Archive · 29 Sep 2026
How Indian HNIs Can Protect Wealth Across Generations
Many business founders have most of their money tied up in one company.
That can be risky if the company or markets face trouble.
Experts suggest spreading some wealth across shares, bonds, property and other investments.
Families should also keep 10–15% of their wealth in assets that can be accessed quickly.
This emergency money can prevent them from selling important investments at a bad time.
Founders can still invest in exciting private companies, but only with money set aside for higher-risk opportunities.
They should make a clear plan for who will inherit and manage the wealth.
Wills, Family Trusts and Family Constitutions can help make that transfer smoother.
India has 1,687 individuals with net worth of at least ₹1,000 crore, according to the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025.
Of these, 1,115 are self-made, while 74% of new entrants are first-generation entrepreneurs.
Founders are advised to gradually diversify wealth beyond their operating businesses and listed holdings.
A dedicated liquid buffer of 10–15% can help families avoid forced asset sales during emergencies or market downturns.
Wills, Family Trusts and Family Constitutions can help organize succession, ownership and family governance.
- Who
- Indian high-net-worth individuals, particularly first-generation founders and their families.
- What
- A wealth-management framework focused on diversification, liquidity, risk management and succession planning.
- When
- As founders’ wealth grows and they transition from operating businesses to managing family wealth.
- Where
- The guidance concerns Indian families and may also apply across jurisdictions when family members or assets are in multiple countries.
- Why
- To protect concentrated wealth, reduce the risk of forced asset sales and ensure an orderly transfer across generations.
- Indian HNIs
- India has 1,687 individuals with net worth of ₹1,000 crore or more.
- Self-made individuals
- 1,115 people on the list are self-made, up from 1,008 the previous year.
- New entrants
- First-generation entrepreneurs account for 74% of new entrants.
- Suggested liquid buffer
- HNI portfolios should maintain 10–15% in high-grade, accessible instruments.
- Succession gap
- 36% of Indian family businesses have no clear succession plan, compared with 28% globally, according to PwC’s latest Family Business Survey.
- Recommended tools
- A Will, Family Trust and Family Constitution can support inheritance, wealth preservation and family governance.