The global population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), numbering nearly 23 million and collectively controlling around USD 87 trillion in wealth, is driving a shift in investment strategies worldwide, according to a recent report by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The inaugural report in DIFC’s 2026 Future of Finance series, titled Global Wealth Outlook: Rethinking Growth in a Changing World, explores how wealth patterns are being reshaped by market volatility, demographic trends, and shifting flows of capital.
The findings emphasise Dubai’s growing appeal as a preferred hub for HNWIs, family offices, and global private capital, as investors seek markets that offer diversification, flexibility, and long-term resilience.
Global realignment of wealth strategies
The report identifies a structural transformation in wealth management globally.
Amid persistent market volatility, geoeconomic uncertainty, and uneven investment returns, wealthy individuals and families are reassessing both the allocation and location of their capital.
Geographic considerations are increasingly factored into portfolio strategies, with jurisdictional risks playing a key role in safeguarding long-term wealth.
A major driver of this change is the anticipated USD 124 trillion intergenerational transfer of wealth by 2048. As younger heirs gain influence, investment priorities are evolving to include private markets, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and impact-focused strategies, alongside traditional financial returns.
