With increasing regulatory scrutiny, ethical disclosures and investor trust have become non-negotiable. Compliance is no longer a support function; it has evolved into a strategic anchor. And women are fast becoming its trusted custodians. As a Company Secretary and Compliance Officer at Gretex Corporate Services Limited, I’ve had the privilege to witness this shift up close, especially in the capital markets space where regulation, and ethics are the core pillars of progress.
The Rise of Women in Compliance in India’s Finance Sector
Early in my career journey, navigating IPO processes in male-dominated rooms demanded more than knowledge; it required presence, precision, and resilience. Today, I see more women stepping up not just with answers, but with authority. Recent findings from the Secretarial Audit Reports: Trends and Practices (2016) reaffirm what we’ve been witnessing from within boardrooms and regulatory frameworks: the corporate secretarial domain is gradually opening up to women.
“16% of S&P BSE 500 companies had Women Company Secretaries, reflecting a 4% jump from the previous year. Additionally, 10% of the Secretarial Audit Reports were signed by women, marking a 1% year-on-year increase. While these may seem like modest shifts, they indicate a deeper, more sustainable trend: women are not just participating in compliance, they are leading it”.
Why does this matter? Because, it’s the strategic backbone of every IPO, merger, fundraiser, and investor decision. The diverse perspectives women bring, especially in risk assessment, governance, and ethical decision-making, are adding incredible value.
Why Compliance Is The New Catalyst in Finance
When we guide companies through the IPO process at Gretex Corporate Services, compliance is not just a requirement; it is the cornerstone. From preparing the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to ensuring seamless coordination with SEBI, exchanges, and registrars, the compliance function drives:
- Transparent disclosures
- Timely legal clearances
- Statutory documentation and due diligence
- Governance frameworks post-listing
This requires the highest level of integrity, detail orientation and legal foresight, qualities that are now being increasingly delivered by women in the profession.
If I talk about my journey as a Compliance Officer for IPO execution, my responsibility is to ensure that, “The company’s capital market journey is legally sound, regulatorily compliant, and investor-trust centric”. And I can confidently say that women in compliance today are no longer confined to support roles as they are becoming decision-makers, process owners, & leads in IPO mandates.
Gretex Initiatives Empowering Women in Compliance
Early evidence suggests that firms with higher gender diversity in compliance roles report fewer regulatory lapses and enjoy deeper strategic partnerships with institutional investors. At Gretex, we are dedicated to broadening the pipeline and expanding the reach of India’s next generation of compliance experts.
Our internal hiring practices ensure a fair representation of women across all verticals including legal, compliance, secretarial, and documentation teams. We actively partner with academic institutions to identify high-potential women CS candidates and offer an exclusive internship program ‘‘Catalyst Connect’ to hire fresh talent and foster long-term careers.
In fact, “Several of our IPO mandates have been led by women professionals who not only managed due diligence but also handled investor communications and regulatory interface with finesse”.
Future Outlook: Compliance and Finance Leadership
As India’s capital markets continue to mature, the demand for incisive, transparent, and empathetic regulation leadership will only grow. “To every aspiring woman in compliance: master your subject, trust your judgment, and never shy away from speaking up in high-stakes rooms. Your voice adds value, and your presence shapes the future of governance”.
Now, the financial markets prepare for deeper integration with global financial systems, the expectations from compliance professionals will only rise. Let us ensure that the next wave of compliance leadership is not just inclusive but also inspiring.
In closing remarks, we invite fellow compliance officers, board members, and investors to join us in championing gender diversity not as an afterthought but as a strategic imperative. After all, when half the talent pool is fully empowered, India’s capital markets can realize their greatest potential.
Edited and insights provided by Ms. Bhavna Desai, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, Gretex Group, whose expertise and commitment to regulatory excellence continue to guide our practices with integrity and precision.
