World's ultra-rich population expanding rapidly; US, China lead

The world's ultra-rich population is expanding rapidly, but the growth is occurring in very different ways across countries.

While the US is expected to produce far more ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) than any other nation, estimates show that many smaller economies will see a faster percentage growth in their population with at least $30 million in wealth, visualcapitalist.com reports. The source, based on Knight Frank's 2026 World Wealth Data, shows which countries are expected to have the most ultra-rich residents between 2021 and 2026.

• America is creating ultra-rich individuals at an unprecedented rate

The US is expected to add nearly 67,000 people with at least $30 million in wealth between 2021 and 2026, nearly three times the growth recorded in China over the same period.

No other country comes close in absolute terms. America's expansive capital markets, technology sector and concentration of fast-growing private companies continue to generate wealth on a scale unmatched by other economies.

China ranks second with over 22,000 new ultra-high net worth individuals, cementing its position as one of the largest wealth creation markets globally.

The following countries rank 3-10 on the list: Germany (+9,273 ultra-high net worth individuals), India (+7,716), Switzerland (+4,968), Australia (+4,036), France (+3,781), UK (+3,005), Italy (+2,886), Spain (+2,708).

• Several countries see their ultra-high net worth population double

While the US dominates in terms of the total number of new ultra-high net worth individuals, the fastest growth is occurring elsewhere. Poland leads the world, with a projected 109% increase in its ultra-rich population, followed by Qatar at 107% and Turkey at 94%. These gains suggest that wealth creation is accelerating beyond traditional financial centers and spreading to a wider group of emerging and rapidly developing economies.

Many of these countries are benefiting from industrial expansion, energy exports, infrastructure investment and growing financial sectors.

Gulf states such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also seeing wealth growth, linked to increased energy revenues and economic diversification initiatives.

• India highlights broader shift in global wealth creation

India is one of the few countries to appear near the top of both rankings. The country is expected to add more than 7,700 ultra-rich individuals, while its ultra-rich population grows by 63%.

The broader rankings point to a world where new wealth centers are emerging alongside established ones. Countries from Romania and Morocco to the Gulf states are producing more high-net-worth entrepreneurs and investors, reflecting shifts in capital flows, industrial growth and business formation.

Established wealth centers such as Switzerland, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates remain important magnets for the wealthy, but the geography of wealth creation is becoming increasingly diverse, the source concludes.