Key facts
- The number of individuals with at least $30 million in net assets globally rose to 713,626 by 2026.
- The US created 41% of new ultra-high-net-worth individuals between 2021 and 2026.
- India's ultra-rich population grew by 63% between 2021 and 2026.
- Indonesia's ultra-wealthy population is projected to increase by 82% by 2031.
- Asia-Pacific accounts for nearly 31% of the world's ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The global population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), defined as those with at least $30 million in net assets, has surged, with 89 new individuals joining this group daily over the past five years. Knight Frank's Wealth Report 2026 indicates the worldwide total reached 713,626 by 2026, an increase of 162,191 since 2021.
The United States continues to be the dominant force in wealth creation, accounting for 41% of all new UHNWIs and increasing its share of the global ultra-rich population to 35%. However, emerging markets are rapidly gaining ground. Asia-Pacific remains a significant wealth hub, representing nearly 31% of global UHNWIs, with China holding the second-largest wealth concentration globally.
India has demonstrated remarkable growth, with its UHNWI population expanding by 63% between 2021 and 2026, and further growth is anticipated. Looking ahead, Indonesia is projected to experience the fastest expansion in its ultra-wealthy population, with an 82% increase expected by 2031. Saudi Arabia and Poland are forecast to see 63% growth, while Vietnam is expected to grow by 59% in the same period.
Liam Bailey, global head of research at Knight Frank, highlighted this as a significant shift in global wealth distribution, noting the resilience of private capital despite geopolitical shocks and inflation. The report also points to a trend of capital concentrating in cities that offer opportunity and predictability, leading sophisticated families to diversify their holdings across multiple strategic hubs like London, New York, Dubai, and Singapore.