Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong are top destinations, driven by pro-business environments and robust economic fundamentals. Locations with large clusters of the wealthy, such as Aspen and Monaco, also feature alongside well-established hubs such as New York City and Dubai, which have attracted such individuals for generations. Competitive economies drive innovation, growth and wealth creation. With strong GDP per capita and growth across their economies, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Hong Kong excel in the business pillar of the index.

Connectivity, both digitally and by air, is critical for running a business from a destination. With large and well-connected airports, Dubai and New York City offer the potential to have business interests anywhere in the world.

Clusters of wealth, seen in Monaco, Aspen, Vail and the Hamptons, can become incubators for innovation and funding for new ventures, while also offering opportunities to socialise with like-minded people.

Sectors driving wealth

Along with location diversification, the world’s most wealthy are also diversifying their interests across sectors that blend traditional wealth preservation with forward-looking innovation. Technology is a dominant theme, with HNWIs either founding or funding ventures in AI, blockchain and digital assets.

Financial services, especially FinTech, are another core focus. ESG and impact investing are no longer niche – they are central to portfolio strategy, with capital flowing into renewables, social enterprises and green bonds. Family offices, especially in hubs such as Singapore and Switzerland, are evolving into sophisticated vehicles for legacy planning, philanthropy and institutional-grade investing.

Entrepreneurial HNWIs are also blurring the lines between personal and corporate finance, leveraging bespoke banking solutions for IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and global expansion. The common thread is a shift from passive wealth preservation to active, value-aligned capital deployment.

Real estate remains foundational, particularly traditional residential and office assets. For those looking to diversify their portfolios, there are new classes demanding attention, particularly logistics, data centres and sustainable developments, while private equity and venture capital continue to attract capital for their outsized return potential.