Wealth management is a specialised service that combines financial advisory, investment planning, tax optimisation, and estate management into one structured solution. In India, wealth management services are experiencing rapid growth, driven by a rising number of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and increasing demand for professional guidance.

But what exactly does wealth management cover? Who benefits most from these services? How do wealth managers differ from regular financial planners?

• Do wealth managers only serve HNIs, or can professionals also access their services?

• How do wealth management strategies safeguard wealth against market risks and inflation?

• What qualities should you look for when selecting the best wealth management firms in India?

This blog explains what wealth management is, the services involved, the strategies used, the benefits, and the leading firms in India. Whether you are an HNI, NRI, or a working professional seeking wealth preservation, this guide will give you clarity.

Key Takeaways

• Wealth management combines financial advisory, investment, tax, and estate planning.

• In India, demand is rising due to growing HNIs and NRIs.

• Services cover portfolio diversification strategies, retirement income solutions, and tax-efficient investing.

• Leading firms include Ckredence Wealth and top wealth management companies in India.

• Choosing the right firm requires checking credentials, fees, and experience with HNI planning.

What Is Wealth Management?

Wealth management refers to a professional service that integrates financial advisory with investment, tax, and estate planning. Unlike general financial planning, wealth management provides holistic and personalized solutions for individuals and families, often focusing on HNIs and NRIs.

A wealth manager typically assesses risk tolerance, financial goals, and market opportunities before building a diversified strategy. These services are provided by banks, private firms, or SEBI-registered advisors in India.

Core Services in Wealth Management

Wealth management is more than just investment advice. It involves a wide set of services designed to secure, grow, and transfer wealth efficiently.

1. Financial Advisory Services

Wealth managers offer financial advisory services to align investments with life goals. This includes planning for children’s education, real estate acquisitions, or retirement savings.

2.  Portfolio Diversification Strategies

A core part of wealth management is portfolio diversification strategies, which reduce risk by spreading investments across equity, debt, real estate, gold, and alternative funds.

3. High Net Worth Individual Planning

HNIs often require customised wealth solutions, including private equity, offshore funds, and structured products. Wealth management companies in India offer services specifically for this segment.

4. Retirement Income Solutions

Wealth managers build plans that provide stable retirement income solutions. This may include annuities, pension funds, and systematic withdrawal plans.

5. Estate and Trust Management

Estate planning ensures a smooth wealth transfer to the next generation. Services include trust formation, will drafting, and legacy planning.

6. Tax-Efficient Investing

Wealth management firms focus on tax-efficient investing, using instruments like ELSS, municipal bonds, and tax-advantaged accounts to reduce liabilities.

Each of these services works together to provide clients with a complete financial framework.

Top Wealth Management Firms in India

India’s wealth management industry has grown sharply with the rise of HNIs, NRIs, and family offices. The country is home to some of the best wealth management firms in India, offering services that range from portfolio diversification strategies to estate and trust management. 

Many of these firms are headquartered in Mumbai, India’s financial hub, which is why most wealth management companies in Mumbai dominate the sector.

Here’s an overview of the leading firms:

1. Ckredence Wealth

Ckredence Wealth has built a reputation for providing personalized portfolio management and financial advisory services. Its offerings include SEBI-registered PMS, retirement income solutions, estate and trust management, and NRI-focused services. 

What sets Ckredence apart is its data-driven approach, regular portfolio reviews, and tax-efficient investing strategies that suit both HNIs and NRIs.

2. HDFC Wealth

Backed by one of India’s largest private banks, HDFC Wealth provides clients with access to a wide range of financial products. Their services include investment management, tax-efficient investing, insurance solutions, and estate planning. The strength of HDFC lies in its large client network, robust research teams, and integrated banking services.

3. ICICI Wealth Management

ICICI Wealth is known for its global investment access and private banking solutions. It caters to ultra-HNIs, offering structured products, portfolio diversification strategies, and international investment options. Their model combines financial planning, estate structuring, and tax planning, making them one of the best wealth management companies in India for global exposure.

4. Kotak Wealth Management

Kotak Wealth is among the oldest players in India’s wealth management space. It focuses on ultra-HNIs and family offices, delivering services such as asset allocation, alternative investments, and succession planning. Kotak’s strength lies in its discretionary portfolio management services and long-standing client relationships.

5. IIFL Wealth (360 One)

Previously known as IIFL Wealth, 360 One is among the largest independent wealth management companies in India. It specialises in alternative assets, structured debt products, and private equity investments. With a strong advisory team, IIFL Wealth is highly trusted for HNIs seeking high-return opportunities while managing risks carefully.

6. Edelweiss Wealth Management

Edelweiss offers multi-asset class portfolio solutions, family office services, and retirement income planning. It has a strong presence among entrepreneurs and business families. Edelweiss focuses on tax optimisation, estate management, and customised financial planning for clients across India.

7. Standard Chartered Private Banking India

Global banks like Standard Chartered bring international wealth management practices to Indian clients. They focus on HNIs and NRIs, offering services such as cross-border estate planning, foreign investments, and trust management.

Wealth Management Strategies

Strategies used by wealth managers depend on client profiles, market conditions, and financial goals. By applying these strategies, wealth management companies in India help clients balance short-term liquidity with long-term wealth growth.

• Risk Tolerance Assessment: The first step is understanding a client’s risk tolerance to determine if they are conservative, balanced, or aggressive investors.

• Asset Allocation: Proper asset allocation between equity, debt, real estate, and alternatives helps balance risk and return.

• Wealth Preservation Strategies: Protecting wealth is as important as growing it. Managers use wealth preservation strategies like fixed income, gold, and insurance products.

• Regular Portfolio Rebalancing: Rebalancing ensures portfolios remain aligned with the client’s financial goals and market changes.

• Long-Term Planning: Wealth management often emphasizes multi-decade strategies, especially for retirement income and estate transfer.

Benefits of Wealth Management

Wealth management offers clear advantages over basic financial planning.

Wealth Management vs Financial Planning

Although often confused, wealth management and financial planning are not the same.

• Financial planning usually covers budgeting, savings, and basic investments.

• Wealth management is broader, focusing on HNI planning, estate, tax, and global investments.

• For individuals with higher income and complex financial needs, wealth management offers a more structured solution.

Wealth Management Fees and Costs

Most wealth management companies in India charge fees in two formats:

• Asset-based fees: A percentage of assets under management (AUM).

• Fixed or hourly fees: Set charges for advisory services.

In India, AUM fees usually range between 0.5% to 2% annually based on the firm and portfolio size.

Why Should You Choose Ckredence Wealth?

Affluent individuals don’t just need generic financial advice; they need customised wealth management services in India that match their unique goals.

At Ckredence Wealth, we build portfolios around clients, focusing on long-term wealth preservation and tax-efficient investing.

Solutions That Matter:

• Hyper-Personalised Portfolios: Built for your financial legacy and future goals.

• Multi-Asset Allocation: Equity, debt, real estate, AIFs, PMS, and more.

• Dynamic Risk Management: Portfolios rebalanced to protect against volatility.

Advisory Edge:

• SEBI-registered wealth advisors.

• Proven PMS and estate management solutions.

• Dedicated services for HNIs and NRIs.

Choosing Ckredence means working with one of the best wealth management firms in India with a strong client-first philosophy.

Conclusion 

Wealth management encompasses more than just investments; it includes comprehensive financial advisory services, portfolio diversification, retirement solutions, and estate management. For high-net-worth individuals, non-resident Indians, and families with complex financial needs, effective wealth management is crucial for growth and preservation. With India's wealth management sector rapidly expanding, selecting the right partner is essential for long-term success.

At Ckredence Wealth, we offer personalized wealth management services that integrate tax-efficient investing, risk assessments, and preservation strategies backed by industry expertise. If you're looking for a trusted partner for goal-based financial planning, Ckredence provides the right mix of knowledge and experience.

Connect with Ckredence Wealth today to secure a smarter financial future for you and your family.

FAQs

Q1. What is wealth management, and how does it work in India?

Wealth management in India is an integrated service combining investments, estate, and tax planning for HNIs.

Q2. How do wealth managers differ from financial planners?

Wealth managers handle complex HNI portfolios, while financial planners focus on budgeting and savings.

Q3. Who are the top wealth management firms in India?

Top wealth management firms in India include Ckredence, Kotak, ICICI, HDFC, and IIFL.

Q4. What strategies do wealth management companies in India use?

They use portfolio diversification strategies, risk tolerance assessment, estate planning, and tax-efficient investing.