MONTREAL - Monday, 11. May 2026
Ultra High Net Worth Population Set for Rapid Expansion
The report forecasts a rapid increase in the net worth of global UHNW
individuals. Their combined net worth is set to increase from $63tn in
2025 to $84tn by the end of the decade. By 2030, an estimated 7.7
million individuals will hold more than $5m in assets.
Wealth Creation Dominated by Globally Minded, Self-Made Individuals
Significantly, the research shows that foreign-born UHNW individuals are
overwhelmingly ‘wealth creators’ rather than inheritors. Some 79% are
self-made, compared to 16% who attribute their wealth to a combination
of entrepreneurship and inheritance, and just 5% whose wealth is fully
inherited.
The findings point to a structural shift in how global wealth is created
and managed. Personal wealth is becoming less tied to any single
nation-state, with the world’s richest structuring their lives, assets,
and businesses across multiple jurisdictions. This is reflected in how
today’s UHNW individuals operate globally: 17% own or partially-own
businesses headquartered outside their country of residence, while 34%
have pursued higher education outside their birth country — underlining
that cross-border mobility is not incidental, but embedded in how modern
wealth is built.
Taken together, the data reveals a clear relationship between mobility
and entrepreneurialism. Internationally mobile individuals are more
likely to build businesses, pursue opportunities across borders, and
generate their own wealth - reflecting a cohort defined by ambition,
risk appetite, and access to global markets. Mobility, in this context,
is a key enabler of modern wealth creation.
Cross-Border Lives Become the Norm for the Ultra Wealthy
While wealth is increasingly cross-border, key global cities continue to dominate as primary hubs for UHNW individuals.
London remains a prominent hub for UHNW individuals, particularly those
in banking and finance, despite mounting headwinds including tighter tax
regimes and trade constraints.
At the same time, the US continues to dominate as the world’s leading
wealth center, accounting for around 40% of the global UHNW population
(205,000), underlining its enduring appeal even amid shifting political
dynamics. However, evolving policy conditions may begin to influence
future flows, with previous research by Arton Capital indicating that a
third of American millionaires*** have considered leaving the USA due to
the impact of Trump’s presidency.
In the Gulf, Dubai cements its reputation as a “young wealth hub” for
global elites, with nearly a fifth (19%) of foreign-born UHNW
individuals in the city under 50 years old. Its status, despite ongoing
geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, highlights a broader trend:
UHNW individuals are not retreating from global movement, but becoming
more strategic in how and where they deploy it.
Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, commented: “Global
mobility is no longer a byproduct of wealth creation – it is a
strategic asset that underpins it. Today’s most successful individuals
are not just building businesses – they are building access: to markets,
talent, education, and long-term security across multiple
jurisdictions.”
“What we are seeing is a decoupling of wealth from geography. The
most successful individuals are structuring their lives and assets
across multiple jurisdictions, reducing reliance on any single country.
The next generation of UHNW individuals is thinking beyond
single-country solutions, prioritizing flexibility, resilience, and
optionality in how and where they live, invest, and grow their wealth.
In an increasingly complex world, the ability to move seamlessly across
borders is becoming one of the most powerful tools for preserving and
creating wealth.”
Moira Boyle, Senior Director, Global Head of Luxury at Altrata, said: “What
stands out in this research is the continued rise of entrepreneurial
wealth creation at a global level. Nearly 80% of foreign-born ultra
wealthy individuals are self-made, reinforcing that today’s wealth is
increasingly driven by innovation, ambition, and business building.
“At the same time, the UHNW population is expanding rapidly, with total
wealth and influence set to grow significantly through the end of the
decade. For organizations, understanding who these individuals are and
how their wealth is created is essential to identifying opportunity,
building relationships, and staying competitive in a fast-evolving
market.”
Notes to the Editor
*Ultra High Net Worth defined as individuals with more than $30m in net worth.
**Foreign-born wealthy are defined as individuals with more than $30m in
net worth who were born outside the country in which they now reside
and where their primary business (if they have one) is based.
***Between 9th January 2026 and 14th January 2026, Arton Capital
surveyed 1,000 US residents aged 18-70 with a net worth of at least $1
million. 33% of those surveyed said they were more likely to leave the
US than they were before the 2024 Presidential election.
****Global citizens is a title term used interchangeably in the report with foreign-born wealthy
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85811040-92fb-42c9-bb5d-92088ad73e53
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