UBS: New Era of Billionaire Wealth Reshapes Global Finance
Global billionaire wealth has reached an unprecedented high in 2025, powered by a surge in entrepreneurial success and the largest intergenerational wealth transfer ever recorded, according to UBS’ latest Billionaire Ambitions Report 2025, published on Thursday. Women take the momentum in wealth creation.
Global billionaire wealth climbed to $15.8 trillion this year, with 196 self-made billionaires adding $386.5 billion through bold business creation across sectors, including technology, industrials, and energy infrastructure.
The global billionaire population rose by 8.8 percent to nearly three thousand individuals, marking one of the strongest growth years in the report’s history.
Structural Shift That Will Define Decades
The bank estimates that approximately $6.9 trillion will be transferred globally by 2040, with at least $5.9 trillion passing to heirs directly or via spouses.
UBS executives emphasize that the convergence of entrepreneurial wealth generation and inheritance is redefining wealth stewardship, governance, and asset allocation on a global scale.
As Benjamin Cavalli, head strategic clients & global connectivity, UBS Global Wealth Management, stated, «the rise of a new generation of wealth creators and inheritors is reshaping the global landscape».
Great Wealth Transfer Accelerates
A historic handover of capital is reshaping billionaire demographics. In 2025, 91 heirs inherited a record $297.8 billion, up 36 percent from last year, lifting multigenerational fortunes to $4.7 trillion.
The number of third-generation billionaires grew 12.3 percent, while fourth-generation and beyond rose 10 percent, underscoring the growing influence of long-established dynasties.
Women Outpacing Men
Women billionaires have now outpaced men in wealth accumulation for four consecutive years.
Their average wealth rose 8.4 percent to $5.2 billion in 2025, compared with a 3.2 percent increase for men, reflecting a rapid rise in female financial power and decision-making stature.
Shifting Priorities and Global Mobility
Billionaire families are increasingly global in footprint and mindset. More than one-third have relocated at least once, seeking greater quality of life, improved tax structures, and reduced geopolitical exposure.
As UBS notes, this expanding mobility introduces heightened cross-border legal, cultural, and financial complexities.
Next-Gen Leadership and Philanthropic Ambitions
More than eight in ten billionaires want their children to succeed independently, while over two-thirds hope heirs will pursue personal passions rather than simply extend the family empire.
While 43 percent still favor generational continuity in business ownership, younger stakeholders are perceived as prioritizing innovation, lifestyle, and impact investing.
Investment Strategies in a Volatile Landscape
Despite market turbulence, North America remains the top investment destination for 63 percent of respondents, followed by Western Europe and Greater China.
Billionaires plan to increase exposure to emerging market equities, as well as private equity, hedge funds, and infrastructure, even as concerns persist over tariffs, geopolitical conflict, and policy uncertainty.
Market-Moving Transition
The unprecedented expansion and redistribution of billionaire wealth will continue to influence financial markets, cross-border capital flows, and strategic investment behavior.
For wealth managers and policymakers alike, anticipating the ambitions of this next generation will become essential to navigating the future of global finance.
