India’s Ultra-Rich Soar Globally: Equity, Crypto, and Luxury Real Estate in Focus

India is undergoing a powerful shift in wealth creation, driven by a rising tribe of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs)—those with over $30 million in net worth. According to Knight Frank’s 2024 Wealth Report, India is set to witness a 58.4% rise in UHNWIs by 2028—the fastest among major economies.

We are witnessing a generational shift, said Ratna Sharma, Executive Director – Private Client Business, India. Today’s investors want global access, institutional-grade governance, and impact-aligned investments. She noted that India’s next wave of wealth creators, shaped by global exposure, are moving beyond traditional allocations toward more nuanced, tech-enabled, and globally diversified strategies.

This new-age affluent class is growing rapidly. Venkat Moorty, President of PMS at Savart, pointed out that India now has around 13,600 UHNWIs, with a 6% year-on-year growth. Over 15% of HNIs are under 30, and 20% are under 40, he said, attributing this surge to India’s tech boom, unicorn rise, and 268 IPOs in 2024 alone. Moorty also highlighted the evolving asset mix—32% in equities, 15% in alternatives like AIFs and crypto, and a third in foreign assets—reflecting smarter, globally integrated wealth planning.

Ajay Kumar Yadav, Group CEO & CIO at Wise Finserv, called this shift a quiet economic transformation, powered by strong GDP growth, an expanding investor base, and a booming startup scene with over 110 unicorns. This is more than just a wealth story—it’s about ambition, structural change, and rising global stature, he added.

For founders, wealth strategy goes deeper. Moksha Bhat, Managing Partner at AP & Partners, stressed the need for careful liquidity planning, legal structuring, and family governance. A well-structured exit allows founders to diversify wealth while safeguarding their legacy, he said.

India’s ultra-rich are not just focusing on domestic investments but are also looking abroad. Luxury real estate, particularly in prime locations like New York, London, and Singapore, is gaining traction. Crypto investments are also on the rise, with many UHNWIs exploring blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities.

The trend towards global diversification is driven by a desire for stability, higher returns, and strategic asset allocation. With the global economic landscape becoming increasingly interconnected, India’s ultra-rich are positioning themselves to capitalize on international markets and opportunities.

In conclusion, the rapid growth of UHNWIs in India is reshaping the country’s economic landscape. The new generation of wealth creators is leveraging technology, global exposure, and strategic investments to build and diversify their wealth, setting the stage for a promising future in the global financial arena.