Indian Investors at the Forefront of Transition Investing

According to Standard Chartered’s Sustainable Banking Report 2025, Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) are showing the strongest appetite for transition investing globally, with 93% expressing interest. This emerging investment theme focuses on allocating capital to support the shift to a low-carbon economy.

Sustainable Investing Interest in India

India also leads in sustainable investing, with 92% of respondents indicating interest. The survey, conducted in Q4 2024 across eight markets, highlights the desire among Indian investors to create positive social and environmental impact, alongside generating better returns and aligning investments with personal values.

Popular Transition Themes

Electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and low-emission fuels are among the most popular transition themes. Indian respondents showed particular interest in electric vehicles, with 55% expressing enthusiasm—the highest across all surveyed markets.

Barriers to Adoption

Despite the enthusiasm, challenges such as perceived higher risks, lack of benchmarks, and concerns about low returns hinder wider adoption. Awareness remains low, with only 15% of respondents able to fully define transition investing.

Standard Chartered’s Initiative

To address these gaps, Standard Chartered introduced a Transition Investing Guide. Samir Subberwal, global head – wealth solutions, emphasizes the growing interest in sustainable and transition investing among clients.