UBS: Global Personal Wealth Grew 10.8% Last Year, Taiwan Ranks 16th

(CNA, Taipei, June 30) - A UBS report indicates that global personal wealth grew by 10.8% last year, marking the third consecutive year of growth with a significant acceleration in pace. Taiwanese per capita wealth reached $332,533 (approximately NT$10.59 million), ranking 16th globally.

The UBS "Global Wealth Report 2026" recently released states that driven by strong financial market performance and rising non-financial asset values, global personal wealth has generally increased. Last year, global personal wealth (in U.S. dollars) grew by 10.8%, significantly higher than the 4.6% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2023.

Comparing growth momentum across regions, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) saw the strongest growth at 17.5%; the Americas grew by 8.5%; and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region grew by 5.9%, an acceleration from 2024.

The report explains that Switzerland continues to be the market with the highest per capita wealth for adults globally, at $910,382, followed by the United States at $696,277, and Luxembourg at $654,732. Additionally, Hong Kong at $648,267 ranks 4th, Singapore at $527,217 ranks 6th, Taiwan ranks 16th with $332,533, and South Korea ranks 19th with $311,260.

The report states that since 2020, South Korea has led in per capita wealth growth with an increase of over 50%, while Taiwan is also among the markets with growth exceeding 25%.

Observing changes in the high-net-worth individual (HNWI) segment with assets exceeding $5 million, the report shows that this group's growth momentum has significantly accelerated, making them one of the fastest-growing segments of the global affluent population, with assets ranging from $5 million to $100 million. This trend is particularly evident in China, Australia, and the United States, indicating a continuous strengthening of growth momentum within the high-end wealth segment.

The report mentions that asset allocation is also an important factor influencing wealth growth. Most middle-class and general millionaire groups still hold residential real estate as their primary asset, which may limit their participation in market-driven returns. However, in some mature markets, the proportion of investable and liquid assets has been increasing year by year, indicating a gradual shift in wealth structure towards allocations with higher correlation to the market.

Iqbal Khan, Co-President of UBS Global Wealth Management, stated that global wealth is rapidly evolving, with its growth increasingly driven by economic conditions, technological transformation, and emerging opportunities. For investors, the market is both more complex and offers more choices. In this environment, having forward-looking insights and a trusted partner is crucial for seizing opportunities and making long-term decisions.

Robert Karofsky, Co-President of UBS Global Wealth Management, explained that global wealth has grown for the third consecutive year, with a significant acceleration in pace, and the growth in personal wealth has far outpaced the global economy. In this context, disciplined asset management and long-term planning are becoming increasingly important, and clients are more inclined to seek partners with global reach and local insights to help them manage and accumulate wealth. (Editor: Yang Lan-h Lan-hsuan) 1150630)