'They earn in India, invest abroad': Finfluencer drops truth bomb on billionaire strategy
Operational income — earned through Indian businesses like ports and mines — is taxed at corporate rates, which are lower than personal income taxes. “So owning businesses in India makes sense,” he wrote.
- Jul 8, 2025,
- Updated Jul 8, 2025 11:34 AM IST
India’s ultra-rich are staying to earn — but fleeing to invest and retire, says Akshat Shrivastava, founder of Wisdom Hatch and popular finfluencer, in a viral post on X spotlighting a growing wealth migration trend.
Shrivastava outlines a three-pronged wealth strategy that’s pushing India’s millionaires and billionaires to set up family offices abroad — most recently, a top Indian billionaire establishing one in Singapore.
“There is a very specific strategy behind this,” Shrivastava wrote, breaking down how India’s tax structure influences where the rich earn, invest, and eventually retire.
Operational income — earned through Indian businesses like ports and mines — is taxed at corporate rates, which are lower than personal income taxes. “So owning businesses in India makes sense,” he wrote.
But investment and dividend incomes tell a different story. India slaps a minimum 12.5% capital gains tax on stocks and up to 33% on bonds. Dividend income — from stock payouts or rental returns on real estate — is also heavily taxed. “India charges crazy taxes on investments,” Shrivastava noted, adding that’s why family investment offices are often located abroad.
These offshore entities help the wealthy bypass domestic tax burdens while still reaping the benefits of Indian growth — and preparing for life outside the country. “Ten years from now: Rich people will work in India. But, retire abroad,” Shrivastava predicted.
Despite nationalistic backlash, he insists this shift is strategic, not subversive. “The rich quietly learn such points. And, move ahead in their life.”
Shrivastava’s blunt assessment has reignited debate on whether India’s tax regime is driving capital away — and if reform is overdue.
India’s ultra-rich are staying to earn — but fleeing to invest and retire, says Akshat Shrivastava, founder of Wisdom Hatch and popular finfluencer, in a viral post on X spotlighting a growing wealth migration trend.
Shrivastava outlines a three-pronged wealth strategy that’s pushing India’s millionaires and billionaires to set up family offices abroad — most recently, a top Indian billionaire establishing one in Singapore.
“There is a very specific strategy behind this,” Shrivastava wrote, breaking down how India’s tax structure influences where the rich earn, invest, and eventually retire.
Operational income — earned through Indian businesses like ports and mines — is taxed at corporate rates, which are lower than personal income taxes. “So owning businesses in India makes sense,” he wrote.
But investment and dividend incomes tell a different story. India slaps a minimum 12.5% capital gains tax on stocks and up to 33% on bonds. Dividend income — from stock payouts or rental returns on real estate — is also heavily taxed. “India charges crazy taxes on investments,” Shrivastava noted, adding that’s why family investment offices are often located abroad.
These offshore entities help the wealthy bypass domestic tax burdens while still reaping the benefits of Indian growth — and preparing for life outside the country. “Ten years from now: Rich people will work in India. But, retire abroad,” Shrivastava predicted.
Despite nationalistic backlash, he insists this shift is strategic, not subversive. “The rich quietly learn such points. And, move ahead in their life.”
Shrivastava’s blunt assessment has reignited debate on whether India’s tax regime is driving capital away — and if reform is overdue.