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Writer's pictureMimi Glenn

Insight to the Future of Luxury Marketing: Insights from the Wealth-X World Ultra Wealth Report 2022

Updated: Sep 22, 2023


The world of luxury marketing is an ever-evolving landscape, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for those aiming to reach the most exclusive of audiences. Luxury brands, especially those in sectors like yachts, automotive, and finance are always on the lookout for that elusive edge to captivate the ultra-wealthy. Fortunately, the Wealth-X World Ultra Wealth Report 2022 has just unveiled a treasure trove of insights that are set to redefine the strategies of luxury marketers in 2023 and beyond.

The Wealth-X World Ultra Wealth Report: A Beacon of Insight The Wealth-X World Ultra Wealth Report is an annual masterpiece, brought to life by Altrata and powered by Wealth-X's unparalleled data. This report delves deep into the world of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), individuals with a combined net worth exceeding a staggering $30 million. But this year's report is extra special, thanks to its innovative methodologies, which have breathed new life into the analysis of the global UHNW population.

Changing Tides: The Global UHNW Community The first revelation that leaves our jaws on the floor is the dip in the global UHNW population. For the first time since 2018, there's been a 6% decrease, leaving us with a mere 392,410 individuals who qualify as UHNWIs. And as if that wasn't enough, their total wealth has taken an 11% hit, dwindling to $41.8 trillion. What's behind this misfortune? The Russian-Ukraine war and subsequent global economic turbulence have played their part. Countries like the US, Japan, and France have experienced dramatic declines in wealth, wiping out gains from the pandemic era and ushering in a period of uncertainty marked by supply chain hiccups and inflation spikes.

Key Shifts: Wealth in Flux Now, let's zoom in on the report's highlights. One of the standout findings is the ongoing wealth transfer from men to women. Wealthy women now account for a remarkable 11% of the global UHNW population. If you're a luxury brand dealing in watches, fine goods, art, or real estate, this news is music to your ears. UHNW women are the force behind 70% of luxury watch and jewelry sales. They allocate three times more of their wealth to luxury items and real estate, and their generosity knows no bounds, contributing 7.3% more to philanthropic causes. UHNW women set aside a staggering 13% of their wealth for luxury splurges, while their male counterparts reserve a mere 4%. The statistics tell an impressive story.

Understanding the UHNW Mindset We have witnessed these trends firsthand through our audience profiling. High networth women engage with a wider array of luxury brands, products, experiences, and influencers compared to their male counterparts. For men, it's often about amassing more wealth, spending on assets that serve both business and leisure purposes. In contrast, women view their relationship with wealth as one of custodianship and enjoyment.

Eastward Bound: The Wealth Shift Continues The global shift of wealth from West to East is an unstoppable force. While the US and Europe grapple with losses, China shines amidst the global economic gloom. The Asia Pacific region now boasts a staggering 31.3% of the world's High Networth individuals and holds 29.7% of the world's ultra wealth. The Middle East also thrives as it seeks alternatives to Russia's energy supplies.

Global Giants: High Networth Individuals Country Populations and Cities In mid-2021, the top 10 UHNW countries were the US, China, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, Canada, France, Switzerland, and Italy. These nations are hubs of wealth and influence. The top 10 cities for the UHNW elite include Hong Kong, NYC, LA, Tokyo, London, San Francisco, Paris, Chicago, Washington DC, and Dallas. These are the playgrounds where luxury marketers must shine.

The Rise of Female Ultra High Networth Philanthropy UHNW women are not just accumulating wealth; they're changing the world. Our audience profiling service at Digital Zebra has revealed that they're more philanthropic and actively support causes related to equality, human rights, and opportunities for women and children. In fact, nearly 20% of UHNW women focus on the non-profit sector as their primary industry, compared to only 5% of men.

Closing the Gender Wealth Gap While we celebrate the progress, there's still work to be done. The report notes that while 'inherited' wealth is slightly higher for women ($67.3 million) than for men ($63.4 million), 'self-made' High Networth Individuals are lagging behind, with women's median wealth being 33% lower than men's. The gender disparity in entrepreneurialism is a global issue, with the East outpacing the West in addressing it.

A Promising Future As we venture into the future, the potential of High Networth women to reshape the world's wealth distribution through their earnings, spending, and philanthropy cannot be underestimated. By addressing the gender gap in entrepreneurship and investments, we not only empower women but also boost the global economy. The possibilities are boundless, and the potential to make an impact is enormous.

In conclusion, the Wealth-X World Ultra Wealth Report 2022 is a game-changer for luxury brand marketers. Understanding the evolving landscape of UHNW individuals and the key trends highlighted in this report is the key to success in 2023 and beyond. As the global wealth map continues to shift and reshape, luxury brands must adapt their strategies to capture the hearts and wallets of this exclusive demographic. It's time to embrace change and pave the way for a new era of luxury marketing.

Would you like to chat about reaching your desired audience, we would like to offer you a discovery call: mimi@digitalzebra.co.uk

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