The global population of millionaires expanded by nearly two million individuals in 2025, a significant increase driven predominantly by strong performance across international stock markets. This surge in wealth was observed worldwide, with particular concentration in certain economies, reflecting the buoyant conditions experienced by investors in recent years.
The United States led this global trend, adding a substantial 736,000 new millionaires, bringing its total to 8.7 million. This figure represents the largest increase in any single market and underscores the impact of its strong equity markets on wealth creation. While specific UK figures for the same period were not detailed in this report, the broader global trend of increasing wealth, particularly through investment, is likely to have had a ripple effect within the UK economy, impacting various segments of the financial landscape.
A notable aspect of this wealth expansion is the growth in the ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNWI) segment, which saw an impressive 9.4% increase. This group, representing the wealthiest individuals, experienced the fastest growth among all wealth segments for the second consecutive year. This trend suggests a concentration of wealth at the very top, potentially influencing investment strategies and financial services demand globally, including within the UK.
Interestingly, the report highlighted a shift in how high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) manage their assets. A significant 88% of HNWIs are now reportedly working with multiple wealth management firms. This strategy is primarily employed to gain access to a broader range of alternative investment opportunities, moving beyond traditional stocks and bonds. For UK financial advisers and wealth managers, this signals a need to diversify offerings and potentially collaborate more to meet sophisticated client demands.
Furthermore, the role of technology in wealth management is becoming increasingly prominent. Three out of four financial advisers expressed a desire for artificial intelligence (AI) to automate routine administrative tasks. This would allow them to dedicate more time and focus to building and maintaining client relationships, a critical aspect of bespoke wealth management. This trend towards AI integration could reshape the UK's financial advisory sector, potentially leading to greater efficiency and a more personalised client experience.
For UK households and businesses, this global trend signifies a period of potential opportunity and challenge. While a buoyant stock market can benefit savers and investors, it also highlights growing wealth disparities. Businesses catering to affluent consumers may see increased demand, while the broader economy could experience shifts in investment patterns and consumer spending habits driven by these wealthy segments.
Source: Capgemini World Wealth Report