Paasa

High-Level Overview

Paasa is a digital-first global wealth platform that enables wealthy Indians, including high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and pre-HNIs, to invest in global equities directly from India without intermediaries, hidden fees, or cumbersome paperwork[1][2][5]. It offers access to over 15,000 stocks and ETFs across major global exchanges such as the US, UK, Europe, Hong Kong, and China, with features like automated portfolio rebalancing, tax optimization, and compliance with Indian foreign exchange regulations (FEMA)[2][3]. The platform serves globally-minded Indian families, founders, and professionals who seek to diversify their wealth internationally while overcoming traditional barriers like complex remittance processes and tax compliance fears[1][5].

Paasa’s mission is to democratize global investing for Indians by providing a seamless, transparent, and compliant way to invest internationally, addressing the depreciation risk of the Indian Rupee and the lack of trustworthy guidance in cross-border investing[1][5]. It impacts the startup ecosystem by empowering Indian investors to access global markets, potentially increasing capital flows and financial sophistication among Indian HNIs and entrepreneurs[5].

Origin Story

Founded by Sparsh and Nitish, two India-born personal finance enthusiasts with prior experience at SoFi, Paasa emerged from their shared insight into the challenges Indians face when investing abroad[5]. The founders have known each other for five years and combined their expertise in design and engineering to build a platform that simplifies global investing for Indians[5]. The company is based in Gurugram, India, and has evolved to focus on providing a fully digital, compliant, and user-friendly wealth management experience tailored to Indian investors’ needs[1][5].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Paasa offers direct access to global equities and UCITS ETFs with fractional investing, automated rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting, all integrated with Indian regulatory compliance (FEMA, RBI filings)[2][3][7].
• Network Strength: The platform leverages partnerships with Interactive Brokers for SIPC-insured custody and provides personal support for deposits, transfers, and portfolio management[2][3].
• Track Record: Though a relatively new player with a small team, Paasa has gained positive user feedback for its intuitive interface, seamless onboarding, and competitive foreign exchange rates[2][3][5].
• Operating Support: Paasa handles complex cross-border tax filings and compliance automatically, reducing user burden and risk[2][3].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Paasa rides the growing trend of globalization of wealth management and the increasing demand among Indian HNIs to diversify internationally amid currency depreciation and geopolitical uncertainties[1][5]. The timing is favorable due to rising digital adoption, regulatory clarity around foreign investments, and the emergence of fintech platforms that simplify cross-border investing[1][2]. By lowering barriers to global equity markets, Paasa influences the broader ecosystem by enabling Indian investors to participate more actively in global capital markets, potentially fostering greater financial integration and innovation in India’s fintech and wealth management sectors[5].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Paasa is well-positioned to expand its user base among India’s growing affluent class by continuously enhancing its platform with more global market access, advanced portfolio strategies, and deeper compliance automation[2][5]. Future trends shaping its journey include increased demand for global diversification, regulatory evolution in cross-border investments, and the rise of digital wealth platforms. Paasa’s influence may grow as it democratizes access to global equities, potentially becoming a key player in bridging Indian capital with international markets and contributing to the maturation of India’s wealth tech ecosystem[5].

Its mission to bring the investment opportunities of the global elite to a broader Indian audience ties back to its founding vision of making global investing accessible, affordable, and trustworthy for all Indians.