A new study from Altrata and Arton Capital projects the global ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) population—individuals with at least $30 million in net worth—will grow 33% by 2030, reaching 734,100 people. Their combined wealth is expected to climb from $63 trillion in 2025 to $84 trillion by the end of the decade, according to the report titled Global Citizens: Entrepreneurship, Mobility and the Ultra Wealthy.
The research highlights a striking demographic shift: one in five UHNW individuals now lives in a country different from their birthplace. Among these foreign-born ultra-wealthy, 79% built their fortunes entirely through entrepreneurship, while 16% combined self-made wealth with inheritance. Only 5% inherited all their assets. The findings suggest that global mobility has become a strategic component of wealth creation, not merely a consequence of success.
“Global mobility is no longer a byproduct of wealth creation – it is a strategic asset that underpins it,” the report states. “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.” Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, added that the next generation of UHNW individuals is “thinking beyond single-country solutions, prioritizing flexibility, resilience, and optionality.”
The United States remains the dominant wealth hub, hosting roughly 205,000 UHNW individuals—about 40% of the global total. London continues to attract ultra-wealthy individuals, particularly those in banking and finance, while Dubai is emerging as a magnet for younger affluent individuals, with 19% of foreign-born UHNWIs in the city under age 50. The report also found that 17% of foreign-born UHNWIs own or partly own businesses headquartered outside their country of residence, and 34% pursued higher education abroad.
For financial advisors, these trends underscore the growing need for cross-border planning expertise. As wealthy clients increasingly structure their lives and assets across multiple jurisdictions, advisors must navigate complex tax, legal, and regulatory landscapes. The report’s findings align with broader industry shifts, such as the barbell strategy many ultra-wealthy clients are adopting, balancing safety with high-conviction bets on AI and infrastructure.
Moira Boyle, senior director and global head of luxury at Altrata, noted that “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.” She added that the UHNW population is expanding rapidly, with total wealth and influence set to grow significantly through the end of the decade.
The report also projects that by 2030, approximately 7.7 million people globally will hold more than $5 million in assets. This expanding cohort of affluent individuals will likely fuel demand for sophisticated wealth management services, including strategies to prevent cash crunches and other liquidity challenges. Advisors who can offer expertise in multi-jurisdictional planning, tax optimization, and cross-border investment structures will be well-positioned to serve this mobile client base.
As wealth becomes increasingly decoupled from geography, the ability to move seamlessly across borders is emerging as a critical tool for preserving and growing assets. The report’s authors emphasize that flexibility and optionality are now central to wealth management, a theme that resonates with recent developments such as the federal trade court’s decision to strike down global tariffs, which could further reshape cross-border investment flows.
