Global billionaires reached a record 3,795 individuals with combined assets of $15.1 trillion as of 2025 year-end, according to Altrata's Billionaire Census 2026 released on the 6th. The 8.2% increase in billionaire count and 12.8% surge in total assets were driven by AI investment momentum and global stock market gains. Wealth concentration intensified as 29 super-billionaires with net worth exceeding $500 billion now control $4.1 trillion, representing 27.2% of all billionaire assets—a sharp rise from 10 individuals holding just 7.2% in 2017.
Super-Billionaires Control 27% of Total Wealth
The number of billionaires with assets of $1 billion or more increased 8.2% to 3,795 in 2025, marking the largest annual growth since 2020. Over the past decade, the billionaire population expanded approximately 60%, growing from 2,397 in 2016. Total billionaire wealth more than doubled from $7.4 trillion in 2016 to $15.1 trillion in 2025, both figures representing all-time highs.
Wealth concentration at the top tier accelerated significantly. The 29 super-billionaires with net worth exceeding $500 billion collectively hold $4.1 trillion, accounting for 27.2% of total billionaire assets. This compares to 10 individuals holding 7.2% in 2017. Altrata attributed this concentration to surging valuations of AI-related technology companies.
AI Investment Companies Show 23% Higher Market Cap Growth
Altrata identified AI investment as the primary driver of billionaire wealth growth. The firm analyzed 150 global listed companies contributing most significantly to billionaire assets and found that companies making meaningful AI investments during 2024-2025 experienced market capitalization growth 23% higher than non-AI investors. Stock market rallies and interest rate cuts by major central banks also contributed to asset appreciation.
North America Leads with 1,337 Billionaires
Regionally, North America hosted the most billionaires with 1,337 individuals, representing 35% of the global total. Europe followed with 1,081 billionaires and Asia with 881. The United States alone accounted for 1,265 billionaires, more than triple China's count.
By city, New York ranked first with 164 billionaires, followed by Hong Kong with 106 and San Francisco with 99. The average billionaire age was 71 years, and 62% were self-made.
Altrata Forecasts $6.6 Trillion Wealth Transfer Over Next Decade
Altrata projected that billionaires will transfer $6.6 trillion in assets to spouses, children, and charitable or educational institutions over the next 10 years. The average age of adult children expected to inherit is 48 years.
FAQ
How many billionaires exist globally as of 2025?
As of 2025 year-end, there are 3,795 billionaires worldwide with combined assets of $15.1 trillion, according to Altrata's Billionaire Census 2026. This represents an 8.2% increase in billionaire count and a 12.8% increase in total assets compared to the previous year.
Why did billionaire wealth increase significantly in 2025?
Altrata identified AI investment as the primary driver. Companies making meaningful AI investments during 2024-2025 showed market capitalization growth 23% higher than non-AI investors. Global stock market rallies and central bank interest rate cuts also contributed to the wealth surge.
Which region has the most billionaires?
North America leads with 1,337 billionaires, representing 35% of the global total. The United States alone accounts for 1,265 billionaires. By city, New York has the most with 164 billionaires, followed by Hong Kong with 106 and San Francisco with 99.
