Best Financial Advisor in India | Top Financial Advisory Services

We always want the best in our lives, whether the best school, university, or even gadget. So why settle for anything less when it comes to your finances?  

Choosing the best financial advisor in India can be the difference between simply saving money and truly growing wealth. But with over 932 Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and 3,215 Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), how do you find the best? 

Here’s a quick guide.

How to Choose the Best Financial Advisor in India?

Selecting a top financial advisor in India is a big decision. Consider these points before making a choice.

1. Evaluate SEBI-Registration  

Before hiring the best financial advisor in India, check whether they are registered with SEBI. Without a registration, they cannot offer advice. 

SEBI-registered individuals or firms offer personalised investment advice on securities for a fee, acting as fiduciaries (client interests first).

Some financial advisors hold certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Chartered Accountant (CA). These certifications demonstrate technical expertise, but only SEBI-registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) are legally allowed to provide personalized investment advice in India.

2. Assess Experience and Expertise

You can ask various questions to evaluate the expertise of the best financial advisor in India: 

• What their area of expertise is (retirement, tax, insurance) 
• How many years have they been in the industry 
• Types of clients they have worked with 
• Their investment philosophy

These questions will help you understand how the advisor worked through different market cycles and what their insights are. 

3. Understand Fee Structures 

SEBI RIAs have to follow strict fee guidelines set by SEBI. They’re allowed to charge fees in one of two ways:

• As a percentage of the total assets they advise you on (AUA) – In this case, they can charge up to 2.5% per year of your total investments under their advice. 
• As a fixed fee – Here, they can charge a flat amount, but it can’t be more than ₹1.25 lakh per year per client.

Benefits of Engaging With a Professional Finance Advisor 

While selecting the best financial advisor of India is difficult, choosing one can offer numerous benefits: 

1. Personalised Financial Planning

A good financial advisor creates a plan just for you. Before doing so, they consider your income and expenses, family needs, short and long-term goals, risk profile, and much more. 

This personalised approach ensures your money works toward your specific goals, not generic targets.

2. Access to Diverse Investment Opportunities 

The best financial advisors in India offer more than basic investment products. They can also introduce you to investments you might miss on your own, such as structured products, alternative investments, debt options, and offshore opportunities. 

3. Continuous Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing 

Markets change daily, and your advisor monitors your investments to adjust your portfolio when needed. They also help you avoid panic selling in downturns and capitalise on new opportunities, ensuring your mix stays aligned with your goals. 

Top Financial Advisors in India

Some of the popular financial advisory companies in India are as follows: 

1. Mitraz Financial Services Pvt Ltd (Scripbox) 

Scripbox provides investment advisory services through a fee-based model under the SEBI Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) license via its subsidiary Mitraz Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. 

Mitraz is one of India’s best financial advisory firms in India, known for its strong track record of delivering professional, client-focused investment advice. It provides services in the areas of financial planning, direct equity, mutual funds, insurance, fixed income, etc. 

The firm blends deep human expertise with data-driven insights—bringing you the best of both worlds to help you achieve better financial outcomes.

2. ICICI Investment Management Company Limited 

ICICI Investment Management Co. Ltd. (IIMCL), is one of the top financial advisor companies in India, that offers a full-fledged fee-based investment advisory service. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICICI Bank and a Registered Investment Advisor, registered with the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

3. Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited

In 2008, Kotak Mahindra Bank introduced advisory and asset allocation services to cater to the personalised needs of its wealth management clients. Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited (KAAML) has provided these services since March 2019.

Today, KAAML is a SEBI-registered investment adviser, focused on offering tailored, goal-based advice built around sound financial planning and strategic asset allocation.

Conclusion

There are a number of financial advisors in India, which is why picking the right one can really impact your financial journey. It is worth your time to find someone who has the right qualifications, experience, and fee structure. 

Whether you decide to go with a reputable financial advisory firm in India or an independent advisor, just ensure they match up with your financial goals.

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