Gender-Intelligent Banking Could Unlock USD 688 Billion For Indian Banks: Report

Gender-Intelligent Banking Could Unlock USD 688 Billion For Indian Banks: Report

Indian banks have the potential to tap into a USD 688 billion business opportunity by adopting gender-intelligent design across their operations, according to an ANI report citing a new study by MicroSave Consulting (MSC) and the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM).

The report warns that India's financial system still significantly under-serves women—an inefficiency that may be costing the country USD 688 billion and slowing progress toward its USD 5 trillion economy goal.

Even though financial access for women has improved over the years, active engagement remains low. The report notes that this underrepresentation makes women one of India's biggest unrealised customer segments.

“Banking has tried to become gender-inclusive, but the progress has been scattered. Gender-intelligent banking gives institutions a structured way to weave gender across strategy, products, operations, and governance," said Akhand Jyoti Tiwari, Senior Partner at MSC as quoted by ANI.

“If implemented well, gender-intelligent banking can alone push India 10 per cent closer to its USD 5 trillion target," added NIBM Director Dr Partha Ray.

With female labour force participation jumping from 23.3% to 41.7% in just six years, the report says banks are staring at a clear and immediate business opportunity.

1. Deposits: USD 253 Billion Up for Grabs

Indian women own 1 billion bank accounts, yet nearly 497 million are inactive.

Activating these dormant accounts could generate an additional USD 253 billion in deposits, a valuable buffer at a time of rising credit demand.

2. Credit: A USD 193.3 Billion Lending Gap

Women account for only 23% of total outstanding retail credit, USD 212 billion compared with men's USD 692 billion.

With 110 million loan accounts still unmet, this represents a USD 193.3 billion lending opportunity. The report also notes that the average loan size for women (USD 1,712) trails men (USD 2,825).

3. Investments: USD 242.3 Billion in Asset Growth

Only 1.8% of Indian women invest actively, leaving massive room for expansion.

The report estimates that retail AUM could rise from USD 235 billion to USD 477 billion, unlocking USD 242.3 billion in fresh assets.

4. Pensions: A Gap Driven by Career Breaks

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Women represent 45% of all Atal Pension Yojana subscribers but still accumulate USD 46,000–85,000 less than men over their working lives.

The report attributes this to irregular contributions and income gaps, presenting an opportunity for banks to design pension products better suited to women's work cycles.

Source: News18
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