Billionaire cover slide

More individuals are reaching billionaire status but the total wealth held by the nation's jet set is contracting.

The billionaire population grew by 1% but their total assets fell by 6% in 2015, according to Billionaire Insight, a study conducted by UBS and PWC.

Many UHNW clients are seeing their wealth shrink, especially through intergenerational transfers. In fact, the number of self-made billionaires is taking over inherited wealth, the study says. Learn more about the characteristics of today's mega-rich through our slideshow.
IAG.10172016. Billionaire slideshow 6% contraction in wealth UHNW rich

1% growth for the billionaires club

Assets of the nation's richest might have declined, but the number of billionaire individuals are growing. The billionaire population grew by 1% to 538 in 2015.
IAG.10172016. billionaire who holds the wealth demographic UHNW wealthy rich

The combination of age and wealth

The nation's richest hold a total of $2.47 trillion in assets. Billionaires over the age of 70 have $1.17 trillion, while their younger peers own $1.3 trillion.
Billionaire total wealth transfer UHNW wealthy rich

What lies ahead?

A total of $2.1 trillion is in the hands of fewer than 500 people. This group is expected to transfer that wealth to heirs in the next two decades.
Billionaire total wealth self-made vs multigenerational rich UHNW

Young money fared better than old

The wealth of self-made billionaires fell from $4.7 billion to $4.5 billion per individual. Those who inherited their billionaire status watched their fortunes contract at a faster rate of 16%, from $5.1 billion to $4.3 billion.
Billionaire contraction of wealth by gen transfer UHNW rich

How the rich become … less rich

Business volatility accounts for over 60% of all wealth contraction among billionaires.

IAG.10172016. billionaire inheritance on a sliding scale UHNW rich wealthy

How effective is the great wealth transfer?

Since 1995, 70% of billionaire fortunes did not survive past the first generation. Another 20% did not remain intact past the second generation.
Billionaire 1 every 3 day UHNW rich

Where is the money?

Led by China, Asia is creating one billionaire every three days. In 2015, 113 Asian entrepreneurs attained billionaire status.
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