Indian Women to Inherit ₹73 Trillion, Transforming Wealth

Indian women are projected to inherit a minimum of ₹73 trillion over the next decade, a development set to profoundly reshape the nation’s wealth management sector. This significant forecast comes from a recent report by Barclays Private Bank, produced in collaboration with Encubay.

The estimated figure includes both listed and unlisted family assets, though the report noted private holdings were not fully evaluated, suggesting the actual inheritance could be even higher. This comprehensive study’s findings are based on extensive interviews with 22 prominent women leaders across various fields.

Prioritizing Long-Term Wealth Creation

The study highlights a distinct and proactive approach to wealth management among Indian women. A substantial majority prioritize sustained growth and actively engage with their financial portfolios.

• 86% of surveyed women leaders prioritize long-term wealth creation strategies.
• 66% are actively involved in managing their personal investments.
• 84% prefer a balanced investment approach, combining growth opportunities with capital preservation.

Exploring Alternative Investments

While interest in alternative asset classes is high, current allocation shows a clear gap that presents opportunities for financial advisors. Many women leaders intend to broaden their investment horizons significantly.

• 40% plan to allocate new capital to private equity, venture capital, and startup investments within the next three to five years.
• However, only 13% are currently invested in these alternative asset classes.

Navigating Succession Planning Challenges

Despite the impending large-scale wealth transfer, structured succession planning remains an area requiring significant development. Many women who have already inherited assets still lack comprehensive intergenerational transfer strategies.

• Only 23% of women who have inherited wealth have fully structured plans for intergenerational transfer.
• 54% have plans under development.
• 23% lack concrete plans, even while understanding their assets.

Addressing Financial Confidence Gaps

Financial confidence and knowledge are identified as crucial factors for improving financial well-being among women. The report uncovered specific challenges hindering full engagement in financial decision-making.

• Nearly three-quarters of respondents identified investment knowledge and confidence as the most impactful factor.
• 86% consider themselves only moderately confident in financial decision-making.
• 20% specifically cited a lack of confidence and knowledge as a major challenge.

Other identified barriers to financial empowerment include balancing time and attention, finding trusted advice, and systemic issues. These factors collectively impact women’s full participation in managing their wealth.

• Balancing time and attention: 50%
• Finding trusted advice: 30%
• Capital access: 10%
• Cultural conditioning: 10%

Growing Influence in India’s Capital Markets

Concurrently with the projected wealth transfer, women’s influence within India’s broader capital markets is demonstrably increasing. Their presence is expanding across various key financial and entrepreneurial sectors.

• Representation on boards of National Stock Exchange (NSE)-listed companies rose from 5% in March 2014 to 21% by February 2026.
• Women fund managers oversaw ₹13.45 trillion, representing 20% of total mutual fund assets by January 2025, up from ₹6.66 trillion (12.63%) in January 2024.
• Nearly half of all DPIIT-recognized startups (75,935 as of December 2024) have at least one woman director.