Singapore’s billionaire count rises to 55 in 2025, combined wealth hits US$258.8 billion

Singapore’s billionaire roster grew in 2025 with six newcomers, bringing the total to 55, according to the latest UBS wealth report released on 4 December.

The list includes all 47 from 2024, as well as two individuals who recently moved to the Republic.

The combined wealth of Singapore’s billionaires reached US$258.8 billion (S$335 billion), a 66.4 per cent increase from US$155.5 billion (S$201 billion) in 2024.

Of the 2025 cohort, 37 are self-made, UBS noted.

Globally, the Asia-Pacific region saw the highest number of new billionaires, with 128 individuals joining the ranks in 2025.

Speaking at a media briefing on 4 December, Young Jin Yee, UBS’ Singapore country head and co-head for global wealth management for the Asia-Pacific, attributed the growth to the economic rebound in China and the wider region.

The total number of billionaires worldwide rose to 2,919 in April 2025, up 8.8 per cent from 2,682 in 2024.

Their combined wealth hit a record US$15.8 trillion, a 13 per cent increase from the previous year.

Regional Wealth Trends

The Asia-Pacific is now home to 1,036 billionaires, up from 981 in 2024.

The Americas lead with 1,052 billionaires, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) grew to 547 from 495.

In terms of wealth growth, the Americas saw a 15.5 per cent increase to US$7.5 trillion, followed by the Asia-Pacific with an 11.1 per cent rise to US$4.2 trillion, and EMEA with 10.4 per cent growth to US$4.1 trillion.

Self-made billionaires continue to rise globally, with 196 new entrepreneurs joining the list, representing a total wealth of US$386.5 billion.

In the Americas, 92 new self-made billionaires accounted for US$179.9 billion, with 87 from the US holding US$171.9 billion.

In the Asia-Pacific, 61 entrepreneurs became billionaires with combined wealth of US$124.4 billion, while EMEA added 43.

Market Activity and Investment Focus

UBS experts highlighted the role of market activity in wealth creation.

Hartmut Issel, chief investment officer for Asia-Pacific equities at UBS, noted that IPOs remain focused on the “new economy,” particularly in technology.

Conrad Huber, head of business sectors for India, non-resident Indians, Indonesia and Japan International, pointed to strong market activity in the US, India, China and Hong Kong.

Female Billionaires and Inherited Wealth

The report also revealed growing female wealth. The 374 female billionaires saw their average wealth rise 8.4 per cent to US$5.2 billion, outpacing the 3.2 per cent growth of the 2,545 male billionaires.

The consumer and retail sector remains the main driver for female billionaires, and the Asia-Pacific boasts the highest proportion of female self-made billionaires globally.

A record wealth transfer is underway, with 91 heirs – 64 male and 27 female – receiving US$297.8 billion in 2025.

UBS estimates that around US$5.9 trillion will be passed to heirs globally by 2040, with nearly half in the US, followed by at least US$1.3 trillion in Western Europe.

In the Asia-Pacific, heirs are expected to inherit US$1.29 trillion, including US$66.7 billion in Singapore.

Investment Outlook and Key Concerns

Billionaires are increasingly eyeing the Asia-Pacific and Greater China for investment opportunities.

Over the next 12 months, 34 per cent consider Greater China the region with the greatest potential, up from 11 per cent in 2024.

Meanwhile, 33 per cent favour the rest of the Asia-Pacific, up from 25 per cent.

Planned investment strategies include hedge funds (61 per cent), developed market equities (50 per cent), and precious metals such as gold (48 per cent).

The top concerns over the next year are tariffs, major geopolitical conflicts, and policy uncertainty.