Next-Gen Shift: How Indian Heirs are Redefining Wealth

Anjeet Khandelwal, Founding Partner
India’s wealth landscape is in the midst of a seismic transformation. By 2030, it’s projected that nearly $2.5 trillion in assets will transition to the next generation (Credit Suisse). This cohort—well-versed in global trends, technology, and sustainability—is not merely inheriting wealth; they’re reshaping its meaning, management, and impact.

Changing Expectations: From Preservation to Personalization

72% of Indian HNWIs expect hyper-personalized investment strategies (Accenture India). With AI-powered platforms and analytics, heirs now seek bespoke portfolios tailored to their goals, risk appetites, and personal values.

56% of India’s next-gen wealth holders prefer self-directed, digital platforms (Campden Wealth), turning to platforms like Zerodha, Groww, and Kuvera for seamless, real-time decision-making.

Global exposure is key: Nearly 45% of Indian family offices are increasing allocations to offshore investments, spanning US equities, global REITs, and alternative assets (UBS Global Family Office Report).

Evolving Values: Wealth with Purpose

ESG funds in India have witnessed a 30% annual rise in inflows since 2020, with assets under management projected to touch ₹5 lakh crore by 2025 (Morningstar India).

68% of Indian next-gen leaders believe impact investing is integral to their family’s legacy (Credit Suisse). Their focus is shifting from passive philanthropy to venture philanthropy, green bonds, and renewable energy investments.

The startup ecosystem is thriving: In 2024, Indian startups raised $8.3 billion in funding, a space where next-gen family offices are increasingly active, not just for returns but for innovation and societal impact (Inc42).

Strategic Shifts: Diversification and Digital Transformation

Alternative investments—including REITs, private equity, and venture capital—now account for over 20% of HNWI portfolios in India, a jump from 12% in 2018 (Knight Frank India).

Family offices are proliferating: The number of Indian family offices has grown by 400% in the last decade, with an estimated 400 family offices managing assets of over ₹1,000 crore each (EY India).

Technology adoption is accelerating: 67% of Indian family offices plan to increase tech budgets by 2026, focusing on AI-driven risk management, portfolio optimization, and compliance automation (Campden Research).

Rise of New Wealth Hubs

Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are emerging as wealth hubs. Cities like Surat, Indore, and Coimbatore are witnessing a surge in HNI and UHNWI growth, contributing to 15% of new family office setups in India (Kotak Wealth Management).

This trend is driven by India’s rapid economic decentralization, entrepreneurship boom, and the democratization of digital investment tools.

Ownership? No, It’s Stewardship Now

Unlike their predecessors, many next-gen leaders view wealth as a collective responsibility rather than a personal entitlement. According to EY India, 60% of Indian family offices are now implementing formal family governance frameworks—a significant jump from just 35% a decade ago.

One of our inheritors, who introduced a family charter that integrates succession planning, philanthropic goals, and business reinvention. “We’ve moved from boardroom conversations to family retreats,” he says. “It’s about aligning everyone around a shared purpose.”

Human Connections Matter More Than Ever

Surprisingly, the digital-savvy next-gen isn’t abandoning human relationships. In fact, 77% of Indian heirs emphasize open communication, inclusivity, and empathy in family wealth decisions (Credit Suisse).

Looking Ahead: A Vision Beyond Assets

The next-gen shift is not just about wealth transfer—it’s about redefining wealth itself:

·       From preservation to personalization, powered by data and AI.

·       From profit to purpose, with ESG, impact, and community at the core.

·       From local to global, blending global strategies with Indian entrepreneurial energy. 

·       From legacy to innovation, fueled by alternative assets and startups.

·       From manual to digital-first, with real-time, automated decision-making.