The number of billionaires in the world has reached 2,919 people, and their total wealth has grown to $15.8 trillion.
This is according to a report published by the Swiss bank UBS, the world’s largest private wealth manager.
According to the report, despite market fluctuations, the total wealth of billionaires reached a new high amid rising technology stock prices and prices of financial assets.
Compared to last year, the number of billionaires increased by 8.8 percent to 2,919 people, and their total capital increased by 13 percent to $15.8 trillion. The growth in wealth was the second highest annual rate since 2021.
Regionally, the Americas lead the way. The total wealth of billionaires here increased by 15.5 percent to $7.5 trillion.
In Asia-Pacific, billionaire wealth grew by 11.1 percent to $4.2 trillion, and in Europe, the Middle East and Africa by 10.4 percent to $4.1 trillion.
Billionaire wealth in the technology sector increased by 23.8 percent and reached $3 trillion. Other industries with the highest concentrations of wealth include consumer and retail, industrials and financial services.
This year, 91 people were among the billionaires, inheriting a total of $297.8 billion, up 36 percent from last year. The bank estimates that at least $5.9 trillion will be passed on to the children of billionaires over the next 15 years.
During the same period, 196 entrepreneurs became self-made billionaires, bringing their total wealth to $386.5 billion.
There are 2,545 male billionaires and 374 female billionaires worldwide. Among the main concerns of billionaires for the next year are tariff restrictions, major geopolitical conflicts and political uncertainty.