Entrepreneurship and finance have been seen as a male-dominated sector, however, women are now breaking barriers, reshaping industries, and proving that success knows no gender. A decade ago, only 14% of businesses in India were women-led (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation), but with better education, digital tools, and supportive policies, women’s entrepreneurship is expected to grow by 90% by 2030 (Bain & Company, 2023). The mutual fund industry is witnessing this shift, with women investors increasing by 41% in the last three years and more female distributors stepping up (AMFI Report). Among these trailblazers are inspiring stories from NJ Wealth’s women MFD partners, who have navigated personal and societal challenges to build successful careers.
Behind these numbers are inspiring stories of resilience and transformation—women who have overcome personal and societal challenges to create thriving businesses.
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This International Women’s Day, we celebrate these trailblazers who are not only securing their own futures but also inspiring a new generation of women to take charge of their financial destinies.
Ruchi Agrawal from Jabalpur
After her husband’s sudden passing in 2017, Ruchi Agrawal courageously stepped into his Mutual Fund Distribution business despite having no prior experience. A commerce graduate from Mumbai with a background in insurance since 2005, she took on the challenge of learning from scratch. Through persistence, she expanded the AUM from ₹19 crore to ₹83 crore, managing over 500 clients with a strong SIP book of ₹57 lakh.
Winning clients’ trust was her biggest hurdle. Extracting contacts from her husband’s phone, she personally reached out, assuring them of her commitment. As a mother of two, she balanced business and family with unwavering dedication. Her journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the power of perseverance—proving that with determination and the right support, any challenge can be overcome.
Shalini Varshney from Jaipur
Shalini Varshney’s journey from science to finance showcases determination and the right support system. With a BSc and MSc in Mathematics, she entered the financial world in 2004, starting with minimal market knowledge. Through continuous learning she built a successful career as a mutual fund distributor, now managing an AUM of ₹125 crores and an SIP book of ₹85-86 lakhs, serving over 1,500 clients.
The e-Wealth platform revolutionized her operations, enabling faster transactions and global client reach. She was among Jaipur’s early adopters of digital solutions, earning industry recognition.
Balancing her career and family was challenging, but her husband’s support and perseverance helped her succeed in a male-dominated industry. Now, her son, Rishit, is preparing to join her business, ensuring her legacy continues.
Her advice to aspiring distributors: “Have patience, educate yourself, and trust the process—success will follow.”
Anjali Shankaran from Mumbai
Balancing ambition with perseverance, Anjali Shankaran from Thane has built a thriving Mutual Fund Distribution (MFD) business. Managing an AUM of ₹260 crore and an SIP book exceeding ₹1.20 crore, she serves over 500 clients, showcasing resilience and innovation.
After 17 years with UTI Mutual Fund, Anjali and her husband took voluntary retirement to pursue entrepreneurship. Recognizing SIPs’ potential, and with technological support, which transformed their operations. “Managing client data manually was a challenge, but NJ Wealth’s platform streamlined everything,” she shares.
Over 80% of her business comes from referrals, reflecting the trust she has nurtured. Her son joined the business eight years ago, continuing her legacy.
Anjali encourages aspiring Mutual Fund Distributors, especially women, to be patient and dedicated. “This industry offers flexibility and long-term growth,” she says.
Gurleen Kaur from Delhi
In 2008, Gurleen Kaur joined her family’s financial services business as an, a path she hadn’t initially planned. However, her MBA in Finance helped her excel. Today, she manages an AUM of ₹148 crores, a strong SIP book, and serves 948 clients.
Her commitment to women’s empowerment sets her apart. She leads a team of 12 female employees, ensuring financial literacy and encouraging them to invest. Initially facing skepticism in a male-dominated industry, she now sees her inclusive approach as a strength, building trust with entire families.
Gurleen urges millennials to embrace financial discipline, emphasizing consistency and compounding for long-term wealth creation. Her journey exemplifies perseverance, empowerment, and financial success.
Rinku Kejriwal from Kolkata
Rinku Kejriwal’s journey from Chartered Accountant to mutual fund distributor is a story of resilience and empowerment. After qualifying as a CA in 2001, she sought to create something of her own. Balancing family responsibilities, she discovered mutual fund distribution through a family friend and, intrigued by its potential, took the required exams to enter the industry.
Driven by a passion for empowering women, Rinku recognized how homemakers’ earnings often went unrecognized. She now helps them make informed investment decisions, building their financial independence. “Seeing my clients’ confidence grow motivates me,” she shares.
She found a transparent, user-friendly platform that transformed her business. The Client Desk app has strengthened client relationships, fostering trust.
With rapid AUM growth, Rinku is committed to mentoring young women in finance. “I want my daughter to join this industry,” she says, proving how education, determination, and the right support drive success.
