High Net Worth Statistics 2026
Key statistics on the global High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) population, wealth distribution, and asset allocation trends for 2026.
Updated: 2026-02-03
High Net Worth Statistics 2026
This guide provides the most current data on High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) globally and in the United States. Data is sourced from the latest 2025 reports (Capgemini, UBS, Knight Frank) to provide a 2026 baseline.
Citation Policy
You are free to use these statistics in your reporting. Please cite "X1 Wealth" as the source of the synthesis or specific analysis, with a link back to this page.
Key Takeaways (2026 Baseline)
Global Wealth Population
The global population of High Net Worth Individuals grew by 2.6% in the last reporting period, despite economic headwinds in Europe.
Data Snapshot
HNWI Population by Region (2024)
Population totals in millions, based on the latest Capgemini World Wealth Report.
HNWI Population by Region
2024 estimates from Capgemini World Wealth Report 2025.
| Region | HNWI Population | YoY Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 8.4M | +7.3% | Strong growth |
| Asia-Pacific | 7.7M | +4.8% | Growth |
| Europe | 5.7M | -2.1% | Decline |
Source: Capgemini World Wealth Report 2025.
The "American Divergence"
A key trend for 2026 is the decoupling of American wealth creation from Europe. While North America added 526,000 new millionaires, Europe lost HNWIs, specifically in the UK (-14k), France (-21k), and Germany (-41k).
Asset Allocation Trends
Where are millionaires putting their money in 2026? Defensive positioning remains dominant.
Data Snapshot
HNWI Asset Allocation Mix
Asset allocation shares from the latest wealth report data.
HNWI Asset Allocation
Portfolio mix across major asset classes.
| Asset Class | Portfolio Share |
|---|---|
| Cash & Equivalents | 26% |
| Real Estate | 22% |
| Fixed Income | 19% |
| Equities | 18% |
| Alternatives | 15% |
Source: Capgemini World Wealth Report 2025.
Insight: The Cash Fortress
HNWIs are holding 26% of their portfolio in cash, a historic high. This signals a defensive stance against market volatility and readiness to deploy capital into distressed assets.
Ultra-High Net Worth (UHNW)
The top 1% of the wealthy (those with $30M+ investable assets) control a disproportionate share of wealth.
- Population: ~234,000 individuals globally
- Share of Wealth: 34% of total HNWI wealth
- Growth Rate: The UHNW population is projected to grow 31% by 2030.
Wealth Transfer Statistics
The "Great Wealth Transfer" is accelerating as Baby Boomers pass assets to spouses and heirs.
- Total Transfer Volume: $124 Trillion (Cerulli Associates 2025 Revision).
- Spousal Transfer: $9 Trillion moving sideways to spouses (mostly women) first.
- Tax Risk: OBBBA removed the TCJA sunset and raised the federal estate tax exclusion to $15M, but assets above the exclusion remain subject to a 40% federal rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many millionaires are there in the US in 2026?
There are approximately 8 million High Net Worth Individuals (investable assets >$1M) in the United States, accounting for about 35% of the global total.
What qualifies as Ultra-High Net Worth (UHNW)?
The industry standard definition for UHNW is an individual with $30 million or more in investable assets.
What is the average cash allocation for millionaires?
In the current cycle, HNWIs hold approximately 26% of their wealth in cash and cash equivalents, prioritizing liquidity over aggressive growth.
Related Statistics
Cite This Page
Recommended citation
X1 Wealth. "High Net Worth Statistics 2026." Updated 2026-02-03. https://x1wealth.com/statistics/high-net-worth
Sources
- Capgemini — World Wealth Report 2025
- UBS — Global Wealth Report 2025
- Knight Frank — The Wealth Report 2025
- Henley & Partners — USA Wealth Report 2025
- Altrata — World Ultra Wealth Report 2025
Methodology
- We aggregate high-net-worth population and allocation data from primary industry reports.
- Figures reflect the latest 2025 releases and are used as a 2026 baseline.
- Currency figures are nominal and not inflation-adjusted unless noted.
Update Cadence
Reviewed quarterly. When a source publishes a newer release, we replace the affected figures and update the timestamp above.
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