FAST FACTS about the world’s wealthy: How Wealthy is Wealthy?

Over the next several blog posts we’ll be taking a look at the latest research on the wealthy around the world. In anticipation of that, here are a few accepted definitions of wealth and some research details which will clarify the various ways levels of wealth are measured, identify how many wealthy there are around the globe (at least at some wealth levels) and define how wealthy they are.

DICTIONARY OF WEALTH:

Investable Assets – Money invested or available for investment, typically measured by asset values not including a primary residence, consumables, or “investments of passion.” such as art or jewelry.

Net Worth – All assets minus all liabilities equals net worth.

Millionaires – Individuals with at least $1 million in net worth.

HNWI – High Net Worth Individual or someone with at least $1 million in investable assets There are about 11 million households worldwide that fall into this category. Source: Capgemini/RBC, “World Wealth Report, 2012”

Mid-tier Millionaires or The Very Rich – This group has from $5 million to just under $30 million in investable assets.

VHNWI – Very High Net Worth Individual or someone with at least $25 million in investable assets. Source: Knight Frank, “The World Wealth Report”

UHNW – Ultra High Net Worth Individuals have at least $30 million in investable assets. There are only about 100,000 of these households in the world. Sometimes referred to as the Uber Rich. Source: Capgemini/RBC, “World Wealth Report, 2012”

Centa-Millionaire – Those individuals with $100 million or more in assets. Currently the number of households in this category is estimated at 63,000 in the world. This is up 29% since 2006 and is expected to continue to grow. Source: Ledbury Research

Billionaire – Those with $1 billion dollars in net worth (assets minus liabilities.) Based on the latest Forbes report, there are currently 1226 billionaires in the world.

Prime Property -- A location’s most desirable property, usually the most expensive, can be defined as prime property. This represents 1% to 2% of the world’s top properties.

Super Prime or Trophy Property – These are residences priced at $20 million plus, usually with international appeal.

Very Successful – What the affluent prefer to be called rather than "wealthy" or "rich"!