Summary of this article
Women in Indian families are expected to inherit at least Rs 73 trillion over the next 10 years, according to a new report by Barclays Private Bank. The transfer could significantly reshape not just who owns wealth, but also how it is invested, managed and passed on to future generations.
The findings suggest that women are not simply inheriting wealth; many are taking a more active role in deciding what to do with it.
Awareness of succession planning is increasing, but turning that awareness into a formal, well-structured plan remains a challenge.
For generations, family wealth in India has often been created by one generation, managed by another and eventually passed down within the family. But as a massive wave of wealth changes hands over the coming decade, women are increasingly moving from the sidelines to the centre of those decisions.
Women in Indian families are expected to inherit at least Rs 73 trillion over the next 10 years, according to a new report by Barclays Private Bank. The transfer could significantly reshape not just who owns wealth, but also how it is invested, managed and passed on to future generations.
Titled ‘The Ownership Shift: Perspectives from Women Pioneers Leading India’s Intergenerational Wealth Transfer,’ the report examines the evolving role of women in India’s wealth landscape. Developed by Barclays Private Bank in collaboration with Encubay, it draws on quantitative research and insights from 22 women leaders, including entrepreneurs, investors, fund managers and family wealth stewards.
The report looks at how women are approaching wealth creation, investment decisions, succession planning, philanthropy and long-term stewardship.
Women Are Becoming More Hands-On With Wealth
The findings suggest that women are not simply inheriting wealth; many are taking a more active role in deciding what to do with it.
As many as 86 per cent of women surveyed said long-term wealth creation is a priority, while 66 per cent actively participate in investment management. A further 72 per cent review their investment portfolios either monthly or quarterly, pointing to a hands-on approach to managing their money.
At the same time, women appear to be taking a measured approach to risk. About 84 per cent of respondents favour a balanced investment strategy that combines growth opportunities with capital preservation.
“The flow of wealth into women’s hands is transforming not just wealth ownership, but wealth management. It’s changing who makes decisions about how wealth is invested, allocated and preserved for future generations,” said Annabelle Bryde, Head of Private Bank International, Barclays Private Bank. “As women gain more responsibility for family wealth, they are becoming a driving force behind investment strategies, business opportunities and multigenerational wealth creation.”
Private Markets Are Gaining Attention
The next phase of wealth deployment could also see women venture beyond traditional investments.
Around 40 per cent of respondents said they plan to prioritise private equity, venture capital and start-up investments when deploying new capital over the next three to five years. However, only 13 per cent are currently invested in these asset classes.
This gap between interest and actual allocation could create an opportunity for wealth advisers, particularly as investors seek a greater understanding of relatively complex and less liquid investment options.
Trust And Financial Confidence Matter
Despite growing engagement with investments, knowledge and confidence remain important areas for improvement.
Nearly three-quarters of the women surveyed said greater investment knowledge and confidence would have the biggest impact on their financial journey. This points to a growing demand for financial education alongside investment advice.
Professional advisers already play an important role. About 77 per cent of respondents rely on professional wealth advisers, while 85 per cent said trust and transparency are the most important qualities in an advisory relationship.
Succession Planning Has A Clear Gap
The report also highlights a striking difference between women preparing to inherit wealth and those who have already inherited it.
Among women expecting to inherit wealth, 77 per cent have already started succession planning. But among those who have already inherited wealth, only 23 per cent have fully structured plans in place.
The finding suggests that awareness of succession planning is increasing, but turning that awareness into a formal, well-structured plan remains a challenge.
The broader message from the report is that the changing ownership of wealth could also change its purpose. For many women, wealth is increasingly being viewed not merely as something to preserve, but as a way to exercise financial independence, create opportunities, support causes and build a lasting family legacy.
With Rs 73 trillion expected to pass into women’s hands over the next decade, their growing role could become one of the defining shifts in India’s wealth-management landscape.
