Wealth Management in India: The Rise of PMS Services

Investing today isn’t just about growing wealth—it’s about doing it with clarity, customization, and conviction.For high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) or affluent professionals seeking tailored financial strategies, Portfolio Management Services (PMS) have emerged as a sophisticated and powerful investment avenue.
This guide explores what PMS services are, who they benefit, and which providers rank among the best PMS in India in 2025.

What Are Portfolio Management Services (PMS)?

Portfolio Management Services (PMS) are professional, customized investment solutions where an experienced fund manager constructs and manages your portfolio based on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon.
Unlike mutual funds that pool money from various investors, PMS accounts are individually managed, offering direct ownership of securities, higher transparency, and more control over your portfolio.

Who Should Consider PMS?

PMS is ideal for investors who:
● Have a minimum of ₹50 lakhs to invest (as mandated by SEBI)
● Prefer active, expert-driven portfolio management
● Seek customized strategies rather than standard mutual fund models
● Want direct ownership of equity or other listed securities
● Are comfortable with medium- to long-term investment horizons

Key Benefits of PMS

● ✅ Customization: Investment strategies are tailored to your specific needs and financial profile.
● ✅ Transparency: You can track your holdings in real-time through your demat account.
● ✅ Expertise: Your portfolio is managed by seasoned professionals with years of market experience.
● ✅ Higher Return Potential: PMS can take concentrated positions, unlike mutual funds bound by SEBI diversification norms.

Best PMS Services in India (2025 Edition)

Choosing the right PMS provider requires examining past performance, investment philosophy, and alignment with your financial goals. Here are the top PMS providers in India today:

1. Motilal Oswal PMS
Known For: Value investing and focused equity strategies
Motilal Oswal’s PMS is built on its “Buy Right, Sit Tight” philosophy. It emphasizes long-term investments in high-conviction ideas through strategies like the Value Strategy and Next Trillion Dollar Opportunity.

2. Dezerv PMS
Known For: Goal-based investing and digital-first experience
Dezerv offers curated PMS solutions designed by ex-wealth managers from top global institutions. Their approach is modern, tech-enabled, and backed by data.
Dezerv simplifies PMS investing with a fully digital onboarding, live portfolio tracking, and clear reporting, making it especially attractive to younger HNIs.

3. ASK Investment Managers
Known For: Quality-first investing and long-term conviction
ASK’s PMS offering focuses on high-quality businesses with consistent growth and strong governance. Their research-driven approach has delivered solid long-term results, especially for investors seeking wealth preservation.

4. ICICI Prudential PMS
Known For: Institutional stability and diversified strategies
Backed by one of India’s largest financial institutions, ICICI Prudential PMS offers a balanced mix of growth and value investing, appealing to conservative and moderate-risk investors.

5. White Oak Capital PMS
Known For: Fundamental research and valuation discipline
White Oak follows a bottom-up, stock-specific investment style and is popular among investors seeking alpha through mid- and small-cap exposure. Their portfolios reflect agility and strong governance standards.

6. Kotak PMS
Known For: Legacy, stability, and sectoral expertise
Kotak Mahindra’s PMS arm offers a range of products including large-cap, multi-cap, and thematic strategies. They combine traditional investment rigor with strong sectoral research and innovation.

📌 Investor Tip: When evaluating PMS providers, go beyond just past returns. Look at drawdown metrics, volatility, portfolio turnover, consistency, fees, and how well the investment philosophy aligns with your goals.

How to Choose the Right PMS Provider

Before committing to a PMS, ask yourself the following:

● Does their strategy match my risk profile and return expectations?
● What is their historical performance (net of fees)?
● How transparent are their operations and reporting?
● What is their approach to drawdowns and market volatility?
● Is the fund manager accessible and communicative?

Also, review the fee structure—many PMS charge both a fixed AUM fee and a performance-based fee.
Understand the lock-in periods, taxation, and liquidity terms before onboarding.

Final Thoughts

The Indian financial landscape has evolved significantly, and Portfolio Management Services now offer HNIs and serious investors a superior level of customization, control, and strategic depth compared to traditional products.

While mutual funds remain popular for mass investors, PMS is suited for those who seek:
● Active management
● Direct equity ownership
● Personalized strategy
● Access to experienced fund managers

Whether you’re focused on wealth creation, capital preservation, or strategic diversification, choosing from the best PMS in India can position your portfolio for long-term success.