HNI, or High Net Worth Individual trading, refers to a specialized type of stock market investing available to wealthy investors with significant financial resources. HNIs are typically defined as individuals with investible assets of at least ₹5 crore, excluding real estate and other non-liquid assets.
Key Characteristics of HNI Trading
- Exclusive domain for ultra HNIs with higher risk appetites
- Access to personalized wealth management services
- Ability to participate in complex financial instruments like derivatives, hedge funds, and pre-IPOs
- Higher leverage and lower trading costs compared to retail investors
- Stricter regulations and compliance requirements
Categories of High Net Worth Individuals
HNIs are further classified into sub-categories based on their net worth:
- Lower HNI: ₹5 – 25 crore net worth
- Mid-segment HNI: ₹25 – 100 crore net worth
- Upper HNI: ₹100 – 500 crore net worth
- Ultra HNI: ₹500+ crore net worth
For IPO applications, SEBI categorizes HNIs (also known as Non-Institutional Investors or NIIs) into two groups:
Benefits of HNI Trading
While HNIs don’t get any additional benefits over retail investors in the stock market, they enjoy exclusive access to personalized financial services, specialized products, and dedicated banking services. HNIs also have the ability to invest heavily in IPOs, with a portion of the issue size reserved for them. However, HNI trading also comes with its own set of challenges, such as interest rate risk for those investing in fixed-income securities and the need to manage a diverse portfolio across various asset classes. HNI trading is a specialized domain that caters to the unique needs and risk profiles of wealthy investors. By understanding the characteristics, categories, and benefits of HNI trading, HNIs can make informed decisions and navigate the complex world of stock market investing.