Mumbai, 9 July 2025: HSBC’s latest 2025 Affluent Investor Snapshot reveals a strategic shift in how affluent Indians are managing their wealth. The report highlights a growing appetite for alternative investments, multi-asset solutions, and global diversification — reflecting a more forward-looking, strategic approach to financial planning.
Based on insights from 10,797 individual investors across 12 global markets, the survey indicates that affluent Indians are reducing cash holdings and increasing exposure to managed investments, stocks, and gold.
Cash Allocations Hit a New Low as Investors Deploy Capital
Indian affluent investors now hold the lowest average cash allocation in Asia at just 15%, signalling a move toward more active capital deployment. In contrast to global peers, affluent Indians are more decisive in putting idle cash to work, reflecting a shift in mindset from capital preservation to long-term growth.
Globally, younger investors — especially Gen Z and millennials — are also driving this trend. Over the past 12 months, their average cash holdings fell sharply from 31% to 17%. However, future views on cash remain mixed:
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50% plan to keep cash allocations unchanged
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30% may increase allocations
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20% intend to reduce further
UAE (28%) and mainland China (34%) lead globally in expected increases in cash holdings over the next year.
Gold and Alternatives Gain Ground in Indian Portfolios
Gold continues to shine in Indian portfolios. Over the last year, affluent Indians nearly doubled their allocation to gold, rising from 8% to 15% — marking the largest increase across all asset classes. Globally, 50% of investors plan to invest in gold in the coming year, with 30% showing interest in tokenized gold formats.
Meanwhile, alternative investments such as private equity, hedge funds, and structured products are also gaining favor. Worldwide, affluent investors are doubling their allocations to alternatives, with 5 in 10 planning to hold such assets in the next 12 months and 3 in 10 seeking private market exposure. Gen Z investors have led this charge, having tripled their allocation to alternatives in just a year.
“There is a notable shift among affluent individuals in India toward a more strategic approach to portfolio management,” said Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Personal Banking at HSBC India. “Affluent investors are actively exploring diversified asset classes and international opportunities to grow and protect their wealth.”
Global Investment Appetite on the Rise
International diversification is a growing priority. According to the report:
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40% of global affluent investors plan to invest internationally in the next 12 months
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UAE (56%) and Singapore (50%) show the strongest intent for global exposure
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Top destinations for offshore investment accounts include the US, Singapore, and Hong Kong
For Indian investors, the US ranks as the top destination for international exposure, while affluent investors in global hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, UK, and US also intend to invest more within their home regions.
Confidence in Long-Term Goals Remains High Among Indian Investors
Despite inflation and global economic uncertainty, affluent investors maintain strong confidence in their financial future. Globally:
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80% of affluent investors (especially Gen Z and millennials) remain confident in achieving long-term financial goals
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Retirement planning remains the top long-term priority across generations
In India, investor sentiment is particularly positive:
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85% of Indian respondents report satisfaction with their quality of life
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90%+ are confident in achieving short-term goals (up to 3 years)
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80%+ in medium-term goals (3–5 years)
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86% in long-term goals (beyond 5 years)
Top Financial Priorities for Affluent Indians
Affluent Indians continue to focus on:
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Property investments
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Financial support for family
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Personal well-being and health savings
Despite concerns about the cost of living and economic fluctuations, Indian affluent investors remain more financially confident than their global counterparts, reaffirming their resilience and long-term vision.
About HSBC’s 2025 Affluent Investor Snapshot
The report surveyed 10,797 affluent individuals across 12 global markets to analyze investment behavior, sentiment, and trends among high-net-worth investors. The findings shed light on the evolving priorities and strategies shaping modern wealth management.
