Key Points

Smaller cities are leading mutual fund growth with a 28% CAGR, outpacing metros. States like UP and Rajasthan now rank higher than traditional investment hubs. Improved digital access and SIPs are driving this shift. The trend reflects broader economic changes as Tier-2/3 cities emerge as key growth engines.

Key Points: Smaller Cities Drive Mutual Fund Growth Outpacing Metros Post-COVID

  • B30 cities hold 18.5% of mutual fund AUM at Rs 14 lakh crore
  • Smaller cities grow at 28% CAGR vs 23% in metros
  • UP, Rajasthan, MP overtake Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala
  • Digital access and SIPs fuel financial inclusion in Tier-2/3 regions
2 min read

Smaller cities lead mutual fund growth, outpacing big metros in post-COVID era

B30 cities show 28% CAGR in mutual fund AUM, surpassing metros as UP, Rajasthan, and MP rise in rankings due to digital access and SIPs.

"The shift indicates India’s investment culture is no longer limited to metros but spreading deep into Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions. – AMFI Report"

New Delhi, Aug 10

Investments in mutual funds have picked up strongly in the post-Covid period, with smaller towns and cities emerging as surprising growth leaders as assets from B30 cities -- those beyond the top 30 -- have been growing faster than those from large urban centres, as per the data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).

As of June 2025, B30 locations accounted for 18.5 per cent of the total mutual fund assets under management (AUM), translating to nearly Rs 14 lakh crore out of the industry’s Rs 75-lakh crore AUM.

Over the past five years, assets from these smaller cities have grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28 per cent, compared to 23 per cent in T30 cities.

The overall industry AUM rose at 24 per cent annually during the same period, the report showed.

The trend is also changing the geographical investment map of the country. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh -- traditionally seen as less prosperous -- have overtaken larger, more developed states in mutual fund asset rankings.

Uttar Pradesh now has more AUM than Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan has edged past Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh is ahead of Kerala.

Industry experts believe that rising financial literacy, improved digital access, and the success of systematic investment plans (SIPs) have helped smaller cities catch up rapidly.

The shift indicates that India’s investment culture is no longer limited to metros but is spreading deep into Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions.

This pattern mirrors other economic trends, where smaller cities are driving growth in sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and retail.

Analysts say the mutual fund industry’s expansion into new geographies could help deepen capital markets and bring more retail participation in the years ahead.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As someone from Jaipur, I'm proud to see Rajasthan outperforming! But banks and AMCs need to improve their regional language support. Many elders in my family struggle with English-only apps and forms. हिंदी और क्षेत्रीय भाषाओं में भी सुविधा होनी चाहिए!
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Rohit P
While growth is good, we must be careful. Many small-town investors don't fully understand market risks. Saw many panic withdrawals during recent market corrections. Need better investor education programs beyond just SIP promotions.
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Sarah B
Interesting trend! I work with a fintech startup and we're seeing exactly this - 60% of our new users now come from Tier 2/3 cities. The next wave of India's economic growth will definitely come from these emerging markets.
V
Vikram M
UP beating Tamil Nadu in MF investments? Who would have thought! Shows how perceptions about BIMARU states are changing. Maybe time to rethink our development models - digital access seems to be the great equalizer.
K
Kavya N
Mutual fund sahi hai campaign has really worked! My maid in Indore started ₹500/month SIP for her daughter's education after seeing TV ads. This is real financial empowerment at grassroots level 👏

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