India's Wealthiest 1% Hold 60% of Assets, Preferring Real Estate and Gold
A new report by Bernstein reveals that the top 1% of India's wealthiest citizens hold a significant portion of the country's assets, primarily in real estate and gold, presenting a massive untapped market for wealth managers.
Real EstateGoldWealth ManagementIndiaUber RichReal EstateAug 04, 2025
Together, these high-income groups represent just 1 percent of Indian households but control nearly 60 percent of the country’s total assets and 70 percent of its financial assets, the report stated.
India’s total household wealth is estimated at $19.6 trillion, out of which $11.6 trillion, or 59 percent, is held by the Uber Rich. Of this, only $2.7 trillion is invested in serviceable financial assets like mutual funds, equities, insurance, and bank or government deposits. These financial instruments can be actively managed or reallocated, forming the Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM) for wealth managers.
The rest, about $8.9 trillion, remains tied up in non-serviceable assets like physical real estate, gold, promoter equity, and cash holdings, the report added.
The report points to a significant business opportunity for wealth managers and investment advisors in India, especially as the affluent class begins to diversify away from traditional investments. It highlights how this wealth segment remains largely underpenetrated by formal wealth management services, with a considerable portion of financial wealth unmanaged.
The findings also underscore a broader structural trend in India: while income inequality is high, wealth inequality is even starker, according to Bernstein’s analysis. The top 1 percent earns 40 percent of all income, while the ‘Rest of India’ holds only a small fraction of both income and assets.
Bernstein’s breakdown of the Uber Rich shows that India has around 35,000 UHNI households with net worths exceeding $12 million. These households have average assets of $54 million, including $24 million in financial assets. Collectively, the Uber Rich command $4.5 trillion in financial assets, which amounts to 70 percent of the country’s total financial wealth.
This data underscores the potential for wealth managers to tap into this market and provide more diversified and managed financial services to the ultra-rich, potentially leading to more efficient wealth allocation and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Uber Rich' segment in India?
The 'Uber Rich' segment in India includes Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNI), High Net Worth Individuals (HNI), and the Affluent class. They represent just 1 percent of Indian households but control nearly 60 percent of the country’s total assets.
How much of India's total household wealth is held by the Uber Rich?
India’s total household wealth is estimated at $19.6 trillion, out of which $11.6 trillion, or 59 percent, is held by the Uber Rich.
What types of assets do the Uber Rich prefer?
The Uber Rich prefer physical assets such as real estate and gold. Around 60 percent of their assets are parked in these types of investments.
What is the Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM) for wealth managers in India?
The Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM) for wealth managers in India is $2.7 trillion, which is the portion of the Uber Rich’s wealth invested in serviceable financial assets like mutual funds, equities, insurance, and bank or government deposits.
What opportunity does this present for wealth managers?
The report highlights a significant business opportunity for wealth managers and investment advisors in India, as the affluent class begins to diversify away from traditional investments and formal wealth management services remain largely underpenetrated.
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