In the fast-paced world of finance, where numbers often overshadow people, Integrated Enterprises India is carving out a new path. The company, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, is not just a financial services provider; it’s a movement championing financial literacy and empowerment, especially for women. I had the privilege of interviewing Mrs Devika Gopalan of Integrated Enterprises to discuss their transformative initiatives, particularly the "Stri" program.

It all started with a visionary founder, Mr. P. Vaidyanathan. As a chartered accountant and company secretary, he saw a need to simplify the complex world of finance for the average person. His journey began in the 1970s with a magazine called Varivikatan, where he translated the intricacies of income tax law into simple, understandable Tamil. This dedication to investor education has been the company's "go-to guide" ever since, a legacy so powerful that even a professor at Harvard once told his son that he had learned a lot from the Varivikatan book.

Today, Integrated Enterprises is a financial powerhouse with over 172 branches across India, a testament to its commitment to a human-first approach. "That human touch is our biggest advantage," Devika says, explaining that unlike new-age firms that rely solely on digital platforms, Integrated Enterprises ensures customers can walk into a local office and have a face-to-face conversation with an adviser.

Empowering Women with 'Stri'

As the company stepped into its 51st year, it launched "Stri," a vertical dedicated to the financial empowerment of women. With a staff of 2,000, where over 54% are women, Integrated Enterprises recognized the need for a safe space where women could openly discuss their financial concerns. The initiative is led by Devika Gopalan and has renowned public speaker Bharathi Bhaskar as its program director.

The need for this program is clear: while a large percentage of women are in the workforce, only 25% of women actively make their own investment decisions. The remaining 75% rely on family or friends. Stri aims to change this by building a community where women feel confident to take control of their financial future.

Stri is not just about finance; it takes a holistic approach to women's well-being. They offer a variety of free sessions on:

• Financial Literacy: From the basics of budgeting and investing to understanding concepts like the Rule of 72.
• Wellness and Health: Sessions on nutrition, fitness, and even women’s menstrual health, addressing the fact that women often prioritize their families' well-being over their own.
• Safety and Legal Awareness: Programs that cover topics like securing oneself from workplace harassment.

This community is a "movement," and membership is completely free. Since its launch on March 8, 2025, Stri has already enrolled over 100,000 women.

Challenging Traditional Mindsets and Investments

When asked about the financial strengths and weaknesses of women, Devika highlights a key strength: patience. "She is an ardent saver" and "women usually think long term". This patience is a vital trait for a successful investor. However, a major pain point is a lack of individual decision-making, often due to a perceived lack of time. Women are often burdened with multiple roles, leaving little time to read up on market trends or engage in financial discussions.

She added, “Wealth creation through investments is just not about product selection and market awareness. Wealth creation happens through discipline, patience and the ability to handle market volatility. Investment surveys clearly conclude that Women have better EQ to become a successful investor.”

Integrated Enterprises helps women transition from traditional investments to modern ones. They educate women on why it might be better to invest in gold ETFs (digital gold) rather than physical jewelry. "We tell them, you buy gold in a mutual fund, a digital form. It's the same price," she explains. This helps them avoid wastage, making charges, and the hassle of physical storage. The liquid nature of ETFs also means women can sell a small portion of their holdings for cash whenever they need it, a flexibility not available with physical jewelry.

A Comprehensive Approach to Financial Health

The core of Integrated Enterprises' advisory services is its GIP framework: Growth, Income, and Protection. This is not a one-size-fits-all product but a personalized investment "formula" that adapts to an individual's age, income, goals, and risk-taking ability.

• Growth: Recommended for younger investors who can take on more risk for higher returns.
• Income: For those in their middle age, balancing growth with income-generating assets is key.
• Protection: Essential for everyone with dependents, this comes in the form of life and health insurance.

Beyond this framework, Integrated Enterprises has initiatives for all age groups. Their "Fin-Lit" program teaches financial literacy to school children from grades four to eight. They also have a "Champ" scheme that allows parents or guardians to invest in their child's name from as young as five years old.

For NRIs, a separate vertical called "NRI Wealth" has been created to provide them with value-added services beyond just investments. Integrated Enterprises has tied up with hospitals like Kauvery and Apollo to offer geriatric care services for NRIs' elderly parents in India at a discounted price. They also provide tax consultation support for inheritance and income from Indian assets through partnerships with firms like Manohar Choudhary and Associates.

The company's philosophy is simple: they don't just sell products; they educate their customers and make them "informed investors". As Devika wisely puts it, "we don't want them to make quick money," but rather to build a "healthy" portfolio over the long term, like building muscle through consistent effort.

When asked about her dream for the future, Devika shared a powerful vision: to see the ratio of women investors increase from 25% to at least 50%. This is a monumental task, but with initiatives like Stri and a deep-seated belief in their mission, Integrated Enterprises is leading the charge to create a more financially empowered and inclusive society for all.

A Legacy of Empowerment and Trust

In a world where financial success is often measured by quick gains, Integrated Enterprises stands out with a philosophy rooted in long-term partnership and trust. The company's focus on GIP—Growth, Income, and Protection—isn't just a strategy; it’s a commitment to ensuring every customer, particularly women, can achieve true financial independence. By providing a human touch in a digital age and offering a holistic approach to well-being through initiatives like "Stri," they are not just managing wealth; they are building a more secure and confident society.

The Verandah Club commends Integrated Enterprises for their valuable efforts to empower women and transform the financial landscape. Their dedication to educating, not just selling, is a testament to their founding principles and sets a powerful example for the industry.

If you’re ready to start your investment journey or learn more about how to secure your financial future, kindly contact Integrated Enterprises at https://www.integratedindia.in/ 

 

Vigneshwaran, Senior Correspondent of TheVerandahClub.com is both a skilled digital content writer, story teller, marketer, acupuncturist, as well as an avid independent writer driven by his passion. His literary talents extend to crafting beautiful poems and captivating short stories including the Sehwag Tales series. In addition to these creative pursuits, he has also authored a book titled "Halahala," which can be found on Wattpad.