How NRIs can manage investments, taxes and property in India
Managing finances in India from abroad has long been a challenge for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), but evolving digital tools and specialized financial products are making cross-border wealth management more accessible. Experts say that a combination of structured planning, regulatory awareness, and technology is key for NRIs to optimize returns and remain compliant.
Structured banking and investment choices
NRIs generally rely on a mix of accounts tailored to different purposes.
Ranjit Jha, MD and CEO of Rurash Financials, explains that Non-Resident External (NRE) accounts are used for repatriable foreign earnings, Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts for Indian-sourced income like rent or dividends, and Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits help mitigate currency risk.
Investment avenues include fixed deposits, mutual funds, and the stock market through a Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) account. NRIs managing property remotely often hire professional management firms or grant a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA) to trusted representatives.
Tax planning is critical, with careful attention to residential status and leveraging Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) to avoid being taxed twice on the same income.
Challenges across borders
Despite these options, NRIs face persistent hurdles. Conflicting tax rules, compliance requirements under FEMA, FATCA, and FBAR, and frequent KYC mandates complicate asset management. Exchange rate volatility can erode savings, while juggling multiple accounts without a unified dashboard adds operational friction. Fund repatriation delays remain common.
Jha notes that a shortage of advisors proficient in both Indian and international financial laws intensifies these challenges.
Digital platforms and specialised solutions
Banks and financial service providers are responding with technology-driven solutions. NRIs can now link NRE/NRO accounts to UPI platforms using international numbers, and some providers offer fully digital account openings. FinTechs and advisory firms increasingly provide integrated solutions for taxation, TDS compliance, estate planning, and cross-border investments.
According to Jha, regulatory changes by RBI and SEBI, including simplified FEMA compliance and eased mutual fund transfers, are improving accessibility and transparency for NRIs.
Insurance and wealth protection
Insurance is emerging as a preferred tool for building long-term security.
Nitin Mehta, Chief Distribution Officer – Partnership Distribution and Head of Marketing, says Indian term plans are attractive for NRIs due to higher coverage at competitive costs. Term Unit Linked Insurance Plans (TULIPs) are also gaining traction, offering a combination of death benefits and investment returns, helping NRIs secure a financial cushion for dependents in India.
Risks of delay or mismanagement
Experts warn that procrastination or inadequate management carries tangible consequences. Late or incorrect filing of tax returns can trigger penalties and scrutiny notices.
Misaligned investment strategies can dilute compounding benefits, while relying solely on nominees rather than formal wills may lead to protracted succession disputes.
Jha emphasizes that proactive management is essential to safeguard both compliance and long-term wealth.
For NRIs, leveraging digital platforms, consulting cross-border advisors, and understanding regulatory frameworks are critical steps to maintain financial health in India while living abroad.
For deeper perspectives on NRI investments, cross-border taxation, and wealth strategy, explore leadership insights from
Ranjit Jha (CEO) — known for bridging trust, research, and long-term financial planning.
To understand how Rurash Financials
helps NRIs manage assets, structure investments, and build compliant cross-border portfolios; visit the official website.
Read full article – https://rurashfin.com/custodians-and-portfolio-monitoring-for-nris/