According to a new report by Altrata, cited by CNBC, the number of US-dollar billionaires worldwide reached 3,795 in 2025. That figure represents an 8.2 percent increase year-on-year, the fastest growth seen in five years.
Wealth rise and growing concentration
Total billionaire wealth rose even more sharply, climbing 12.8 percent to $15.1 trillion. Altrata examined data from 150 publicly listed companies and found that firms that invested at least $30 million in artificial intelligence over the past five years outperformed their peers by 23 percent in market capitalization.
The report also highlights increasing wealth concentration among the ultra-rich. It identified 29 so-called “super billionaires” — individuals whose net worth exceeds $50 billion. Their combined net worth is $4.1 trillion, equal to 27 percent of total billionaire wealth. By comparison, in 2017 there were only 10 super billionaires, who together held just 7.2 percent of the global billionaire wealth.
Tech-stock volatility and large paper losses
Wealth tied to technology stocks has become highly volatile. Altrata notes that this volatility was already evident in 2026: in July of that year, the value of major chipmakers’ shares dropped by $1.3 trillion in a single day. Such swings produced very large paper losses among some ultra-wealthy individuals: Forbes reported that Elon Musk’s net worth fell by $18 billion in one day, while Larry Ellison’s wealth declined by $50 billion over a single week.
Regional distribution
Regionally, North America remains dominant with 1,337 billionaires. Their number rose by 11.6 percent, outpacing other regions; Altrata attributes this in part to the United States’ dominant position in the technology sector. Europe saw a 7.9 percent increase to 1,081 billionaires, while Asia’s billionaire population grew by 6.5 percent to 881.
Why 2025 stood out
Altrata’s analysis notes that 2025 was exceptional in multiple respects: despite market turbulence linked to a trade conflict involving Donald Trump, all major asset classes delivered positive returns — an outcome not seen since the pandemic. At the same time, gains tied to AI investments have amplified wealth disparities among the very rich.
Note on reporting
An AI assistant supported preparation of the article; the final content was edited and verified by a reporter.
Tags: Altrata, CNBC, Forbes, billionaires, artificial intelligence, wealth concentration, tech stocks, 2025, 2026
