DBS Bank India has unveiled the latest report from its ‘Women & Finance’ series, with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (DTTI LLP) as the research partner.
Launched ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, the report, Money Matters: Mindsets, Financial Agency and Behaviour Across Life and Career Stages, draws on responses from 1,342 women surveyed across North (23%), South (36%), East (14%) and West (27%) India, reflecting the views of female entrepreneurs, High Net Worth (HNW) women and rural women earners.
Data from the survey suggests that financial decision-making increasingly sits with women themselves. Among the female entrepreneurs surveyed, 69% identify as primary decision-makers in financial matters, compared to 60% among rural women earners and 58% among HNW women. The trend is more pronounced with age, particularly among HNW women and female entrepreneurs, indicating that confidence and control grow as experience accumulates.
Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head, Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking, Financial Institutions and SMEs, 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.
