India’s wealthtech ecosystem has grown rapidly over the past decade, particularly in mutual fund SIPs, equity investments, and F&O trading.
Post-Covid, retail participation surged, with significant increases in SIPs, trading accounts, and demat accounts.
While this phase of growth has largely played out, 2026 is poised to bring a new set of drivers, particularly with the integration of AI agents and technology-led innovations that simplify delivery processes.
Here’s what to expect for the Indian wealthtech ecosystem in 2026.
The Indian wealthtech market remains fragmented. Multiple platforms exist for SIPs and mutual funds, with some venturing into robo-advisory. However, only a few can provide a full-stack solution, covering advisory, alternative products, fixed income, and goal-based planning.
Moreover, retail investors are increasingly seeking products beyond basic SIPs, including PMS, AIFs, structured products, and risk-hedging instruments. Wealthtech platforms will need to deliver these offerings while complying with SEBI regulations and data compliance requirements.
Portfolio analytics, AI-driven rebalancing, and return optimisation will become standard, allowing firms to meet complex customer needs while staying compliant. As a result, delivering comprehensive solutions will be a key differentiator in 2026, expanding the market’s overall scale and scope.
Investors will prioritise unit economics, monetisation clarity, customer lifetime value, and profitability. Hybrid platforms combining AI and human advisory are expected to attract the strongest interest.
AI adoption across wealthtech is now moving beyond experimentation and beginning to influence how platforms scale, interact with customers, and deliver personalised experiences. The following trends highlight how AI is reshaping both the front-end and back-end layers of the ecosystem.
AI In Customer Interactions: AI is increasingly shaping customer interactions. Chatbots now manage routine queries, such as updating nominees or changing addresses, and guide customers through SIP creation by asking a few simple questions. This front-end AI usage provides personalised solutions and an intuitive experience for users, marking the first layer of AI integration in wealthtech platforms.
AI In Back-End Operations: Beyond customer-facing tools, AI is transforming back-end operations. Previously, support staff manually drafted responses to emails, checked each step, and executed follow-ups. Today, AI agents draft replies and propose next steps, requiring only one-click approval by staff.
While ensuring accuracy and compliance, this approach reduces manual effort and increases efficiency, with the potential to automate 80–90% of operational work. This allows platforms to scale efficiently, even with a tenfold increase in customers, without proportionally expanding the workforce.
Hyper-Personalisation For Investors: A major trend in 2026 will be hyper-personalisation. AI models can analyse extensive user data to detect unmet needs. For instance, a customer exploring gold-related screens and querying gold funds can be nudged toward relevant investments that fit their asset allocation.
Behavioural steering will help investors adhere to financial goals, alert users missing key actions, and prevent premature withdrawals triggered by market volatility. By guiding customers proactively, AI will improve investment outcomes while creating a tailored experience.
Hybrid Models Will Still Matter: Even as large platforms scale, certain segments, particularly mass-affluent investors and those in tier-II and tier-III cities, require a hybrid model combining technology with human guidance. Advisors, MFDs, or RIAs remain essential for retirees, busy professionals, or those confused by DIY platforms.
AI will act as a co-pilot, enhancing advisor productivity, enabling management of larger AUMs, and expanding client coverage efficiently. This combination of human expertise and technology is expected to attract stronger investor interest.
Consolidation is anticipated in 2026 and beyond. Smaller players may be acquired by larger platforms, which are actively seeking to expand. Companies will differentiate by focus, targeting HNIs, mass-affluent segments, or remaining fully digital. Consolidation and positioning will be guided by strategic expansion plans and market priorities.
Global asset managers are expected to enter India more actively, particularly with evolving GIFT City regulations. Demand comes from Indian residents seeking global diversification and non-residents seeking Indian market exposure without converting all wealth into INR.
Digital platforms provide a low-cost, scalable entry route, and embedded distribution models may emerge such as travel apps enabling users to save in USD for a future India trip and invest seamlessly through the app.
Although rupee depreciation does not directly affect mutual fund returns, HNIs are increasingly diversifying into USD, Euro, or Swiss franc-denominated assets to preserve purchasing power. As the rupee weakens from 60–70 to 80–90 levels, more investors use the LRS route to legally transfer money abroad and invest in foreign-denominated assets.
Digital assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, accessible via cross-border ETFs, also attract some capital outflows from INR to stronger currencies.
Recent IPO successes, such as Groww, have created optimism for retail participation in 2026. Many startups are awaiting public listing, and if trends continue, IPO activity is likely to remain robust.
However, potential corrections in US AI-linked tech valuations could slow activity temporarily, as Indian markets often move in tandem. Overall, retail FOMO and sustained interest are expected to keep the IPO pipeline active.
Structured products, combining fixed income and derivatives to deliver 12–15% returns in most market conditions, are now accessible to retail investors. Historically limited to HNIs, these products represent a new wealth-building category.
Risk-hedging strategies, downside-protected instruments, and absolute return funds are also likely to become mainstream, as investors seek protection during sharp market declines and aim to preserve wealth rather than chase returns.
Global asset managers may partner with domestic wealthtech firms to expand distribution. Successful IPO outcomes and returns for foreign investors make India an attractive market for innovation and global participation.
Technology-led solutions, combined with increasing sophistication in retail investor demand, are expected to drive the ecosystem forward in 2026. Overall, 2026 is anticipated as a transformative year for India’s wealthtech sector.
AI-driven personalisation, hybrid advisory models, sophisticated investment products, and global engagement will define the next phase. With scaling, consolidation, and innovation, the ecosystem is poised to deliver more efficient, compliant, and customer-centric solutions while expanding participation across diverse investor segments.