A high-net-worth individual (HNWI) is someone who has highly liquid financial assets of at least $1 million, that is after liabilities as per Investopedia.

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High-net-worth individual overview

These liquid assets include cash, stocks, bonds and other investments that can be easily converted into cash. They do not include illiquid assets such as primary residence and collectibles, which can be hard to sell easily.

HNWIs often rely heavily on professional financial services, such as wealth management firms, private bankers, and investment advisors, to effectively manage their assets, optimize returns, and preserve wealth across generations.

Ways to be a high-net-worth individual

In order to rank among the HNWIs, one can make it through working that is having a career, saving, investing smartly. Apart from the obvious ways, one can also achieve this through a wealthy inheritance, selling valuable assets, receiving a settlement/insurance and also windfalls. One can also pay off debts and find more ways of increasing their income.

Types of high-net-worth individuals

Sub-HNWI – have a net worth of more than $100,000 but less than $1 million in liquid assets.
HNWI – those with $1 million to $5 million in liquid assets.
Very-HNWI – their net worth is between $5 million and $30 million.
Ultra-HNWI – this category of individuals have a net worth of a minimum of $30 million.

Benefits of being a high-net-worth individual

Being an HNWI provides access to unique financial opportunities and exclusive services:

Access to high-profile investment events and forums – Networking opportunities with other wealthy individuals and institutional investors.

Special rates and interests services – Lower interest rates, personalized banking services, and private banking privileges.

Private equity and venture capital – Ability to invest in startups, private companies, or funds not available to the general public.

Tax planning and estate management – Access to sophisticated strategies to protect wealth across generations.

World Wealth Report insights

The World Wealth Report 2025, published annually by Capgemini Research Institute, provides valuable data on HNWIs, including:

The total global HNWI population reached approximately 23.4 million individuals in 2024.
Combined HNWI wealth totaled about $90.5 trillion.
UHNWIs numbered roughly 234,000 and controlled a disproportionate share of wealth.
Individuals with $5 million to $30 million comprised about 2.162 million of the population.
The largest segment those with $1 million to $5 million, consisted of roughly 21.017 million HNWIs.

In terms of wealth distribution, UHNWIs (the smallest group by count at about 1 percent) held approximately 34 percent of total HNWI wealth, while the mid‑tier and core millionaire segments held about 23 percent and 43 percent respectively.

Regional level findings

North America remained the largest regional hub for HNWIs and saw the most significant increase in both millionaire count and wealth, driven largely by equity market performance.

Asia‑Pacific also registered growth in its HNWI population.

Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East showed mixed or decline trends in HNWI population, often influenced by slower economic growth or localized market challenges.

Summary of high-net-worth individuals

Overall, a high-net-worth individual (HNWI) has at least $1 million in liquid assets and often grows wealth through careers, investments, inheritance, or asset sales. HNWIs, categorized as HNWI, Very-HNWI, and Ultra-HNWI, enjoy exclusive investment opportunities and private banking. The World Wealth Report 2025 notes 23.4 million HNWIs globally with $90.5 trillion in wealth.