Confidence in Financial Management: 76% of Rural Women Outshine HNW Peers, Says Report

Synopsis

A new DBS Bank report reveals that a remarkable 76% of rural women in India feel confident in handling their finances, surpassing high-net-worth women. This study sheds light on the growing financial empowerment of rural women, emphasizing their entrepreneurial spirit and decision-making capabilities.

Key Takeaways

76% of rural women earners are confident in finance management.

67% of high-net-worth women share this confidence.

Entrepreneurs value mentorship and investor connections.

Rural women prioritize children's education over property ownership.

Digital banking preferences vary significantly between rural women and entrepreneurs.

New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) A recent report has revealed that women residing in rural areas of India exhibit greater confidence in handling their finances compared to their high-net-worth (HNW) counterparts. The study, conducted by DBS Bank, highlights a notable rise in financial decision-making among Indian women, especially those who are entrepreneurs.

The findings show that 76% of rural women earners express confidence in managing their finances, in contrast to 67% of HNW women and 58% of female entrepreneurs.

Interestingly, the report also points out that women who do not independently make financial decisions often depend on their spouses or partners for guidance.

Among female entrepreneurs, 69% identify as primary financial decision-makers, compared to 60% of rural women earners and 58% of HNW women.

The report indicates that financial confidence tends to grow with age, particularly among entrepreneurs and HNW women.

In addition to access to capital, female entrepreneurs emphasize the importance of peer advisory (at 44%), sector-specific mentorship (at 40%), connections with investors (at 33%), and understanding government schemes (at 22%).

Divyesh Dalal, the Managing Director and Country Head of Global Transaction Services at DBS Bank India, remarked, “While access to credit is crucial, entrepreneurs increasingly seek comprehensive support, including mentors, networks, and investor connections to grow their businesses.”

When it comes to personal aspirations, 64% of HNW women and 73% of entrepreneurs prioritize property ownership, whereas 73% of rural women focus on their children's education, as per the DBS Bank report.

On the topic of banking engagement and digital usage, entrepreneurs show a preference for digital platforms (at 44%) and UPI (at 84%), while rural women lean towards in-person banking (at 47%) and face challenges like unfamiliarity with applications (at 44%) and connectivity problems (at 31%).

Regarding career interruptions and retirement plans, 46% of women entrepreneurs take breaks for family or personal matters, with 39% planning to retire after reaching the age of 50, and 20% expecting to never fully retire.

The report also notes that both HNW women and rural women share similar trends when it comes to retirement expectations.

Point of View

The report highlights the significant strides rural women have made in financial management, indicating a shift towards greater empowerment and independence. This shift not only benefits the women themselves but also contributes positively to the economy, promoting entrepreneurial growth and community development.

NationPress

12 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of rural women feel confident in managing finances?

According to the report, 76% of rural women earners feel confident managing their finances.

How does the confidence of rural women compare to HNW women?

The report indicates that 67% of high-net-worth women feel confident in managing their finances, which is lower than the 76% of rural women.

What barriers do rural women face in banking?

Rural women face barriers such as unfamiliarity with banking apps (44%) and connectivity issues (31%).

What are the main priorities for HNW women and entrepreneurs?

64% of HNW women and 73% of entrepreneurs prioritize property ownership, while 73% of rural women emphasize children's education.

How many women entrepreneurs take career breaks?