The United States has reclaimed its position as the world’s leader in billionaires, surpassing China for the first time since 2016, according to the latest Hurun Global Rich List.
The US now boasts 870 billionaires—an increase of 70 from the previous year—while China follows with 823 billionaires, adding just nine to its tally. This marks a reversal of a two-year decline in China’s billionaire count. Together, these two nations dominate the global billionaire landscape.
India ranks third with 284 billionaires, adding 13 new billionaires this year. Singapore saw a significant rise, climbing three places to 13th position, overtaking Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan. Other countries showing growth include Russia, Canada, Turkey, and Mexico. By city, New York retained its title as the world’s billionaire capital for the second consecutive year, while London remained in second place. Shanghai, for the first time, emerged as the Asian billionaire capital.
US regains top spot after 10 years
The US reclaimed its top position after 10 years, driven by a surge of 96 new billionaires. With only 17 drop-offs, the country demonstrated strong entrepreneurial growth. New York remains the country’s billionaire hub, home to 129 billionaires—a title it held until Beijing overtook it in 2016.
American billionaires account for 42% of the total wealth on the list, with 45 individuals featured in the Hurun Top 100. The US also leads in immigrant billionaires, with 206, reinforcing its status as a global wealth creation center.
Key sectors driving billionaire wealth in the US include Financial Services (170 billionaires), Media & Entertainment (111), and Software & Services (106). The US is also home to 130 women billionaires, second only to China.
China falls to second spot
After holding the top spot for a decade, China now ranks second with 823 billionaires. Despite losing 82 billionaires, the country added 91 new ones, with Shanghai leading as the top city for billionaires, housing over 92.
Chinese billionaires contribute 16% of the total wealth on the list. The country also has the highest proportion of self-made billionaires (90%), with many concentrated in the Industrial Products, Consumer Goods, and Healthcare sectors.
India at 3rd position
India maintains its position as the third-largest home to billionaires, with 284 billionaires—an increase of 45 from the previous year. Mumbai remains the country’s billionaire capital, with 90 billionaires. Indian billionaires contribute 7% of the total wealth, and seven are featured in the Hurun Top 100.
India has a notable number of emigrant billionaires, with 42 moving to countries like the US, while the number of immigrant billionaires remains low at six. Key sectors include Healthcare, Consumer Goods, and Industrial Products.
Notably, Gautam Adani saw a 13% increase in wealth, securing 18th place globally, while Mukesh Ambani remains India’s wealthiest person.
