Female Entrepreneurs Lead Digital Finance Adoption in India
A new study by DBS Bank India, titled "The Digital Opportunity: Access, Adoption and Trust," reveals that female entrepreneurs are at the forefront of digital finance adoption in the country. According to the report, 84% of female entrepreneurs already use digital payment tools, highlighting the growing integration of technology into business operations.
Study Details and Methodology
The second edition of the Women and Finance study was released ahead of MSME Day 2026 by DBS Bank India, with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP as the research partner. It surveyed 1,342 women across North, South, East, and West India, including female entrepreneurs, High-Net-Worth (HNW) women, and rural women earners. The report emphasizes that digital tools are becoming "increasingly integral to business management" for female entrepreneurs, supporting payments, credit, payroll, customer acquisition, and future planning.
Key Findings on Digital Payment Adoption
The study found that "female entrepreneurs are the most active users of digital financial tools and platforms among all cohorts surveyed." Digital payment tools are the most widely adopted, used by 84% of female entrepreneurs. Specifically, UPI usage stands at 72% among female entrepreneurs, 77% among HNW women, and 54% among rural women earners, "underscoring the growing ubiquity of India's digital payments infrastructure."
Beyond Payments: Credit and Investment Platforms
Beyond payments, the study found that 38% of female entrepreneurs use loan and credit platforms, while 29% use brokerage platforms. Among HNW women surveyed, 28% are actively using brokerage platforms for their investments, reflecting growing comfort and proficiency in using digital investment tools. The report notes that sustaining this momentum will require "going beyond traditional banking to create connected ecosystems that help entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey."
Expert Insights on Digital Adoption
Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head, Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking, Financial Institutions and SMEs at DBS Bank India, said: "The findings of this report highlight an encouraging shift in the way women are engaging with their finances. Among female entrepreneurs, digital tools are becoming increasingly integral to business management, supporting everything from payments, credit and payroll to customer acquisition and future planning. The study also underscores the importance of trust, convenience, and accessibility in driving digital adoption." He added, "As digital adoption deepens, entrepreneurs are increasingly seeking solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support their growth ambitions... By deepening our understanding of this segment and continuing to innovate in response to evolving needs, we aim to help female entrepreneurs build and scale their businesses."
Credit Card Usage and Spending Patterns
Credit card use is also on the rise among female entrepreneurs. The study found that half (50%) of the female entrepreneurs surveyed report using personal credit cards frequently. Travel-related rewards are the most preferred benefit, cited by 65% of respondents among both female entrepreneurs and HNW women. Spending patterns show female entrepreneurs focusing on "people, growth and technology," with 65% spending on staff salaries and contractor payments, 53% on marketing and customer acquisition, and 37% on software and technology tools.
