I then moved to VCK Capital Market for a brief period before getting a significant breakthrough as an investment advisor at Standard Chartered Bank. During my seven years at Standard Chartered Bank, I received numerous awards and accolades, and achieved three promotions within that time.

After my successful tenure at Standard Chartered Bank, I joined JM Financial, where I spent almost ten years heading the private wealth group in the north segment. During this time, I continued to excel and was recognized as one of the best performers in India. I also pioneered the family office business, achieving several milestones and promotions throughout my tenure. Before starting my own venture, I was with Centrum Wealth Management for 3 years.

What are the key areas of expertise you have developed in the field of finance?

My primary focus has been on wealth management, encompassing a deep understanding of diverse industry sectors. I've specialized in assessing economic conditions, analyzing equity markets, and effectively managing various financial instruments, including mutual funds, portfolio management services (PMS), AIF, fundraising initiatives, IPOs, and corporate finance strategies.

“Your financial journey should begin today, no matter how small the first step is. Your future will always thank you."-ritu j. Jhunjhunwala”

What inspired the creation of R-Dhan Financial Services, and what are its core expertise areas?

The establishment of R-Dhan Financial Services stemmed from a deep personal commitment to achieving a work-life balance while excelling in the financial industry. The pivotal moment came during the COVID-19 pandemic when I realized the importance of spending time with my children, especially during their formative years. This led me to contemplate starting my own venture.

The core idea behind R-Dhan was twofold: to continue serving my clients by providing expert financial guidance and to create an inclusive space for women and young adults to gain financial knowledge and confidence. I observed a gender imbalance in my client base and felt the need to encourage women to engage in financial discussions, become financially independent, and make informed decisions about their finances.

The name R-Dhan-OUR Dhan" signifies collective wealth and resources of a family, emphasizing the idea that financial management is a collective effort of every individual family member. The key areas of expertise at R-Dhan Financial Services encompass comprehensive financial services, trust-building, and empowering individuals, particularly women and young adults, with financial knowledge and independence.

What are the critical challenges you encounter and how do you overcome these roadblocks?

Most women do not actively participate in financial discussions and decision-making, which is the most significant challenge for me. Overcoming it involves creating a safe and welcoming environment where women feel empowered to engage with financial matters and providing them with the knowledge and confidence they need.

Secondly, the concentration of wealth management services in urban and tier one/tier two cities is a significant challenge. This urban-centric focus has led to increased competition and sometimes unhealthy competition within the industry. To address this, I aim to expand financial education to rural and semi-urban regions, fostering a balanced and inclusive wealth management landscape. My current focus is on educating women and young adults, with future plans to reach underserved regions and promote financial literacy and inclusion.

What are the key milestones achieved by R-Dhan Financial Services and what is the future vision?

In the relatively short span of three years since the inception of R-Dhan Financial Services, one significant milestone has been the increase in female clientele. Initially, women accounted for around 4-5 percent of new clients, but over the past year, this figure has grown to approximately 30-35 percent.

This growth aligns with the company's focus on empowering women and educating young adults about finance. The company's vision is to continue expanding its reach, aiming to reach 70-80 percent female clients and extend its financial education efforts to rural and semi-urban areas. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive and financially literate society. R-Dhan aims to be renowned for helping individuals achieve their financial goals, with clients remembering R-Dhan as the entity that truly assisted them in reaching their financial aspirations.

What would your financial advice for women?

My advice for women or anyone seeking financial empowerment is that understand that you don't need a large sum to begin investing. Start with small amount but commit to regular savings and investments. A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is an excellent way to start, deducting a fixed amount from your account each month. Define your financial goals, such as education, housing, child's future, or retirement, and allocate specific investments to each. Appreciate the compounding effect of investments, as even small contributions can accumulate into substantial sums. Establish a disciplined approach to saving and investing, ensuring a portion of your salary goes into your investment account as soon as you receive it. This prevents impulsive spending and inculcates forced saving habits.

Ritu J. Jhunjhunwala, Founder, R-Dhan Financial Services

Ritu J. Jhunjhunwala is a seasoned wealth management expert dedicated to empowering individuals, especially women and young adults, with financial knowledge and guiding them toward a secure financial future through her firm, R-Dhan.