Legacy Planning and Risk Redefinition Drive Changes in Women's Investment Strategies

Equity Mutual Fund Allocation Among Indian Women Jumps to 32% in Five Years: Report​

New Delhi, March 8: Equity mutual fund allocations among Indian women investors have risen sharply over the past five years, increasing from about 10 percent to 32 percent, according to a report released on Sunday by wealth management firm Equirus Wealth.

The report highlights a clear shift in investment preferences among women, with traditional instruments such as fixed deposits losing prominence. The share of fixed deposits in women’s portfolios declined from around 45 percent to 20 percent during the same period.

Alternative Investments Gain Ground​

Alongside equities, alternative investment avenues have also gained traction. Allocations to Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) increased from roughly 3 percent to 7 percent, indicating a broader diversification in portfolio strategies.

The report found that a large majority of women investors are adopting a more disciplined approach to market volatility. Around 75 percent to 90 percent of women now hold their investments during market corrections instead of exiting in panic. Additionally, about 55 percent selectively add capital during market dips, reflecting growing conviction in long-term investing.

Selective Use of AI Tools​

Despite growing interest in technology-driven investing, the adoption of artificial intelligence tools remains limited among women investors. Around 35 percent to 50 percent either do not use AI tools or rely on them primarily for learning and monitoring purposes.

The findings are based on interactions with approximately 55,000 women investors and more than 100 relationship managers across different age groups.

Shift Toward Goal-Based Portfolio Strategies​

According to the report, women investors are increasingly moving away from traditional assets such as fixed deposits, gold, and property toward diversified portfolios built around long-term financial goals.

Equirus Wealth Managing Director and Business Head Ankur Punj said that women investors in India are becoming more informed and confident in managing their finances.

Technology and AI tools are beginning to support the learning and research process, though investment decisions continue to rely on structured frameworks and human judgment, he noted.

Rise of “Bucket Thinking” in Investment Planning​

The report also pointed to the growing adoption of “bucket thinking,” where investors structure portfolios around life goals such as safety, growth, liquidity, and legacy instead of focusing on individual financial products.

In addition, women investors are redefining their perception of risk. Five years ago, risk was largely viewed as the loss of principal. Today, it increasingly includes factors such as inflation erosion, the possibility of failing to meet financial goals, portfolio drawdowns, recovery timelines, and governance risks within family wealth structures.

Focus on Intergenerational Wealth Transfer​

Legacy planning is also becoming an important priority. The report found that between 75 percent and 90 percent of women investors are actively discussing intergenerational wealth transfer to ensure that future beneficiaries follow responsible financial practices and safeguards.