observation that a higher percentage of girls exhibit healthier Body Mass Index (BMI) levels, with 62% of girls attaining scores within the healthy range. In contrast, boys show a comparatively lower percentage in this regard.

Further examination of specific physical fitness parameters unveils that girls outperform boys in Flexibility and Upper Body Strength. These findings underscore the positive impact of regular physical activity on these aspects of girls’ health. However, the survey also brings to light areas where boys exhibit stronger performance. Notably, boys demonstrate superior results in Aerobic Capacity and Lower Body Strength. These nuanced insights into gender-specific health indicators emphasize the importance of tailored approaches in promoting overall well-being among both boys and girls.

Commenting on the findings from the Annual Health Survey, Saumil Majmudar, CEO & Managing Director, of Sportz Village, said “At Sportz Village, we are committed to transforming the lives of children through the magic of sports. The Annual Health Survey sheds light on the state of health and fitness among Indian children today – and the current situation is not ideal. There is a tendency for school leaders and parents to view sports & physical education as non-essential and not as important as academics. Hence, less time and energy are devoted to physical activity resulting in poor health of children. Schools need to view sports as an integral part of education and should provide opportunities for children to engage in structured physical activities. Various studies have shown that regular structured physical activity not only improves physical health but also impacts mental health and academic performance. Over the past 15 years, the EduSports program has bridged this gap by integrating into the school timetable and calendar”

Key findings

• The total number of children surveyed 73,000 across India
• 2 in 5 children do not have a healthy BMI
• 2 in 5 children do not possess the desired Anaerobic Capacity
• 3 in 4 children do not have the desired Aerobic Capacity
• 1 in 3 children do not have the desired Abdominal or Core strength
• 3 in 5 children do not have the adequate Upper Body and Lower Body Strength

Fitness levels comparative analysis: Girls versus Boys 

According to the survey, the percentage of girls with healthier BMI levels (62% of girls have healthy BMI scores) is more when compared to boys. The girls also fared better in Flexibility and Upper Body Strength. However, they did not fare well in Aerobic Capacity and Lower Body Strength.

Fitness Levels Comparative Analysis: Government Schools versus Private Schools 

The survey further reveals, that more children in private schools have better Upper Body Strength levels (43%), compared to the children from government schools (31%). Children from government schools fared better in BMI, Aerobic Capacity & Flexibility.

Fitness levels comparative analysis: Effect of number of P.E periods per week

The survey further shows that children with more than 2 physical education periods per week have significantly better performance in multiple physical fitness parameters such as Lower Body Strength, Abdominal Strength, Flexibility & Aerobic Capacity

Parameters description:

Body Mass Index (BMI): A value derived from the weight and height of an individual and is used to gauge whether a person is within a healthy weight range.

Aerobic capacity: The ability of the heart and lungs to get oxygen to the muscles.

Anaerobic capacity: The total amount of energy from the anaerobic (without oxygen) energy systems. It is useful during high-intensity duration exercises or tasks such as sprinting.

Abdominal or Core strength: The strength of the muscles of the torso which helps to determine posture.

Flexibility: The ability of one’s joints to move freely.

Upper body strength: The strength of muscles such as the Pectorals (chest), Rhomboids (upper back), Deltoids (outer shoulder), Triceps (back of upper arm), and Biceps (front of the upper arm).

Lower body strength: The strength of muscles in the legs such as quadriceps (the muscles on the front of the upper leg), Hamstrings (the muscles on the back of the upper leg), Gluteals, Hip Flexors, and Calf muscles.

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INDIA: In a pioneering effort to understand the way urban Indian women plan, prioritize and manage their money, DBS Bank India, in partnership with CRISIL, has undertaken a comprehensive study entitled ‘Women and Finance’. The first of three reports was launched today, based on the survey that was designed to reveal the financial preferences of women, both salaried and self-employed, across various life stages. Over 800 women were surveyed across 10 cities in India on a wide range of behaviors, including their involvement in financial decision-making, goal setting, saving and investing patterns, and adoption of digital tools as well as their preferences for different banking products.

In the context of the stagnating rate of female participation in the workforce and a persistent gender pay gap, the insights from this study are pertinent for businesses, regulators, and financial institutions as well as a revelation when it comes to understanding the variations of Indian women’s relationship with their finances. The survey findings pointed to factors like age, income, marital status, presence of dependants, and home location as major influencers of the financial behavior of women.

Decision-making dynamics and evolution of goals

Whether it’s charting out their children’s educational paths or balancing multiple, competing financial goals, women are not bystanders, but are at the helm, shaping the future of their families. An encouraging 98% of salaried and self-employed Indian women actively participate in long-term family decision-making. The findings revealed that about 47% of them make independent financial decisions, a reflection of women’s growing financial autonomy. Age and affluence play a pivotal role in shaping these decisions. Women over 45 years old, with their wealth of experience, emerge as the leaders, with 65% making independent financial choices compared to 41% of those aged 25-35 years.

The report provides a fascinating glimpse into the growing empowerment of earning, metropolitan women. Across India, a woman’s primary long-term financial priority evolves with age. Buying/upgrading a home is priority number one for those between 25-35 years, while it evolves to children’s education for those in the 35-45 year category and to medical care for those above 45 years of age. Expectedly, retirement planning is seen entering the consideration set for the first time in the 35-45-year age cohort.

Prashant Joshi, Managing Director and Head of the Consumer Banking Group, at DBS Bank India, said “The insights from the survey highlight the importance of financial stability in the aspirations of independent female earners across India. Ownership of financial decision-making, diverse investment and borrowing choices, and growing adoption of digital channels are all evidence that the modern Indian woman is not just a participant, but a planner of her journey. More than 35% of our own DBS Treasures customer base are female and we have seen many inspiring examples of how women can take charge of their finances. The DBS Women and Finance study is a step forward in the much-needed movement to a more equitable financial playing field and it underlines our commitment to enabling all customers to ‘Live more, Bank less’.” 

Saving, borrowing, and investment behavior

Women earners in the metros tend to be risk-averse with 51% of their investments parked in fixed deposits (FD) and savings accounts, followed by 16% in gold, 15% in mutual funds, 10% in real estate, and just 7% in stocks. This tracks behaviors from DBS Bank India’s customer insights where 10% of female customers have an active fixed deposit, while just 5% of male customers have opened an FD.

The presence of dependents understandably plays a major role in women’s investment behavior. Specifically, 43% of married women with dependents conservatively allocate 10-29% of their income to investing, while in contrast, a quarter of married women without dependents choose to invest over half of their income. Regional variations lend greater depth to the insights. For example, Hyderabad and Mumbai lead the way in credit card usage, with 96% of women in Mumbai relying on credit cards, while only 63% of women in Kolkata use them. More significantly, the report revealed that half of the salaried women stated that they had never taken a loan. Among those who have borrowed, the majority opted for a home loan, which reflects the deep cultural importance associated with homeownership in India.

The study also deep-dived into women’s usage of different banking and payment channels. 33% of those in the 25-35 age bracket prefer to use UPI for online shopping, while only 22% above 45 years use UPI. This finding aligns with the customer profile of Digibank by DBS, the mobile-first, digital bank where more than 78% of the female user base is below 40 years of age. The report showed that UPI stands out as the preferred choice for urban women for a variety of payment needs: money transfers (38%), utility bills (34%), and e-commerce purchases (29%), signaling decreasing dependency on cash. Although regional nuances were stark in some cases with only 2% of women in Delhi opting for cash payments, while 43% of women from Kolkata favoured this option.

DBS has been a part of India’s journey since 1994, and it is the largest foreign bank in the country by branch presence with a physical footprint of 530 branches in 350 locations. With the study Women and Finance and its three-part report, DBS Bank India aims to gain a deeper appreciation of the evolving needs and aspirations of women in India to better support holistic financial management and growth.

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