Crypto, The New Hustle: How Women In Tier-2 Cities Can Ride The Wave

By Avinash Shekhar

In India’s smaller cities, a quiet revolution is underway as women step beyond traditional investments like gold and fixed deposits to explore cryptocurrency. A study found that nearly one in 10 Indian women have owned crypto, ranking the country among the top three globally for female crypto investors. With financial independence becoming a priority, digital assets are emerging as a gateway to wealth creation, flexibility, and financial control. 

India’s crypto market is expanding rapidly, projected to grow to more than $15 billion in 2035 from $2.5 billion last year at a CAGR of 18.5 per cent. Reports indicate that the country led in grassroots crypto adoption in 2023, with significant growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Studies show that many new crypto users come from smaller towns, highlighting a major shift in investment behaviour. Traditionally, women relied on fixed-income assets, but with inflation and evolving financial awareness, many are now viewing crypto as a viable path to long-term wealth generation.

Why Women Should Consider Crypto Investments

For women looking to achieve financial independence, crypto offers several advantages:

• Wealth-building with lower barriers: Crypto investments offer an easy entry point, allowing individuals to start with just a few hundred rupees. This accessibility makes it an attractive option for beginners looking to explore new financial opportunities.
• Maximising gains with leverage: Leverage enables investors to amplify market exposure with minimal capital, enhancing potential returns. However, due diligence is crucial to sustain long-term success. A robust DYOR strategy can leverage both fundamental and technical analysis, equipping investors with the insights needed to navigate market volatility and optimise positions.
• Flexibility and accessibility: Crypto markets operate 24/7, allowing homemakers, working professionals, and students to invest at their convenience.
• Decentralised control: Unlike traditional banking, crypto empowers investors to manage their assets independently, reducing reliance on intermediaries.
• Hedge against inflation: With rising costs and fluctuating interest rates, digital assets offer an alternative investment avenue to protect and grow wealth.

As financial literacy improves, more women are recognising that crypto is not just a speculative asset but a powerful tool for long-term financial growth.

How Women Can Start Their Crypto Journey

Diving into crypto doesn’t require an advanced finance degree—just the right knowledge and precautions. Here’s how women can take their first steps:

• Educate yourself: Understanding the basics is crucial. Women can explore online courses, attend crypto workshops, and join forums that provide insights into blockchain technology and investment strategies.
• Start small and diversify: Investing small amounts initially allows women to gain hands-on experience without significant risk. It’s also wise to diversify across different cryptocurrencies rather than betting on a single asset.
• Choose secure and reliable platforms: Opting for well-known, government-compliant exchanges ensures security. Using hardware wallets or multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.
• Stay updated: The crypto market is volatile and fast-evolving. Following credible news sources and learning about regulatory changes can help women make informed decisions.
• Engage in communities: Women-centric crypto communities are emerging, offering mentorship and support to new investors. Platforms like Women in Blockchain and Crypto Chicks help beginners navigate the space with confidence.

Future Of Women In Crypto

Crypto isn’t just about investing; it’s also opening doors to careers and entrepreneurship. The rise of blockchain technology has created a growing demand for professionals in fields like crypto analysis, digital asset management, and cybersecurity.

Women-led startups in fintech and decentralised finance (DeFi) are also gaining traction, with blockchain solutions transforming industries from supply chains to healthcare. 

Additionally, crypto is driving financial inclusion by bridging the financial gap for women in rural and semi-urban areas, providing access to digital payments, lending platforms, and micro-investment tools.

As the industry matures, more women are stepping into leadership roles, proving that crypto isn’t just a man’s world — it’s a space where women can grow well and shape the future of finance.

The Bottomline

Crypto is redefining financial opportunities in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and women stand to gain immensely from this digital shift. With the right knowledge, secure investments, and a willingness to adapt, they can harness the power of crypto to achieve financial independence and stability. As the saying goes, “When women control their finances, they control their future.”

The crypto revolution isn’t just about technology — it’s about empowerment, and Indian women are ready to lead the way.

(The author is the Co-founder & CEO, Pi42)

Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd. Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is subject to market risks. Readers are advised to seek expert advice and read offer document(s) along with related important literature on the subject carefully before making any kind of investment whatsoever. Cryptocurrency market predictions are speculative and any investment made shall be at the sole cost and risk of the readers.