India has become the 4th-largest home for high net worth individuals, or HNWIs, according to the Knight Frank Global Wealth Report 2025.
With a total of 85,698 individuals possessing wealth exceeding $10 million, India now follows only the United States, China, and Japan in this global ranking.
Accounting for 3.7% of the global HNWI population, India’s position reflects significant wealth creation driven by a blend of economic growth, entrepreneurship, and increasing access to capital.
The report credits India’s expanding economy and thriving start-up culture as key forces behind the rising number of wealthy individuals. The broader availability of digital financial tools and smartphone penetration has also enabled greater participation in wealth-generating activities across urban and semi-urban regions.
Entrepreneurship is particularly flourishing across sectors like technology, consumer goods, renewable energy, and financial services, contributing to individual and family wealth accumulation.
India’s billionaire count rose sharply by 12% in the past year alone, bringing the total number to 191. This increase includes the addition of 26 new billionaires, a significant jump compared to the 7 added in 2019. Collectively, Indian billionaires now control a combined wealth of approximately $0.95 trillion, placing the country ahead of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in billionaire wealth.
Although still trailing the United States and China, the pace of growth in India’s ultra-wealthy segment remains among the highest globally.
Real estate continues to be a primary choice for asset preservation and growth among India’s HNWIs. Globally, almost 30% of billionaire wealth is allocated to real estate, a trend especially visible in India, where property ownership often symbolises status, legacy, and long-term security.
There is also a noticeable shift among wealthy Indians toward acquiring international properties, with popular investment destinations including Dubai, London, and Singapore.
Read More: Last Chance: Update Your Aadhaar for Free by June 14!
The report indicates a growing appetite among Indian high-net-worth individuals for equities and higher-risk assets. This contrasts with traditionally conservative investment approaches seen in regions like Europe and Japan.
With India’s financial markets maturing and access to capital markets widening, many wealthy investors are diversifying their portfolios through domestic and international equity exposure.
The Knight Frank report forecasts that India’s HNWI population will grow by 43% over the next four years. By 2028, the number of individuals with net assets above $10 million is expected to reach 1,22,119. This projected growth rate is among the fastest in the world, signalling continued momentum in wealth creation.
Such expansion reflects not only the performance of traditional sectors but also the rise of digital businesses and cross-border investments that are reshaping wealth trajectories.
India’s robust digital ecosystem, especially the widespread use of smartphones and digital banking platforms, has played a critical role in expanding wealth access. From seamless transactions to real-time investments, the digital revolution has democratised financial participation, particularly for first-generation entrepreneurs.
With initiatives promoting financial literacy and digital inclusion, more Indians are gaining the tools to build and grow wealth effectively.
India’s rapid rise as the 4th largest centre for high-net-worth individuals signals a major transformation in its economic landscape. With strong growth in both millionaires and billionaires, driven by digital infrastructure, entrepreneurial energy, and evolving investment habits, India is cementing its position as a global wealth powerhouse. The years ahead are likely to see even greater acceleration in personal wealth across diverse segments of the population.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Jun 13, 2025, 3:56 PM IST
Team Angel One
We're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates
Get the link to download the App
