Women across India are increasingly taking control of their financial decisions, but a gap between investor confidence and structured planning remains, according to the DSP Winvestor Pulse 2025–26 released by DSP Mutual Fund in partnership with YouGov. The nationwide study surveyed 5,050 urban investors across 13 cities and highlights evolving investment behaviour and aspirations.
The report shows that 56% of women now take investment decisions independently, up sharply from 44% in 2022 — the most significant shift recorded in the study. While men continue to lead with 68%, women are increasingly combining independence with professional guidance, with 24% saying they consult financial advisors while making decisions. Women are also more likely to consult their spouses when investing, and the proportion of self-taught women investors has risen from 13% to 16%.
Despite growing confidence, a planning gap remains. While 84% of investors feel confident investing on their own, only 33% have both a clear financial goal and a structured plan. Nearly half define long-term investing as three years or less, and only 28% associate it with five years or more. The survey also found 94% satisfaction among investors who consult advisors, though 39% of non-users cite privacy concerns.
Commenting on the findings, Aditi Kothari Desai, Chairperson of DSP Mutual Fund, said Indian women are moving “from participation to ownership” in their financial journeys, increasingly seeking knowledge, consulting advisors and shaping financial aspirations independently. Kalpen Parekh, MD & CEO of DSP Mutual Fund, added that when women invest with confidence, families become more secure and long-term financial outcomes improve.
