The world's ultra-rich population is expanding rapidly; the US and China are leaders
Estimates show that the United States recorded an increase of almost 67,000 residents with a wealth of at least $30 million each between 2021 and 2026, almost three times more than China. • Poland and Qatar expected to double their ultra-rich populations, leading the world in percentage growth • India – among the few countries that rank in the top in terms of both the total number of ultra-rich residents and the growth rate
The world's ultra-rich population is expanding rapidly, but the growth is occurring in very different ways from one country to another.
While the US is expected to have more ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) than any other nation, estimates show that many smaller economies will see a faster percentage growth in their population with wealth of at least $30 million, visualcapitalist.com reports. The cited source presents, based on Knight Frank's 2026 World Wealth Data, which countries are expected to have the most ultra-rich residents between 2021 and 2026.
• America is creating ultra-rich individuals at an unparalleled pace
According to expectations, the number of people with a fortune of at least $30 million in the US will increase by almost 67,000 between 2021 and 2026, which is almost three times the growth recorded in China during the same period.
No other country comes close in absolute terms. America's extensive capital markets, technology sector, and concentration of fast-growing private companies continue to generate wealth on a scale unmatched by other economies.
China ranks second, with over 22,000 new ultra-rich individuals, consolidating its position as one of the largest wealth creation markets globally.
The following countries rank 3rd to 10th in the ranking: Germany (+9,273 ultra-rich people), India (+7,716), Switzerland (+4,968), Australia (+4,036), France (+3,781), Great Britain (+3,005), Italy (+2,886), Spain (+2,708).
• Several countries see ultra-rich population double
While the US dominates in terms of the total number of new ultra-rich people, the fastest growth is occurring elsewhere. Poland leads the world, with a projected increase in the ultra-rich population of 109%, followed by Qatar – with 107% and Turkey – with 94%. These gains suggest that wealth creation is accelerating beyond traditional financial centers and expanding into a broader group of emerging and rapidly developing economies.
Many of these countries are benefiting from industrial expansion, energy exports, infrastructure investment, and growing financial sectors.
Gulf states such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also seeing a rise in wealth, linked to increased energy revenues and economic diversification initiatives.
• India highlights a broader shift in global wealth creation
India is one of the few countries to appear near the top of both rankings. The country is expected to add over 7,700 ultra-rich individuals, while its ultra-rich population grows by 631,000.
The broader rankings point to a world where new wealth centers are emerging alongside established ones. Countries from Romania and Morocco to the Gulf states are producing more high-net-worth entrepreneurs and investors, reflecting shifts in capital flows, industrial growth and business formation.
Established wealth centers, such as Switzerland, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, remain important magnets for wealthy individuals, but the geography of wealth creation is becoming increasingly diverse, the cited source concludes.
Source: https://www.bursa.ro/
