Population of the World’s Ultra-Rich Grew 7.6% Last Year, With Continued Concentration at the Top

The ultra-wealthy rebounded in size and influence last year.

The global population of the ultra-rich rose by 7.6% to 426,300 individuals last year, with a correlating 7.1% jump in net worth to US$49.2 trillion, according to Altrata’s annual report on those with at least US$30 million in investable assets.

The majority of this group (80%) have a net worth between US$30 million and US$100 million, while those worth US$100 million to US$1 billion make up most of the remaining 20%. Billionaires represent only a sliver of the ultra-rich population (0.8%), but hold 24% of all wealth.

The largest percentage of wealthy individuals in the world live in North America. Their numbers continued to rise last year, increasing by 11.9% to 161,280. This increases the region’s global share of ultra rich to 37.8%. The collective net worth of this group rose by a similar percentage, to US$18.6 trillion.

The U.S. continues to far outpace any other nation in terms of wealth. The country saw a 13% rise in its ultra-wealthy population making it home to a little more than one-third of the global ultra-wealthy population, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the pace of wealth growth in Asia appears to be shifting. Hong Kong was the only Chinese city to make the top 10 of the world’s wealthiest locales amid a “structural slowing” of China’s economy and the mainland’s tightening grip on the city. Hong Kong which saw no material change in its wealth status, ranked second behind New York in terms of number of wealthy individuals.

In contrast, the report said that three of the fastest-growing cities among the top 10 for the ultra wealthy in the next five years will be in India. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi are expected to grow at an annual average rate of 14% to 16%.

In other regions, the populations of the ultra-rich declined by almost 6% in the Middle East and by nearly double digits in Africa. But more individuals reached the upper wealth tiers in Europe, where the ultra-rich gained 9.4% more members, and in Central and South America, which gained 18.2% more.

The world’s wealthiest also account for a significant amount of global spending and giving. The report said the group spent US$118 billion on personal luxury goods last year, equivalent to 30% of all spending in the category. They also accounted for US$190 billion of philanthropic donations, equal to 38% of all giving.

Looking ahead, the report predicts that this ultra-wealthy population will grow to more than 587,000 individuals by 2028 (an increase of more than 160,000 from 2023 figures), adding US$19 trillion of newly created wealth.

For self-employed Australians, navigating the mortgage market can be complex—especially when income documentation doesn’t fit the standard mould. In this guide, Stephen Andrianakos, Director of Red Door Financial Group, outlines eight flexible loan structures designed to support business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

1. Full-Doc Loan
A full-doc loan is the most straightforward and competitive option for self-employed borrowers with up-to-date tax returns and financials. Lenders assess two years of tax returns, assessment notices, and business financials. This type of loan offers high borrowing capacity, access to features like offset accounts and redraw facilities, and fixed and variable rate choices.

2. Low-Doc Loan
Low-doc loans are designed for borrowers who can’t provide the usual financial documentation, such as those in start-up mode or recently expanded businesses. Instead of full tax returns, lenders accept alternatives like profit and loss statements or accountant’s declarations. While rates may be slightly higher, these loans make finance accessible where banks might otherwise decline.

3. Standard Variable Rate Loan
A standard variable loan moves with the market and offers flexibility in repayments, extra contributions, and redraw options. It’s ideal for borrowers who want to manage repayments actively or pay off their loans faster when income permits. With access to over 40 lenders, brokers can help match borrowers with a variable product suited to their financial strategy.

4. Fixed Rate Loan
A fixed-rate loan offers repayment certainty over a set term—typically one to five years. It’s popular with borrowers seeking predictability, especially in volatile rate environments. While fixed loans offer fewer flexible features, their stability can be valuable for budgeting and cash flow planning.

5. Split Loan
A split loan combines fixed and variable portions, giving borrowers the security of a fixed rate on part of the loan and the flexibility of a variable rate on the other. This structure benefits self-employed clients with irregular income, allowing them to lock in part of their repayment while keeping some funds accessible.

6. Construction Loan
Construction loans release funds in stages aligned with the building process, from the initial slab to completion. These loans suit clients building a new home or undertaking major renovations. Most lenders offer interest-only repayments during construction, switching to principal-and-interest after the build. Managing timelines and approvals is key to a smooth experience.

7. Interest-Only Loan
Interest-only loans allow borrowers to pay just the interest portion of the loan for a set period, preserving cash flow. This structure is often used during growth phases in business or for investment purposes. After the interest-only period, the loan typically converts to principal-and-interest repayments.

8. Offset Home Loan
An offset home loan links your savings account to your mortgage, reducing the interest charged on the loan. For self-employed borrowers with fluctuating income, it’s a valuable tool for managing cash flow while still reducing interest and accelerating loan repayment. The funds remain accessible, offering both flexibility and efficiency.

Red Door Financial Group is a Melbourne-based brokerage firm that offers personalised financial solutions for residential, commercial, and business lending.