70% women control portfolios, but none received structured financial training, study finds gap in wealth succession

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Four out of ten women interviewed by Equirus Wealth assumed responsibility for wealth decisions after a significant life event, including loss of a loved one, separation, capital loss or inheritance, rather than through a planned introduction to family finances. The firm highlighted a key challenge in Indian family wealth management: financial responsibility can arrive before individuals have the knowledge and experience to exercise it confidently.

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Equirus Wealth's study titled 'Shakti & Capital: Next-Generation Women and the Future of Indian Family Wealth' found that apart from the 40% women who began taking decisions for the family’s finances following a major life event, 30% were introduced to these responsibilities by family members while the remaining 30% began their investment journey through their own earnings or employer shares.

Yet, none of the respondents received any structural financial training, exposing a critical gap in wealth succession, Equirus Wealth said. While 70% of respondents have the final say over a portfolio, 90% acknowledged that they are still learning. “The findings point to a gap between the authority women exercise and the structured financial training available to support them,” the firm said.

How women define the purpose of wealth

The study found that 50% of women consider financial independence and peace of mind as the primary objectives. This reflects a desire for security, personal choice and the freedom to pursue life on their own terms.

Another 30% view wealth primarily as a platform for the next generation to build upon, while 20% identify giving as its principal purpose, according to the analysis.

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“Approximately Rs 73 lakh crore could pass to women in Indian families over the next decade. But the larger question is whether the knowledge and decision-making capability needed to manage this wealth will pass on with it. Families devote considerable attention to building and preserving wealth, but preparing the next generation to manage it deserves equal attention. The real measure of a successful wealth transition is not simply how much capital changes hands, but whether the inheritor has the knowledge, confidence and independence to make informed decisions. We believe that transferring financial capability must become as deliberate as transferring financial assets,” said Nitesh Arora, Managing Partner at Equirus Family Office.