10 powerful Indian women who changed the financial industry in 2023

Updated On : June 2023

In recent times women have reached prominent leadership roles and gained recognition in top companies globally. In India, a remarkable assortment of talented and powerful women have paved the way in the financial industry, transforming it for the better. These women are anticipated to lead the charge in implementing innovative fintech ventures and revolutionizing the financial industry in 2023. Our selection of ten influential Indian women who have played a pivotal role in shaping the financial industry is an eclectic amalgamation of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

However, they share a commonality, namely their exceptional talent and passion for bringing about change. From groundbreaking fintech entrepreneurs to hardworking bankers, each of our honorees serves as a beacon of hope to women in the industry and to the next generation of pioneers. Their stories are a testament to the fact that with persistent perseverance and unwavering determination, disrupting the status quo and breaking down barriers are plausible objectives.

Here we list the top 10 influential women who have made a tremendous impact and revolutionized the financial landscape in their own distinctive way

• Arundhati Bhattacharya - CEO - Salesforce India:
  

  Arundhati Bhattacharya stands out as a remarkable personality as she has left an impressionable mark on India's financial sector. Her groundbreaking achievement as the first female chairperson of the State Bank of India for an impressive four-year term from 2013 to 2017 solidifies her place as a trailblazer.

  During her leadership tenure, she implemented several innovative initiatives to modernize the bank and amplify its digital capabilities. Additionally, she placed emphasis on enhancing customer service and made considerable efforts to expand the bank's global footprint. Her remarkable contributions have earned her immense recognition, including a highly sought-after position on Forbes' illustrious list of the 100 Most Influential Women.

• Shanti Ekambaram – President – Consumer Banking - Kotak Mahindra Bank:
  

  Shanti Ekambaram is one of the most influential women in India's financial industry. Her commitment to driving progress has resulted in tremendous growth for the bank. Ekambaram has been an instrumental force behind several strategic initiatives, including the launch of digital banking services, expansion into new markets, and the introduction of innovative solutions for customers.

  She has been a part of the Kotak Mahindra Group for over 27 years and has successfully established and operated several businesses. Business Today has consistently recognized her amongst the 'Most Powerful Women in Indian Business' for an impressive five-year span, highlighting her enduring influence and impact in the corporate realm.

  Fortune India has also featured her as one of the top 50 Most Powerful Women in India for three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. She was awarded the ‘CA Women Business Leader’ of the year in 2013 and recognized as the ‘Woman of the Year’ in Banking and Financial Services by the Indian Merchants' Chamber's Ladies' Wing in 2013-14.

• Naina Lal Kidwai – Senior Advisor / member of the Board at Rothschild & Co India:
  

  Naina Lal Kidwai is an accomplished and widely respected Indian banker who has earned a reputation for shattering gender barriers in the male-dominated financial sector. Kidwai's unrelenting commitment to fostering sustainable development, creating job opportunities, and combating gender inequality sets her apart in the financial industry. Forbes Asia has recognised her amongst the ‘50 most powerful women in business.’

• Renu Sud Karnad – Managing Director, HDFC Ltd.:
  

  Renu Sud Karnad has had a profound impact on India's financial industry, making her one of the most influential women in the sector. Her vast experience has helped HDFC transform into one of the most respected financial organizations. Karnad's shrewd business acumen and strategic foresight have enabled HDFC to become a leader in the Indian mortgage industry, while also expanding into banking and insurance.

  In her career spanning more than three decades, Karnad has earned numerous recognitions, including Fortune's 'Most Powerful Women in Business' in Asia for three consecutive years. She is a pioneer in the traditionally male-dominated financial industry, and her unwavering commitment to excellence continues to inspire future generations of women leaders.

• Shyamala Gopinath - Head – SEAC:
  

  Shyamala Gopinath is an esteemed and pioneering name in India's financial sector, celebrated for her noteworthy contributions. Her relentless efforts towards the development of India's financial market and increasing financial inclusion have been pivotal in shaping the country's economic policies. Her global recognition and numerous awards serve as a testament to her exceptional work. Even after her retirement, Gopinath remains an influential voice in the financial industry and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders.

• Kalpana Morparia – CEO - JP Morgan India:
  

  Kalpana Morparia, an accomplished financial executive, has made noteworthy contributions to the industry. During her remarkable 14-year stint at JP Morgan India, she ascended the corporate ladder, showcasing her exceptional leadership skills and leaving an indelible mark on the organization. In addition to leading the company's network of non-executive directors, which strengthened corporate governance, Morparia has been a role model for women seeking success in the financial sector.

• Shikha Sharma – Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director at Piramal Enterprises Ltd.:
  

  Shikha Sharma, a prominent Indian financial executive, has had a remarkable career in the industry. During her remarkable tenure as the CEO of Axis Bank she led the organisation’s evolution into one of India's most thriving private banks. Sharma has been recognized for her strategic thinking and business acumen, which helped to enhance the bank's digital capabilities, customer engagement, and product offerings.

  She has been listed in Fortune's 'Most Powerful Women in Business' and has also won the 'Women Achievers Award' by The Economic Times. Her leadership has made a lasting impact on the financial industry and continues to inspire women leaders and aspiring professionals.

• Madhabi Puri Buch– Chairperson, SEBI:
  

  Madhabi Puri Buch, currently serving as the chairperson of the securities regulatory body Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), boasts an impressive professional background. With a career spanning several notable positions, Buch embarked on her professional journey in 1989 at ICICI Bank. From 1993 to 1995, she contributed her expertise as a lecturer at West Cheshire College in England. Over the course of 12 years, Buch held diverse roles across various companies, encompassing sales, marketing, and product development. Her extensive experience across multiple domains adds depth and breadth to her remarkable career trajectory.

  In 2006, she joined ICICI Securities and subsequently ascended to the position of Managing Director and CEO, leading the organization from February 2009 to May 2011. Expanding her horizons, Buch ventured to Singapore in 2011, where she joined Greater Pacific Capital. Over the course of six years, from 2011 to 2017, she held various executive director roles across prominent companies, including Zansar Technologies, Innoven Capital, and Max Healthcare. This multifaceted journey showcases Buch's versatility and her ability to excel in diverse roles, making her a highly respected figure in the industry.

• Zarin Daruwala – CEO, Standard Chartered Bank India:
  

  Zarin Daruwala is a prominent and widely respected figure in the financial industry, both in India and around the world. Her strategic vision has played a key role in the success of Standard Chartered Bank India, particularly in the areas of digital banking, risk management, and employee development. Through her exceptional leadership, Daruwala has not only driven her organization's growth, but has also inspired countless women in India to pursue leadership positions in the traditionally male-dominated financial sector.

• Ranjana Kumar – Ex-Chairperson (NABARD):
  

  Ranjana Kumar emerges as an exceptional and widely recognized personality in the Indian financial sector, boasting an extensive career spanning more than four decades, marked by numerous distinguished leadership roles. She has held prominent positions such as the Chairperson of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the distinguished role of Chairperson and Managing Director at Indian Bank.

  Kumar's profound knowledge of rural banking and unwavering commitment to fostering financial inclusion have garnered her numerous accolades, notably the esteemed 'Banking Woman of the Year' award bestowed by the Indian Banks' Association, a testament to her exceptional contributions.

Conclusion

The Indian financial industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation with the rise of these ten influential women who have reshaped the landscape through their exceptional leadership and remarkable achievements. From breaking gender barriers to driving innovation and fostering financial inclusion, these trailblazers have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Looking ahead, it is clear that these formidable women will persist in propelling advancements, challenging conventions, and forging a path towards a financial sector in India that is inclusive, vibrant, and constantly evolving.

Nelito Systems offers customized solutions & services for its clients from finance and other sectors. To learn more about it, write us at marketing@nelito.com or visit us at https://www.nelito.com/.