At the CNBC-TV18’s Future Female Forward event, Batra noted that common beliefs about women being more conservative investors are contradicted by actual data. “Not at all. Data tells a very different story. Women are not necessarily more risk-averse,” he stated.
He emphasized that female clients are engaging with a broader array of financial products, including more dynamic investment options. “In our client base, women are increasingly opting for dynamic investment products. Their portfolios are growing faster than men’s,” he remarked, showcasing a notable shift in behavior.
Batra also highlighted significant growth in areas like mortgages, where female borrowers are experiencing higher penetration rates. He pointed out that younger women, especially those under 40, are spearheading this change, opting for more advanced and varied investment choices. The data, he argued, reveals a gap between perception and reality. “Many assumptions we operate with are outdated. The reality is changing faster than our mental models,” he said, calling for a reevaluation of how financial institutions interact with women clients.
Consequently, HSBC is adjusting its strategy to foster more inclusive communications, rather than developing gender-segmented products. Batra stated that the emphasis is on equitable involvement in financial discussions. “We are not launching ‘women-specific’ products like pink credit cards. Instead, we are ensuring equal engagement,” he added.
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He added that even minor behavioral shifts can lead to significant changes, particularly in the manner financial discussions are approached. “When speaking to a couple, we do not default to addressing the man. Conversations must be inclusive,” he noted.
Batra stressed that the ongoing shift does not necessitate women to catch up but rather institutions to evolve their perspectives. “Women do not need to catch up — we need to update our thinking,” he asserted.
His remarks reflect a wider transformation in India’s wealth landscape, where women are taking a more proactive and impactful role in financial decision-making, urging firms to reconsider traditional engagement models.
