Number of dollar millionaires in Belgium rises for first time in four years
For the first time since 2021, the number of dollar millionaires in Belgium has increased. Last year, the country counted 146,400 millionaires, a rise of 8.8 per cent compared with 2024. The figures come from the 30th annual World Wealth Report published by consultancy firm Capgemini.
Capgemini measures investable wealth in dollars, taking into account shares and other securities, investments, cash and real estate. The family home, art collections, cars and jewellery are not included.
On that basis, 146,400 people in Belgium hold assets of at least one million dollars, equivalent to around 860,000 euros at the current exchange rate. Within that group, 618 individuals qualify as ultra-high-net-worth, meaning their assets exceed 30 million dollars. Worldwide, the total number of dollar millionaires stands at 25.3 million.
Belgian millionaires collectively hold assets worth 387.4 billion dollars, up 10.2 per cent on the previous year. Both the number of millionaires and their combined wealth grew faster in Belgium than the European average, a difference Capgemini attributes to stock market performance.
Inequality on the rise
The distribution of wealth among millionaires is somewhat more equal in Belgium than in the rest of the world. Globally, 34.8 per cent of total millionaire wealth is held by the ultra-rich. In Belgium, that figure stands at 12.7 per cent. However, the gap is widening.
"The pyramid is becoming heavier at the top," said Iben Lambrechts of Capgemini at a press conference. Belgium's ultra-wealthy saw their combined assets grow by 15 per cent last year, while the broader group of "everyday millionaires" recorded wealth growth of 8.9 per cent.
PHOTO © Fatih Cetin / AFP
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