For a second consecutive year, the global ultra-high net worth cohort saw double-digit expansion in 2025, and the strongest annual growth since 2017. Total wealth of the ultra-wealthy class soared to $63.8 trillion, more than double the annual gross domestic product of the United States. Over the past two years alone, the number of ultra wealthy individuals has increased by nearly 30%, by more than 120,000 new individuals.
The ultra-wealthy class has increased by a cumulative 255% over the past two decades, outpacing the expansion of the global adult population by a factor of seven.
These numbers emerge from Altrata’s World Ultra Wealth Report 2026, the 14th edition of the global wealth intelligence firm’s annual analysis of the global ultra-high net worth population, which it defined as those with a net worth in excess of $30 million.
The report notes the U.S. is by far the largest wealth market in the world, home to 37% of the total UHNW population, more than the combined share of all the other countries in the top 10.
U.S. ultra wealthy numbers increased by 15% in 2025 to 206,880, outpacing growth in second-ranked China. All the leading UHNW markets increased their respective wealthy populations, with Hong Kong and Japan standout performers. New York remains the premier UHNW city, home to almost 24,000 UHNW individuals, while Seoul surged up the rankings to make it into the top 12 cities, with the number of UHNW individuals there rising by more than a third to 6,220.
Additional findings include:
Disproportionate wealth concentration. The ultra wealthy comprise just 1.1% of the global millionaire population yet command 32% of this group’s cumulative wealth.
Strong growth ahead. By 2030, Altrata forecasts a global UHNW population of 746,570 individuals with combined wealth of $85 trillion, a third larger from its 2025 level.
Asia leads regional growth. Asia recorded UHNW population growth of 15.8% in 2025 and is forecast to register the strongest growth of the three major regions to 2030.
New wealth hubs are emerging. Delhi will be the fastest-growing city by UHNW population to 2030, followed by Stockholm and Wuhan.
Self-made wealth dominates. Four fifths of North America’s ultra wealthy class are entirely self-made.
Female representation is increasing. While female UHNW representation just 12% globally, it is forecast to reach 19% by 2040.
