Archive · 30 Sep 2026
India Eyes Wider Wealth Participation Beyond Major Cities
India has many people using digital payments, but far fewer people invest their money.
EY India says this could change as more people in smaller cities begin investing.
Young people, women and families with internet access may help drive this growth.
People under 30 already make up 38% of the investor base.
The report says India could gain 10 crore long-term investors by 2035.
It suggests making investing part of everyday activities such as receiving income and saving.
Automatic investing could help people begin and continue investing.
Technology and artificial intelligence could offer more people financial guidance, but they must be used safely.
The report also says investment products should be simple and trustworthy.
EY India projects India could add 10 crore long-term investors by 2035 as wealth creation spreads to tier 2 and 3 cities.
India has over 55 crore active UPI users, compared with 6.2 crore mutual-fund investors and about 5 crore active equity-market participants.
Investors under 30 account for 38% of India’s investor base, up from 23% in FY19.
The report identifies smaller cities, young investors, women and digitally connected households as sources of future participation.
EY India recommends embedding investing into everyday finances, using automation, building trust, scaling technology responsibly and simplifying investment journeys.
- Who
- EY India analyzed India’s investor participation and offered recommendations for expanding it.
- What
- India could add 10 crore long-term investors by 2035, but a large gap remains between digital-payment users and investment participants.
- When
- The report refers to a potential increase by 2035 and compares current participation with FY19 levels.
- Where
- India, including tier 2 and 3 cities.
- Why
- To broaden wealth creation by making investing more accessible, trusted, automated and integrated with everyday financial behavior.
- Projected new investors
- 10 crore long-term investors by 2035
- Active UPI users
- Over 55 crore
- Mutual-fund investors
- About 6.2 crore individuals
- Active equity participants
- About 5 crore people
- Investors under 30
- 38% of the investor base, compared with 23% in FY19
- Potential growth areas
- Smaller cities, young investors, women and digitally connected households
- Core recommendations
- Integrate investing into daily finances, automate participation, build trust, use technology responsibly and simplify investment journeys