#NRIInvestments #SIPGrowth #WealthManagement #MutualFunds #FinEdge #GlobalIndians #FinancialPlanning #RetirementGoals #EducationPlanning
New Delhi: A new study by digital wealth management platform FinEdge has shed light on the unique investment behaviour of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), revealing that their monthly systematic investment plan (SIP) contributions average ₹6,486 — more than double the industry average of ₹2,900. This amount is also 58% higher than the average SIP contribution made by resident Indian investors, underlining the disciplined, goal-oriented, and long-term approach of the global Indian diaspora toward wealth creation.
Key Findings of the Study
The report, which analysed data from 898 NRI investors spread across 90+ countries, managing long-term goals worth a combined ₹4,200 crore, provides several insights into their investing habits:
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Higher SIP Contributions: The average monthly SIP by NRIs stands at ₹6,486, compared to ₹2,900 industry-wide.
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Long-Term Commitment: Over 75% of NRIs have stayed invested for more than five years, while 65% remain invested beyond seven years, highlighting their disciplined approach.
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Children’s Education as Top Priority: Education goals account for 30% of all NRI investment objectives, with an average target of ₹82 lakh — significantly higher than the ₹52 lakh set by resident Indian investors.
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Retirement Planning: Ranking second at 27%, NRIs target an average of ₹6.24 crore for retirement, around 75% higher than resident Indians.
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Other Key Goals: Wealth creation (11%), home purchase (9%), and children’s marriage (8%) form other major financial objectives.
Demographic Insights
The study also highlighted the demographic and behavioural patterns of NRI investors:
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Age Profile: A majority (74%) fall in the 31–45 age group, reflecting a mid-career focus on structured wealth building and securing long-term goals.
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Virtual Engagement: On average, each NRI investor engages in 5.4 virtual meetings annually with financial advisors, showcasing the adaptability of cross-border wealth management.
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Service Requests: About 72% of service-related queries raised by NRIs revolve around KYC, FATCA compliance, tax-related issues, and transactions, pointing towards the regulatory complexities of overseas investing.
A Goal-Centric Mindset
One of the most striking aspects of the findings is the goal-centric approach of NRIs compared to many domestic investors. For NRIs, financial planning is less about chasing short-term market opportunities and more about aligning investments with specific, long-term milestones.
Children’s education emerges as the single largest driver, reflecting the aspirations of global Indians to provide world-class education opportunities to their children, often abroad, which naturally entails higher costs. Retirement planning, the second-most important goal, highlights the growing awareness among NRIs of the need for financial independence post their active work years, especially when planning for life across geographies.
Industry Relevance
The report comes at a time when India’s mutual fund industry is witnessing record inflows into SIPs, with July 2025 data showing total SIP inflows exceeding ₹20,000 crore for the second consecutive month. However, the study reveals that NRIs are not only contributing more per individual but also exhibiting stronger long-term investment behaviour, which can provide greater stability to the SIP ecosystem.
Wealth managers believe that the NRI segment represents a high-value and stable investor base. Their higher disposable income, combined with a long-term outlook, makes them a critical segment for the Indian financial markets.
Expert Commentary
Harsh Gahlaut, Co-Founder & CEO of FinEdge, emphasized the importance of this disciplined approach:
“Our data reveals the disciplined, goal-centric approach of global Indians. Our platform helps clients invest with transparency and purpose, enabling them to stay aligned with their goals and build meaningful wealth in the long term.”
He further highlighted that cross-border wealth management requires robust digital infrastructure and advisory support. By offering personalised, virtual, and transparent advisory, platforms like FinEdge are enabling NRIs to stay connected with India’s growth story while ensuring their personal goals remain the centrepiece of financial planning.
Looking Ahead
With over 32 million NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) worldwide, the potential for this investor class is immense. As India continues to rise as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, financial markets are expected to attract even more cross-border participation.
The findings of this study are likely to encourage asset management companies (AMCs) to design more NRI-focused investment products, streamline compliance processes, and strengthen global advisory support. The unique needs of NRI investors — from planning for international education to dual retirement scenarios — will increasingly shape product innovation in India’s mutual fund and SIP ecosystem.
Conclusion
The FinEdge study underscores how NRIs are playing a critical role in strengthening India’s mutual fund industry by bringing in not just larger ticket sizes but also stability through long-term commitments. Their focus on education, retirement, and wealth creation reflects not just personal aspirations but also a deep-rooted confidence in India’s financial markets.
As digital platforms continue to bridge geographical barriers, NRI investors are expected to play an even greater role in India’s SIP revolution — a trend that bodes well for the industry’s long-term growth and resilience.
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#NRIInvestments #SIPGrowth #WealthManagement #MutualFunds #FinEdge #GlobalIndians #FinancialPlanning #RetirementGoals #EducationPlanning
