According to data from the international organization Oxfam, the wealth of billionaires increased by $2.5 trillion in 2025, which corresponds to a growth of 16% compared to the previous year and is three times higher than the average figures over the past five years, reaching a record $18.3 trillion.
“Oxfam's data indicates that by the end of November 2025, the total wealth of billionaires reached $18.3 trillion, increasing by $2.5 trillion compared to 2024,” the organization's report notes.
According to the report, the wealth growth is 16.2% year-on-year (since November 2024), which is three times higher than the average increase over the past five years. Adjusted for inflation, since March 2020, the total increase amounted to 81%, equivalent to $8.2 trillion.
Oxfam also emphasizes that the number of billionaires has surpassed three thousand for the first time, while a significant portion of the world's population still lives in poverty. More than 60% of billionaires' wealth is formed through inheritance, nepotism, corruption, or monopolistic power.
“Trillions of dollars are passed down through inheritance, leading to the formation of a new aristocracy with significant influence over politics and the economy,” the press release states.
According to Oxfam's estimates, 36% of billionaires' wealth was inherited, and over the next thirty years, more than a thousand current billionaires will pass on more than $5.2 trillion to their heirs, many of whom will not be taxed.
“About half of the world's billionaires live in countries where there is no inheritance tax on transferred assets,” the press release indicates.
The report titled “Resisting the Power of the Rich” was presented by Oxfam ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which will take place this week.
