The 'boom' of billionaires in the world, who is gaining ground, Europe or the USA?

The number of billionaires globally is continuing to grow at a rapid pace and shows no signs of slowing down, according to a wealth report cited by Euronews Business and Knight Frank.

According to the data, the global population of billionaires has increased from 2,723 in 2021 to 3,110 in 2026, while it is expected to reach around 3,915 by 2031.

Europe in strong growth

Europe is expected to be one of the main regions of this growth. The number of billionaires on the continent is predicted to increase from 780 to 994 within five years, an increase of about 27%.

According to the report, several European countries, especially the Nordic ones, are expected to see significant growth in the number of super-rich, ranking among the most dynamic in the world.

Wealth experts emphasize that this growth is related to "structural changes in global wealth creation" and the resilience of private capital despite economic uncertainties.

America grows in numbers, but declines in global weight

North America is also expected to add billionaires in absolute terms, from 995 to 1,089 by 2031.

However, according to forecasts, its share of the global total will fall from 31% to 27.8%, being the only region to record a percentage decline.

Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific remains the region with the highest percentage of billionaires in the world, accounting for about 36% of the global total.

Global wealth trends

The report also highlights that private capital is becoming increasingly mobile, while the countries where billionaires choose to invest or live are narrowing.

According to experts, this reflects a "structural acceleration of global wealth creation," despite geopolitical challenges and inflationary pressures.