Rishi Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murty, is far more than the spouse of a political leader. As the daughter of Indian tech billionaire Narayana Murthy, co-owner of multiple global ventures, a fashion designer, and a powerful figure in philanthropy, Akshata has carved out a distinct public identity. Their marriage has become a focal point of public and media interest in the UK, especially as Rishi Sunak’s political career reached its peak with his appointment as Prime Minister in 2022. This article offers a comprehensive look into her life, business interests, controversies, and public image, addressing the growing curiosity around who she is and why she matters.
Who is Rishi Sunak’s Wife?
Background and Early Life
Akshata Murty was born in April 1980 in Hubli, India, into one of the most influential families in Indian business. Her father, Narayana Murthy, founded Infosys, one of India’s biggest IT companies, while her mother Sudha Murty is a respected philanthropist and author.
Akshata’s upbringing was shaped by discipline, simplicity, and an intense focus on education. She studied economics and French at Claremont McKenna College in California, completed a diploma in clothing manufacturing at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, and later earned an MBA from Stanford University, where she met Rishi Sunak.
Marriage to Rishi Sunak
Akshata met Rishi Sunak at Stanford in the early 2000s. The couple married in 2009 in a modest ceremony in Bangalore, India. Their shared background in finance and international experience forged a strong partnership, and Akshata became a steady support as Rishi transitioned from a banking career to British politics.
They have two daughters and split their time between homes in London, Yorkshire, and Santa Monica. Despite Rishi’s public role, Akshata generally keeps a low profile—except when it intersects with business or tax scrutiny.
Akshata Murty’s Business Career
Fashion Entrepreneur
In 2010, Akshata started her own fashion brand, Akshata Designs. The brand was short-lived, closing within three years, but it reflected her personal passion for ethical and artisan fashion. She collaborated with Indian artisans to design clothing that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
While her brand didn’t endure, it marked the beginning of her public profile as a businesswoman, one which would later grow due to her substantial shareholdings and directorships.
Stake in Infosys
Most significantly, Akshata owns 0.93% of Infosys, the massive Indian IT services company that her father co-founded. As of early 2025, this stake is worth over £600 million. This investment not only made her one of the wealthiest women in the UK but also brought intense scrutiny, especially when Infosys continued business operations in Russia during the Ukraine war.
Directorships and Investments
Akshata is a director or investor in multiple firms including:
Catamaran Ventures UK, co-founded with Rishi Sunak (who resigned his directorship in 2015)
Jamie Oliver’s restaurant businesses
New & Lingwood, a traditional British menswear brand
Koro Kids, a childcare platform
These ventures reflect her interest in ethical business, family-focused services, and cultural preservation.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Non-Domicile Tax Status
In 2022, a major political controversy erupted when it was revealed that Akshata claimed “non-dom” tax status in the UK. This allowed her to legally avoid paying UK taxes on her overseas earnings, including dividends from Infosys. While legal, this arrangement was perceived as unfair, especially as Rishi Sunak was Chancellor of the Exchequer at the time.
In response to public pressure, Akshata voluntarily agreed to pay UK taxes on her global income, reportedly forfeiting millions of pounds annually. Her decision was widely covered by outlets like The Guardian, Financial Times, and BBC News, reflecting the fine line public figures must walk between legality and perception.
Business Ties to Russia
During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, scrutiny intensified over Infosys’s continued presence in Moscow. Though Akshata has no managerial role in Infosys, her stake made her a target for criticism. Eventually, Infosys scaled down its operations in Russia, and Sunak’s team distanced him from his wife’s independent holdings.
Public Image and Lifestyle
Philanthropy and Cultural Involvement
Akshata Murty has continuously backed philanthropic initiatives with her family. Sudha Murty’s Pratham Books, Infosys Foundation initiatives, and educational funding in rural India are often supported or promoted by Akshata.
She also champions causes related to women’s education, sustainable fashion, and digital inclusion, though she rarely makes public speeches or media appearances.
Private yet Present
While not a traditional political spouse who campaigns or makes speeches, Akshata is regularly seen with Rishi Sunak at cultural events, G7 summits, and royal gatherings. Her sartorial choices—often a mix of Indian weaves and British tailoring—are covered in fashion magazines but without ostentation.
In 2023, she was listed in Tatler magazine’s “Top 25 Influential Women in Britain,” partly for her quiet dignity and partly for her enormous wealth.
Practical Tips: Understanding Political Spouses and Tax Law
For anyone curious about political partners and UK tax laws, here are some key points:
Non-Dom status is legal but increasingly controversial. It’s advisable to consider public perception if involved in public service.
Marital wealth does not always imply shared political power. Akshata has no official role in the UK government.
Transparency matters. Prompt and proactive disclosure helps avoid reputational damage.
Understanding how wealth intersects with politics is essential in the modern media age. The Murty-Sunak case is now cited in law schools and public policy classes as a prime example of the legal vs. ethical debate.
Current Trends (as of 2025)
In 2025, Akshata Murty remains a top-searched figure on Google UK. Topics like “Akshata Murty net worth”, “Akshata Murty tax”, and “Sunak wife Infosys” continue to trend.
On YouTube, content creators are publishing explainer videos with millions of views covering her lifestyle, wealth, and influence. On X, hashtags like #MurtyWealth, #SunakWife, and #AkshataTax continue to appear, especially during budget announcements and parliamentary sessions.
In Meta groups, public opinion is increasingly nuanced. While earlier sentiment was critical, recent discussions show more balanced views acknowledging her philanthropic work and personal restraint from political life.
Real-Life Examples of Influence
Supporting British Small Businesses
Akshata’s investment in New & Lingwood helped the historic shirtmaker weather the post-pandemic retail crisis. She reportedly provided strategic funding that preserved over 50 British manufacturing jobs.
Female Entrepreneurship in the UK
Despite the early end of Akshata Designs, Akshata continues to mentor women-led startups, especially in fashion and retail. Her engagement with incubators like Seedcamp and The Conduit highlights her commitment to the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
FAQs
Who is Akshata Murty?
Akshata Murty is the wife of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, an heiress to the Infosys fortune, and a businesswoman in her own right. She owns shares in multiple companies and supports philanthropic initiatives.
Why was Akshata Murty criticised for her tax status?
She claimed “non-domicile” tax status in the UK, allowing her to avoid paying UK taxes on overseas income. While legal, it sparked public backlash due to Sunak’s political position. She later changed her tax arrangements.
How much is Akshata Murty worth?
As of 2025, her estimated net worth is over £600 million, primarily due to her Infosys stake. This makes her wealthier than King Charles III, according to The Sunday Times Rich List.
Does Akshata Murty have a role in politics?
No, she holds no formal or advisory role in government. However, due to her wealth and high-profile marriage, her business dealings are often scrutinised in political contexts.
Where can I learn more about her background and family?
You can explore more through articles such as Lee Montague: Legacy and Influence, Lord Sugar, and Alexander Armstrong’s Impact.
Final Thoughts
Akshata Murty’s life straddles continents, cultures, and controversies. From her roots in India’s tech dynasty to her role as the UK’s unofficial first lady, she remains a figure of fascination. Her influence is quiet yet profound, not through speeches or public campaigns but through investments, philanthropy, and the weight of legacy.
As political families face growing scrutiny in the age of transparency, Akshata’s story reminds us of the delicate balance between personal privacy, public accountability, and the modern complexities of wealth and power. Whether admired or questioned, her presence in British life is undeniable and enduring.
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