Global pot of liquid assets has been growing steadily, and its value will exceed $100tn by the end of 2017. Shortly after the 2008-09 financial crisis growth was fueled mostly by equities and mutual funds, which benefitted from the increasing risk appetite of retail investors. Most recently, however, deposits have been chosen as a preferred option, which is typically the case in times of increasing uncertainty and volatility. In terms of distribution of assets, the wealthiest have been and will continue to build up their savings faster than anyone else.

At the end of 2015, worldwide liquid assets held onshore by affluent individuals (those with assets exceeding $50,000) totaled $84.4tn. 2016 will see 4.8% growth, adding another $4.5tn to the global affluent wealth market. Although combined the mass affluent and HNW segments represent no more than 9% of the global population, their assets currently account for more than 90% of global liquid wealth.

Global wealth market is on a continuous growth path. Worldwide liquid onshore assets will exceed $100tn no later than 2017. But the market is not homogenous: rates and reasons for growth differ between affluent segments, the level of economic development in any given nation, and local conditions. Volatile exchange rates affect not only the relative strength of regional wealth markets but also investors’ preferences with regards to different asset classes. This means that understanding not just the actual size of a market but also all the above factors is crucial for wealth managers expanding to new countries and developing client targeting strategies.

By the end of 2020, the total liquid assets of HNW individuals will surpass $41tn. In the same time period, the assets of the affluent population as a whole will increase to over $110tn. The forecast rate of 30.9% growth for 2016-20 is slightly lower than the 32.0% recorded in 2011-15. The growth will be fueled mostly by wealth generated by millionaires rather than mass affluent clients.

The report “The Global Wealth Market in 2016” cross-compares 69 wealth markets at a regional and country level. Historical and forecast data for both the number of individuals and the value of liquid assets is segmented by 12 liquid asset bands. Furthermore, it discuss about dynamics of regional wealth markets and how this is set to change by 2020, it helps to identify the markets and affluent segments offering the highest growth potential and helps to learn about local preferences regarding tendencies towards investing in different asset classes.

Companies mentioned in this report: Credit Suisse, International Monetary Fund, UBS, World Bank