Our Wealth Sizing Model 2026 results: wealth gathers pace
For our 20th edition, we’ve revised and extended our analysis to provide a comprehensive view of fast-changing global wealth dynamics.
Our Wealth Sizing Model provides a unique perspective on the creation of private wealth globally.
The model highlights the extraordinary pace of global wealth creation over the past five years, led decisively by the US, with China and India as key engines of growth.
Between 2021 and 2026, the global population of UHNWIs (those worth more than US$30 million) rose from 551,435 to 713,626. That equates to 162,191 new UHNWIs in just five years – or 89 people, somewhere in the world, crossing the US$30 million threshold every single day.
Key takeaways from 2026’s wealth analysis
North America continues to dominate, billionaires go global, and new markets emerge in our round-up of trends from this year’s Knight Frank Wealth Sizing Model.
1. Three regions lead
Three world regions dominate the global wealth story. North America leads with 37%, Asia-Pacific represents almost 31%, and Europe follows with just over 25%.
2. Billionaires disperse
The world’s 3,110 billionaires are more geographically dispersed than the broader UHNW population, and forecasted growth is expected to be highly geographically diverse
3. New markets gain traction
Global UHNWI growth over the next five years is not being led by the usual suspects, but by rapidly maturing economies, such as Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Poland, and Vietnam.
4. An Antipodean surge
Australia’s UHNW population is forecast to rise by almost 60% over the next five years, reaching 26,095 individuals – almost one in every 1,000 residents.
5. The US dominates
Despite a relatively modest growth rate, the US is set to add more UHNWIs over the next five years than the total UHNW populations of entire world regions.
6. India’s on the rise
India’s UHNW story is one of rapid expansion followed by consolidation at scale – between 2021 and 2026, its US$30 million+ population surged by 63%, rising from just over 12,000 to nearly 20,000.
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