Bankers analyze financial data in a modern office, developing wealth management strategies.
Public sector banks in India are actively developing their wealth management capabilities to address a significant shift in household savings away from traditional bank deposits towards market-linked and riskier investment products. This strategic pivot aims to enhance customer engagement and retain assets within the banking system.
Indian Bank is reportedly establishing a dedicated wealth management vertical specifically to cater to high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). This move signals a targeted approach to capture a segment of the market that requires specialized financial advisory services.
Mirroring this trend, State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, has set an ambitious goal to increase its wealth assets under management (AUM) fivefold, targeting Rs 15 lakh crore by 2030. This aggressive expansion plan underscores the growing importance of wealth management as a key growth driver for public sector banks.
The increasing migration of savings from low-yield bank deposits to instruments offering potentially higher returns reflects a maturing investor base in India, more willing to engage with market-linked instruments and various risk products. By building robust wealth management arms, these public sector banks aim to offer a comprehensive suite of financial solutions, thereby improving customer stickiness and capturing a larger share of the growing wealth management market.