The latest UBS Billionaires Report reveals that the global billionaire population reached 2,919 in 2025, with total wealth hitting a record $15.8 trillion—a 13% increase year-over-year. Asia-Pacific saw the highest growth, with billionaire numbers rising from 981 to 1,036. Mainland China alone added 70 new billionaires, bringing its total to 470, second only to the U.S.
Investment trends show North America remains the preferred destination, though its dominance has slightly declined compared to 2024. Meanwhile, renewed confidence in Greater China and the broader Asia-Pacific region has led 34% of surveyed billionaires to view Greater China as offering the best investment opportunities—a significant jump from 11% in 2024. Alternative investments and gold have also gained traction among this group.
**Self-Made Fortunes and Tech Wealth** Globally, 196 self-made billionaires added $386.5 billion to their wealth in 2025, with 79% of them hailing from Asia-Pacific—the highest regional share. The trend of rising self-made wealth has persisted for years: in 2024, 161 entrepreneurs crossed the billion-dollar threshold, amassing $305.6 billion, up from 84 individuals and $140.7 billion in 2023.
Lucy Lui, Head of UBS Wealth Management China, noted that Greater China is the primary growth engine for billionaires, with Mainland China’s total billionaire wealth surging 22.2% to $1.8 trillion. Notably, 98% of these individuals are self-made entrepreneurs, reflecting the broader profile of China’s first-generation wealth creators.
The 70 new Chinese billionaires in 2025 predominantly emerged from high-tech sectors like IT and are younger than their global peers. "Powered by China’s tech prowess, Greater China’s wealthy staged a strong comeback this year," Lui observed. "Tech accounts for 19% of this group, with overall wealth growth nearing 40%."
Globally, tech billionaires saw their wealth grow 23.8% to $3 trillion, tying with consumer/retail as the largest sector. Six U.S. tech billionaires alone added $171 billion, driven largely by their companies’ advancements in AI, from chip manufacturing to cloud infrastructure.
**Asia-Pacific’s Rising Appeal** While North America remains the top investment choice (63% of respondents), its appeal has dipped from 80% in 2024. Other regions are gaining ground: 40% of billionaires now favor Western Europe for the next 12 months, outpacing Greater China (34%) and the rest of Asia-Pacific (33%). Interest in Greater China has tripled year-over-year, with 34% eyeing opportunities there.
Additionally, 42% plan to increase exposure to emerging-market equities, while 43% intend to boost investments in developed markets. Diversification efforts focus on infrastructure (35%) and gold/precious metals (32%).
**Top Concerns: Tariffs, Geopolitics, Policy Uncertainty** Billionaires globally cite tariffs (66%), major geopolitical conflicts (63%), and policy uncertainty (59%) as key worries. Regional variations exist: 75% in Asia-Pacific fear tariffs, while 70% in the Americas prioritize inflation or geopolitical risks. "Asia-Pacific billionaires are more risk-aware, with concerns exceeding global averages," Lui noted.
Among 87 interviewed billionaires, 75% identified technology/AI as critical challenges for younger generations, followed by climate change (55%).
Comments