Where in the world are the new billionaires emerging?

Where the Super Rich Are Getting Even Richer

There were more billionaires than ever in 2017 – and, for the first time, more in Asia than North America, according to a new report.

Last year saw the global billionaire population grow almost 15% “to an all-time high of 2,754 individuals, surpassing the previous peak of 2,473 in 2015,” according to the latest Billionaire Census produced by global wealth information firm Wealth-X.

“A standout trend in 2017 was the surge in Asia’s billionaire class, led predominantly by China and Hong Kong, although healthy gains were also recorded in India,” the report notes, citing “higher infrastructure spending, booming prices and robust demand from an expanding middle class” among the factors responsible.

Also of note: “The number of female billionaires rose by 18% in 2017, outpacing the growth of 14.5% in the male billionaire population and increasing the female share of the global billionaire population to 11.7%.”

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