Mumbai
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) clarified on Saturday that it is not considering any regulatory oversight of family offices, dismissing recent media reports claiming otherwise. In an official statement, SEBI called these reports “factually incorrect” and confirmed that no such proposal is currently being examined.
SEBI stated, “It has come to our attention that certain media reports have suggested SEBI is considering regulating family offices. These reports are factually incorrect. SEBI is not examining or pursuing this matter at present.”
On October 3, some media outlets reported that SEBI might bring family offices—private investment entities managing the wealth of ultra-high-net-worth families—under regulatory control.
Family offices are private wealth management firms offering comprehensive financial and investment services to high-net-worth individuals or families. Unlike traditional wealth managers, they provide personalized services including investment management, tax planning, estate planning, philanthropy, and sometimes lifestyle or concierge services. Their main goal is to preserve and grow family wealth across generations.
There are two main types: Single-Family Offices (SFOs), serving one family exclusively, and Multi-Family Offices (MFOs), serving multiple families by sharing resources to lower costs.
In India, family offices are growing in popularity, especially among business families and startup founders seeking structured, professional management of their wealth.
A recent EY-Julius Baer report noted that while 25% of Indian family offices still focus on wealth preservation, many are actively diversifying into global and alternative assets. This signals a shift in how India’s ultra-high-net-worth families are managing and growing their wealth for future generations.
