India's Wealthiest Individuals Prefer Real Estate and Gold Investments
A recent report by Bernstein reveals that India's wealthiest citizens, known as the 'Uber Rich,' predominantly invest their assets in real estate and gold. This elite group, comprising just 1% of Indian households, controls 60% of the country's total assets and 70% of its financial assets.
Real EstateGoldWealth ManagementFinancial AssetsWealth InequalityReal Estate NewsAug 04, 2025
India's total household wealth is estimated at $19.6 trillion, with the Uber Rich controlling a whopping $11.6 trillion (59%). However, only $2.7 trillion of this is invested in serviceable financial assets such as mutual funds, equities, insurance, and bank or government deposits. The rest, about $8.9 trillion, is tied up in non-serviceable assets like physical real estate, gold, and cash holdings.
The Bernstein report highlights a major business opportunity for wealth managers and investment advisors in India, especially as the affluent class starts diversifying away from traditional investments. Despite their financial wealth, this segment remains largely underpenetrated by formal wealth management services, with a large portion of their assets still unmanaged.
The Bernstein report also highlights a broader structural trend in India: high wealth inequality. 'The top 1% earns 40% of all income, while the 'Rest of India' holds only a small fraction of both income and assets,' it said. This disparity is even more pronounced than income inequality, with the Uber Rich controlling $4.5 trillion in financial assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'Uber Rich' in India?
The 'Uber Rich' in India are defined as the top 1% of households, including Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNI), High Net Worth Individuals (HNI), and the Affluent class. This group controls nearly 60% of the country's total assets and 70% of its financial assets.
How much of India's total household wealth is controlled by the Uber Rich?
The Uber Rich control approximately $11.6 trillion, which is 59% of India's total household wealth estimated at $19.6 trillion.
What are the main types of assets held by the Uber Rich in India?
The main types of assets held by the Uber Rich in India include real estate, gold, and cash holdings, which account for about $8.9 trillion. Only a smaller portion, $2.7 trillion, is invested in serviceable financial assets like mutual funds, equities, insurance, and bank or government deposits.
What business opportunity does the Bernstein report highlight for wealth managers in India?
The Bernstein report highlights a significant business opportunity for wealth managers and investment advisors in India, especially as the affluent class starts diversifying away from traditional investments. Despite their financial wealth, this segment remains largely underpenetrated by formal wealth management services.
What does the report say about wealth inequality in India?
The Bernstein report emphasizes high wealth inequality in India, where the top 1% earns 40% of all income and controls $4.5 trillion in financial assets. This disparity is more pronounced than income inequality, with the 'Rest of India' holding only a small fraction of both income and assets.
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