Ethical investing isn’t just about aligning your money with your values; it’s about
recognising that financial growth and positive change can go hand in hand, shaping a
future that benefits both investors and society.
Anooshka Soham Bathwal, founder of Dhanvesttor, India’s only women-centric wealth
management and community empowerment platform, is transforming how wealth
management services are designed and delivered, focusing on ethical investing and a
unique empathy-driven approach to business. Her leadership not only empowers women
to take control of their financial futures but also emphasises the importance of
sustainable and responsible investing. With a career shaped by her experiences of gender
imbalance in finance, Anooshka is using Dhanvesttor as a platform to create a more
inclusive and ethical financial ecosystem.
Ethical Investing: A Vision for Sustainable Wealth
The stock market had been experiencing a remarkable resurgence in 2024, with major
indices showing significant growth driven by easing interest rates and strong sector
performances. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) called September the busiest IPO month
in fourteen years; with the buzz likely to continue till the end of the year. However,
Anooshka has observed that women investors tend to approach wealth management
differently than men. While men may prioritise returns, women are often more
concerned with where their money is going and how it aligns with their values.
Recognising this, Dhanvesttor incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance
(ESG) factors into its investment strategies.
For Anooshka, ethical investing is not a trend; it’s the future of finance. Dhanvesttor
rigorously evaluates potential investments, ensuring that they adhere to good governance
practices, are socially responsible, and contribute positively to the environment.
“We avoid sectors like tobacco or companies involved in animal cruelty, focusing instead
on industries that have a positive societal impact. This ethical approach resonates strongly
with women who want their investments to reflect their values and contribute to broader
social and environmental good,” remarks Anooshka.
Commitment to Compliance and Trust
As a leader, Anooshka is not just focused on empathy and ethics but also on building
trust through strict adherence to regulatory standards. In an industry where transparency
and accountability are paramount, she sees compliance with regulatory bodies like the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a non-negotiable.
“We believe that maintaining the highest levels of regulatory compliance not only
protects our clients but also sets the firm apart in a marketplace increasingly concerned
with corporate ethics and governance. This compliance-first approach ensures that we
operate with full transparency, instilling confidence in its clients and furthering our
mission of long-term trust-building,” said Anooshka.
Cultivating Patience for Long-Term Growth
Anooshka also emphasises the value of patience, a trait she believes is more pronounced
in women investors. Unlike many male investors, who may be eager to make quick
profits, women tend to adopt a more measured, long-term approach. This patience often
leads to better outcomes in the stock market, where steady growth typically outperforms
impulsive decision-making.
By fostering this patient, long-term mindset, Dhanvesttor helps women build sustainable
wealth rather than chasing short-term gains. This aligns perfectly with the firm’s overall
ethos of ethical investing, where short-term volatility is less of a concern than long-term
sustainability and responsible growth.
Empathy as a Core Business Strategy
Talking about her philosophy Anooshka said, “Empathy in business is not just a value;
it’s a strategy for long-term success. Companies that lack empathy may achieve short-
term gains, but they often struggle to build the lasting trust and relationships essential for
sustained growth. While most wealth management firms prioritise numbers, returns, and
market performance, Dhanvesttor builds its foundation on empathy and understanding.
The team’s ability to listen and respond to women’s financial concerns with patience and
understanding is seen as a key differentiator. In traditional finance spaces, women often
feel judged or talked down to when discussing investment strategies. Dhanvesttor
provides an environment where clients feel heard and supported, allowing them to make
informed financial decisions without the intimidation factor.”
This empathy extends to the firm’s educational initiatives known as Co-Learning and
Community Building (CLCB). Under its CLCB initiatives, Dhanvesttor hosts workshops
and learning circles where women can openly discuss finance, investment strategies, and
market trends in non-judgmental settings. These gatherings not only serve as educational
platforms but also create a sense of community and shared learning which is a critical
element in building financial confidence among women.
For Anooshka, Dhanvesttor is not merely a financial platform, it’s a movement that aims
to redefine wealth management for women in India. By blending ethical investing with
empathy, and prioritising compliance and education, Anooshka is reshaping how women
approach finance. Her vision extends far beyond achieving financial milestones like growing the firm’s assets under management (AUM). Instead, she aims to create a
paradigm shift in how women relate to their finances, empowering them to become more
confident, informed, and independent investors.
Anooshka’s approach proves that financial success and social responsibility are not
mutually exclusive. As she leads Dhanvesttor with empathy and ethics at the forefront,
she is carving out a space for women in finance that goes beyond profits.
