It’s not complicated: Radhika Gupta urges women to manage their own money

Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, has a clear message for women: take charge of your finances and don’t rely on others to manage your money.
Speaking at Business Today’s Most Powerful Women 2024 event, Gupta said that while women have been the “chief financial officers” of their households for generations, it’s time to extend that role into the financial markets.
“Women are phenomenal savers—mothers and grandmothers have acted as the CFOs of their homes, managing family finances for decades,” Gupta said. “But they need to move from being savers to investors. Stop outsourcing money management to men, and remember, it’s not complicated.”
Under her leadership, Edelweiss Mutual Fund has become one of India’s fastest-growing asset management companies, with a 23% growth in assets under management (AUM) in FY23-24, positioning the firm 13th in the industry. From an unprofitable start, Edelweiss has consistently reported positive earnings, evolving into a stable, profitable entity.
While external challenges are often in focus, Gupta highlighted the importance of overcoming internal barriers. “If I could go back and tell my 21-year-old self something, it would be to trust your inner voice and have self-confidence. Five years ago, I lacked confidence, and I’m still working on it. Confidence to trust your instincts, to speak up, and to put forward your viewpoint in a room is vital. It’s also about not feeling intimidated at networking events and finding your way to break into conversations.”
As a leader, Gupta recognised the fact that women naturally excel at multitasking and managing relationships. “Women are always balancing roles—whether they’re managing in-laws, parents, or husbands. We excel at stakeholder management,” she said. “This multitasking ability, often seen as a feminist skill set, is incredibly valuable in the workplace.”
Addressing the often-stigmatised role of emotion in leadership, Gupta shared her personal journey. “Many years ago, I was told that being emotional would hold me back as a leader. I cry at work, and I feel deeply at work. But there’s no single right style of leadership. Don’t question yourself, embrace your authentic self.”
Gupta’s tenure at Edelweiss has brought tremendous growth, with AUM rising from Rs 6,500 crore in 2017 to over Rs 1.40 lakh crore by July 2024. She has driven innovation with launches like the Bharat Bond ETF, India’s first corporate bond ETF in partnership with the government. This flagship product, now valued at over Rs 1.50 lakh crore, has significantly boosted Edelweiss’s brand.
Gupta’s advice to women is clear: trust yourself, take ownership of financial decisions, and embrace the power of authentic leadership.