The global AI boom has driven the number of billionaires worldwide to a record high, while wealth polarization has intensified. Ultra-wealthy individuals with a net worth of over 50 billion dollars (approximately 67.5 trillion Korean won) totaling 29 people were found to hold 27% of the global billionaire wealth.
According to asset intelligence firm AltraTa’s recently released *Billionaire Census 2026*, as of the end of 2025, there were 3,795 billionaires worldwide with a net worth of at least 1 billion dollars (approximately 1.35 trillion Korean won), an 8.2% increase from a year ago—the largest rise in five years. Their combined wealth surged 12.8% year-on-year to 15.1 trillion dollars (approximately 24,000 trillion Korean won), also a record high.
The 3,795 global billionaires account for just 0.07% of the world’s wealthy individuals with assets exceeding 5 million dollars (approximately 6.75 billion Korean won) but monopolize 13% of total global wealth. This equals a quarter of the combined market capitalization of all S&P 500-listed companies. “Wealth polarization is worsening,” experts observe.
This trend is tied to AI’s impact on reshaping global business structures and corporate valuations. Most billionaires’ wealth is held in corporate equity, and soaring stock prices driven by AI have amplified their personal fortunes.
Notably, the 29 “super billionaires” with over 50 billion dollars (approximately 67 trillion Korean won) in net worth collectively held 4.1 trillion dollars (approximately 5,533 trillion Korean won) in assets. Their average individual wealth exceeds 191 trillion Korean won. Prominent figures include Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Google co-founder Larry Page.
North America was home to the most billionaires, with 1,337 individuals (35.2% of the global total). Europe followed with 1,081 billionaires, and Asia had 881. The U.S. alone had 1,265 billionaires—over three times China’s 363. Major cities included New York (164), Hong Kong (106), San Francisco (99), London (79), and Singapore (75).
The average billionaire age was 71, with 62% being self-made. AltraTa noted, “Over the next decade, 6.6 trillion dollars (approximately 8,907 trillion Korean won) will be inherited or donated by global billionaires. Their adult heirs, averaging 48 years old, are highly interested in technology, climate change, and impact investing.”
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