According to Knight Frank, the global ultra-rich population is projected to rise to 713,626 by 2026.
Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026 says global wealth creation has accelerated despite geopolitical uncertainty, interest-rate concerns, and uneven economic growth, with 89 new ultra-high-net-worth individuals added every day over the past five years.
The 20th edition of the report found that the global population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals — those with net assets of at least $30 million — increased by 162,191 between 2021 and 2026, taking the worldwide total from 551,435 to 713,626.
The rise highlights a broader shift in global private wealth, with the US continuing to lead wealth creation while fast-growing markets such as India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Vietnam steadily gaining prominence.
US remains the wealth engine
The US accounted for 41% of all new ultra-high-net-worth individuals created between 2021 and 2026, increasing its share of the global ultra-rich population from 33% to 35%.
The Asia-Pacific region continues to play a major role in global wealth, accounting for nearly 31% of the world’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals. China remains the world’s second-largest wealth hub, while the region also holds the largest share of the global billionaire population.
Knight Frank said the global billionaire population reached 3,110 in 2026, underscoring the continued concentration of private capital despite inflationary pressures and policy uncertainty.
India, Saudi Arabia gain ground
India recorded 63% growth in its ultra-high-net-worth population between 2021 and 2026, with a further 27% expansion forecast by 2031.
The fastest growth over the next five years is expected in Indonesia, where the ultra-wealthy population is projected to rise by 82%. Saudi Arabia and Poland are both forecast to grow by 63%, while Vietnam is expected to expand by 59%.
Australia’s ultra-high-net-worth population is forecast to rise by nearly 60% by 2031, a trend Knight Frank attributes to deep economic diversification.
The Middle East also increased its share of global ultra-high-net-worth individuals, rising from 2.4% to 3.1% between 2021 and 2026. The region is expected to maintain that share through 2031.
Liam Bailey said the findings highlight a significant shift in the way global wealth is being created and distributed.
“We are witnessing one of the most significant shifts in global wealth distribution in modern history,” said Liam Bailey. “The US remains the dominant engine, but we are also seeing rising strength from India and a group of fast-maturing economies that are increasingly shaping the global landscape. Despite major geopolitical shocks and inflationary pressures, private capital has shown extraordinary resilience. Our latest findings reflect a deep structural acceleration in wealth creation worldwide.”
The report also highlighted a more selective pattern of capital movement, with wealth increasingly concentrating in cities that offer opportunity, stability and accessibility.
“Political volatility, tax reform and growing regulatory friction mean capital is concentrating in a smaller group of cities that provide both opportunity and predictability,” Bailey added. “In this environment, the most sophisticated families are diversifying across multiple hubs, often maintaining strategic footholds in London, New York, Dubai and Singapore to balance opportunity, security and access.”
Ultra-wealthy become more mobile
Rory Penn said wealth creation is accelerating even as the global investment environment becomes more difficult to navigate.
“What we are seeing on the ground is that wealth creation is increasing despite a more complex global economic environment,” said Rory Penn. “The ultra-wealthy are becoming significantly more mobile, yet the number of markets where they feel truly comfortable investing or basing their families has narrowed.”
