The Lxme-EY Report on women investors highlights a quiet shift in India’s financial landscape. More women are beginning to invest in long-term instruments such as mutual funds, signalling a gradual move from savings to wealth creation.
Today, one in four mutual fund investors in India is a woman. Women already account for nearly one-third of retail mutual fund assets. According to the report released in March 2026, greater participation by women in long-term investments could unlock nearly ₹40 lakh crore in economic value over the coming decade.
The data points to a financial opportunity that extends beyond individual prosperity and into the broader growth of India’s economy.
The women’s financial prosperity index explained
The Lxme–EY report titled “Unlocking Her Wealth: The Untapped Economy – Redesigning Financial Systems for Women from Inclusion Metrics to Ownership Outcomes” introduces a new framework called the Women’s Financial Prosperity Index. The index aims to measure women’s financial well-being more broadly, going beyond simple banking access.
The index studies different parts of a woman’s financial life. It looks at whether she has access to bank accounts and digital payments, how often she uses formal financial products, whether she has control over her own money, and how prepared she is for long-term needs such as retirement.
Priti Rathi Gupta, Founder of financial platform Lxme, says, “When women’s savings move into formal, productive instruments, it strengthens India’s domestic capital base. Second, when women control financial resources, families prioritise nutrition, healthcare, and education differently. These determine the quality of India’s future workforce. Third, the informal economy begins to formalise… leading to job creation.“
The ₹40 Lakh Crore opportunity from women investors in India
The index currently gives Indian women a financial prosperity score of 28.1 out of 100, indicating that while progress has begun, there is still plenty of room for women to grow in financial ownership, investing, and long-term wealth creation. Many women today have access to bank accounts and digital payments, but fewer actively move into long-term investments or retirement planning.
Lxme-EY Report on women investors and their participation
The report says increased participation of women in long-term financial investments could generate a cumulative GDP-equivalent impact of about ₹40 lakh crore (USD 430 billion) over the next 10 years. Greater participation of women in investing could therefore play a key role in expanding both women’s financial independence and the country’s economic growth.
Income and work gaps still shape women’s financial choices
The report shows that income differences continue to affect how women save and invest. On average, women in India earn about ₹73 for every ₹100 men earn. Women’s labour force participation also remains lower, at 41.7% compared to 78.8% for men.
Even with these gaps, more women are entering the workforce and starting to manage their own finances. As income opportunities increase and more women enter the workforce, their ability to save and invest regularly is expected to grow.
Informal work and safer savings preferences
A large share of women, over 60%, work in informal sectors, where income can vary from month to month. Because of this uncertainty, many women prefer financial options that feel safe and easy to access.
The report finds that women show a higher preference for physical gold (32.6%) and savings schemes such as post office deposits. These choices show that women tend to prioritise security and liquidity while managing household responsibilities.
Retirement planning: A growing area of opportunity
Long-term financial planning remains an area where more awareness can help. Only 14.2% of women currently hold pension or provident fund accounts. With better access to formal jobs, financial literacy, and investment platforms, more women could begin building retirement savings and long-term financial security.
Changeincontent perspective on the Lxme-EY report on women investors
Financial inclusion has expanded rapidly in India over the past decade. Bank accounts, digital payments, and savings access have reached millions of women. Yet the next phase of progress lies beyond access. Ownership of financial assets and long-term wealth creation will shape how economic power evolves within households and communities.
Women’s investing patterns often reflect caution and responsibility rather than a lack of financial capability. Many manage unpredictable incomes, household expenses, and caregiving responsibilities while planning for the future.
When financial systems recognise these realities and design products that respond to them, women move from being participants in the financial system to becoming wealth builders within it.
The Lxme-EY report reminds us that women’s financial agency not only strengthens individual independence. It strengthens families, markets, and long-term economic stability.
For more on women investors in India, read our report on women investors in India, here.
Closing the participation gap in women’s financial ownership
Overall, the report highlights what it calls a participation-to-power gap. Many women today have access to financial services such as bank accounts, but fewer actively invest or build long-term assets. Closing this gap could unlock major economic benefits. As more women move from basic access to active financial participation, they can build greater financial independence and contribute to broader economic growth.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history. It encompasses all elements that influence the lives of women and marginalised individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
