A quiet but powerful shift is underway in global wealth. According to the UBS Global Wealth Report 2025, the number of “Everyday Millionaires” (EMILLIs)—those with $1–5 million in assets—has more than quadrupled since 2000, reaching 52 million people worldwide.
Further, this segment now controls wealth exceeding $107 trillion—over 2.5 times their aggregate wealth (in real terms) at the turn of the millennium. This nearly matches the $119 trillion owned by individuals with assets above $5 million.
What’s Driving the Surge?
The main factors are strong real estate appreciation and rising financial markets, especially in the U.S. and Europe. Currency movements and inheritance also play a part, with millions moving into millionaire status almost invisibly.
Implications for the Future
The continued expansion of the EMILLI segment signals a structural change in global wealth distribution. The “millionaire next door” is no longer an anomaly; they are fast becoming the standard in many markets. As asset values, especially property, continue to climb and financial literacy grows, the EMILLI class is set to play an even more prominent role in the global economy.
For deeper insights into this and related topics, you can access the full 2025 Global Wealth Report here.
