According to the “Billionaire Ambitions Report” [“Raport Ambicji Miliarderów”] UBS bank, in 2025 the wealth of another 287 people exceeded one billion dollars. “The number of new billionaires reached a new record in 2025,” says Benjamin Cavalli, who is responsible for strategic client relations at UBS's wealth management division.
According to a UBS study, the new billionaires have a total fortune of $684 billion. (approx. PLN 2 trillion 457 billion, counting at the current exchange rate). Of the new billionaires, 196 people achieved this status on their own, mainly by starting a successful company.
Among the new billionaires, the most self-made people are in the United States – 92 new dollar billionaires. However, Europe is where most of the heirs of billionaires live. Their number is 48. In total, there are currently 2,919 people in the world who have assets worth over USD 1 billion. Their number increased by 8.8%.
When it comes to the distribution of wealth between the genders, there is still a lot of room for improvement: according to data, there are 374 female billionaires worldwide (previous year: 344). The rich men's club has 2,545 men (2,338 last year).
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Moreover, women continue to acquire billion-dollar fortunes mainly through inheritance. According to UBS, of the 43 women who exceeded the threshold worth USD 1,000 million this year. (approx. PLN 3,600 billion), 27 obtained their money through inheritance, and 16 achieved it on their own. But the number of women in the latter group is also growing: “More and more women are becoming billionaires through their own efforts and their businesses,” says Cavalli.
They also seem to be very skilled at managing money. “It's worth noting that For the fourth year in a row, female billionaires are increasing their wealth faster than billionaires” – says UBS expert Cavalli. One reason is that women, by taking over inherited businesses, open new markets and develop new products that appeal to a wider audience.
For a long time, banks such as UBS have been ensuring that not only men, but also their wives, take part in wealth management. Research shows that after the death of their husband, most women change banks – apparently because they never felt fully involved in managing the family assets.
“Many of the super-rich are 70 or older.”
Currently, a huge wave of declines is coming. According to a UBS study, the exclusive club of billionaires alone will inherit a total wealth of $6.9 trillion by 2040. (approx. PLN 29 800 billion, counting at the current exchange rate). The largest part will remain in families and often go to widows first.
UBS wealth experts have noticed another interesting trend: billionaires are more mobile than ever. “Since the COVID pandemic, we have seen increased mobility of billionaires,” says Cavalli.
According to the study, 36 percent of the surveyed billionaires and billionaires who are UBS clients have already changed their country of residence. Almost 10 percent is considering such a step.
This is also because many of the super-rich are 70 or older. Their children have long left home and live in other countries. Rich parents are eager to look for a new, beautiful place to spend the autumn of their lives.
Couple on a yachtPeopleImages/Shutterstock
“The criteria for choosing a location are primarily good health care, a good education system and low public debt and tax burden,” says Cavalli.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
