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How thematic investing is changing the way Indians approach crypto

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How thematic investing is changing the way Indians approach crypto
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    The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now. Read Today's Paper AdvertorialHow thematic investing is changing the way Indians approach cryptoET SpotlightLast Updated: Oct 31, 2026, 12:44:00 PM ISTSynopsis

    In India, investors are increasingly embracing thematic investing as they explore cryptocurrency and other sectors. This innovative investment style allows individuals to focus on specific trends and ideas rather than sticking to conventional categories. To support this, ZebPay has launched CryptoPacks, offering users curated portfolios that resonate with various themes. These packs simplify investment management and signify a shift toward future-focused digital asset strategies.

    Investing is no longer simply about asking, “What should I invest in?” Seemingly, Indian investors are asking a more fundamental question: “What do I believe in?” That’s where ‘thematic investing’ is developing into a prominent point of discussion. From technology and infrastructure to emerging industries and long-term economic trends, the emergence of thematic investing signifies a transition towards building exposure around ideas that could shape the future. While individual assets have a role to play, this investment approach captures the larger opportunity that emerges when they’re brought together around a common, resonant theme.

    As this approach gains traction, thematic investing is increasingly finding its way into conversations around crypto as well. The last couple of years have seen digital assets evolve beyond a handful of well-known names into a diverse ecosystem of networks, technologies, and use cases, with investors now looking at the bigger picture behind individual tokens. Whether it’s a technology, an ecosystem, or a particular investment strategy, the theme can be as important as the asset itself. Recognising this shift, ZebPay introduced a more structured way for its users to approach thematic crypto investing through CryptoPacks, which are curated portfolios built around specific ideas, themes, and strategies.

    From broad convictions to focused exposure

    Thematic investing takes a different approach to building a portfolio. Instead of selecting assets solely by traditional classifications such as market capitalisation, geography, or industry, it brings together investments around a common theme, trend, or long-term idea. This could range from artificial intelligence and clean energy to digitalisation, infrastructure, or changing consumer behaviour. The underlying premise is to give investors a more focused way to express a conviction about where an economy, industry, or technology could be headed.

    The growing interest in this approach is also reflected in investor behaviour. The “2025 Thematics Barometer” global survey by BNP Paribas Asset Management and BNP Paribas Corporate and Institutional Banking found that 71% of intermediary investors and 31% of institutional investors were incorporating thematic investing into their portfolios1. The momentum is also visible across thematic exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as global thematic ETFs attracted a record $43.99 billion worth of net inflows in July 2026, according to ETFGI, an independent research and consultancy firm2. Together, these trends point towards a growing interest in investment approaches that allow investors to participate in broader structural ideas instead of focusing only on individual assets.

    Moreover, this way of thinking has grown in relevance for digital assets, where the market has expanded far beyond a handful of well-known tokens. Now, crypto encompasses distinct ecosystems, technologies, and use cases, from blockchain infrastructure and decentralised finance (DeFi) to tokenisation, artificial intelligence, and digital ownership. This creates the foundation for thematic crypto investing, where the focus shifts from simply asking which crypto asset to invest in to considering which broader idea or segment of the digital asset ecosystem an investor wants exposure to. As themes continue to develop, structured approaches that bring multiple relevant assets together can offer a more cohesive way to participate in them.

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        The appeal of this approach lies in connecting individual assets to the larger developments they are part of. For example, an investor interested in DeFi may look beyond a single token to the wider ecosystem of assets and protocols supporting lending, exchanges, and other financial applications. Similarly, an emphasis on tokenisation can extend across assets, connected to the movement of real-world assets and right onto blockchain networks. By organising exposure around such themes, thematic crypto investing provides a way to look at the digital asset market through broader investment ideas.

        CryptoPacks: Turning themes into a structured investment approach

        Thematic investing becomes particularly compelling when an idea can be translated into a portfolio. CryptoPacks do exactly that by bringing multiple crypto assets around themes and investment narratives, shaping the digital asset market. From Solana and Bitcoin ecosystems to AI Alpha, Metaverse, and Ultimate Alts of Tomorrow, the range of CryptoPacks gives investors a way to gain exposure to different areas of the crypto market through a single, curated portfolio. With 16 packs spanning distinct themes, investors can choose an approach that aligns with the areas of the digital asset ecosystem they find most compelling, without having to research and allocate across every individual asset themselves.

        However, the CryptoPacks’ value expands beyond simply compiling multiple assets under a specific theme. Keeping specific targets in mind, each pack is thoughtfully constructed and pre-balanced, bringing together selected assets in defined proportions. Hence, investors are able to give themselves a more standardised starting point, while reducing the effort in deciding what to buy and how much to allocate per asset. Added benefits include a detailed P&L view for tracking portfolios and a risk and reward rating to help investors analyse the potential opportunity alongside the associated level of risk.

        Since markets don’t move in neat proportions, an asset within a pack can grow faster and gradually shift the portfolio away from its intended allocation. To help address this, Rebalancing periodically realigns the holdings towards their target proportions3. This allows the original investment approach to remain intact as market conditions evolve, while data-led adjustments and ongoing oversight help maintain the intended portfolio structure. For investors looking to participate in emerging crypto themes without constantly managing individual allocations, CryptoPacks offer a more disciplined and convenient way to turn a broader investment conviction into a diversified crypto portfolio.

        The future of investing is thematic

        The evolution of investing has always been shaped by the tools available to investors. As access becomes simpler and information becomes more abundant, the focus increasingly shifts towards making choices with greater clarity and purpose. In a market as dynamic as crypto, having an approach that reflects one’s investment purpose can make the journey more intentional. Thematic investing depicts one such evolution, bringing a new perspective to how opportunities can be approached. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it could start shaping the foundation of how investors build their long-term approach to digital assets.

        Ready to invest with a more thematic approach? Start exploring CryptoPacks on ZebPay today!

        FAQs

        • What is thematic investing?
        Thematic investing involves building exposure around a specific theme, trend, or long-term idea rather than selecting assets solely by traditional classifications such as market capitalisation, geography, or industry.

        • What are CryptoPacks?
        CryptoPacks are curated portfolios that bring together multiple crypto assets around specific themes and investment approaches. Each pack is pre-balanced, allowing investors to gain exposure to a particular theme and without having to research and allocate across individual assets themselves.

        • How does rebalancing work in CryptoPacks?
        Rebalancing periodically adjusts the holdings in a CryptoPack towards their intended allocation when market movements cause the proportions to change. This helps maintain the portfolio structure and keeps it aligned with the approach behind the pack.

        • How to buy a CryptoPack on ZebPay?
        1. Open the ZebPay app and go to the QuickLinks section of the Home page.
        2. Click on CryptoPacks to view the list of available packs.
        3. Select your preferred CryptoPack and enter the investment amount.
        4. Review the investment details, then swipe to buy the CryptoPack.
        *You must be at least 18 years old to access this site.

        Disclaimer: Crypto products and NFTs are unregulated and can be highly risky. There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions. The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to the same. TIL does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the above content, nor is it responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. The article does not constitute investment advice. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated and verified.
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        (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on [email protected]) Read More News onthematic investingZebPayCryptoPacksdigital assetsinvestment themes

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          Source: Economic Times — Banking/Finance ↗

          Figures reflect the source report and its stated period. This article is for information and is not investment advice.