A new report from Swiss bank UBS reveals that 2025 saw a record number of new millionaires worldwide, driven by strong stock market performance and wealth creation in the technology sector.
Key Findings from the UBS Report
The UBS Global Wealth Report 2026 indicates that the number of individuals with assets exceeding $1 million grew by 5.2% in 2025, reaching an all-time high of 62.5 million globally. This marks the largest single-year increase in millionaire creation since the bank began tracking the data.
According to UBS, the United States added the most new millionaires, with an increase of 1.2 million, followed by China with 800,000, and India with 400,000. The report attributes this growth to robust equity markets, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence sectors, as well as strong performance in real estate markets in key regions.
Regional Breakdown
Europe also saw significant gains, with Germany adding 300,000 new millionaires and the United Kingdom adding 250,000. In contrast, some emerging markets experienced slower growth due to currency fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.
“The record number of new millionaires reflects the resilience of global wealth creation despite economic uncertainties,” said a UBS spokesperson. “We see a trend where technology and innovation continue to drive wealth, particularly in the AI and green energy sectors.”
Wealth Inequality Concerns
However, the report also highlights growing wealth inequality. The top 1% of wealth holders now control 47% of global wealth, up from 45% in 2020. UBS notes that while millionaire numbers are rising, the wealth gap between the richest and poorest continues to widen.
The report projects that the number of millionaires could reach 70 million by 2028, assuming continued economic growth and stable markets.
