Billionaires List: What Do the World’s Richest Have in Common?

Forbes Billionaires List
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Published Date: 04.04.2025

The 2025 Forbes Billionaires List is finally out, and as usual, it’s filled with remarkable individuals who have amassed incredible wealth. But upon closer inspection, one interesting pattern emerges among nearly all these billionaires: a global mindset. While their industries and success stories differ greatly, their approach to managing wealth and building empires shares some key similarities.

Beyond their businesses and personal stories, it’s clear that these billionaires understand the importance of expanding their financial footprint globally. From multiple citizenships to international banking, the Forbes Billionaires List shows a trend where wealth is managed across borders, offering flexibility, security, and opportunities for growth.

In this blog, we’ll explore what these billionaires have in common, and why a global perspective has become an essential part of their success.

Dual or Multiple Citizenship: A Strategic Advantage

One of the key trends observed among the billionaires on the Forbes Billionaires List is their tendency to hold dual or multiple citizenships. This isn’t just about travel convenience. Instead, it’s a well-thought-out strategy to gain access to legal, financial, and tax advantages.

By holding multiple citizenships, billionaires can enjoy flexibility in their personal and business affairs. They often choose countries that offer better privacy laws, lower taxes, or greater economic stability. In addition, these citizenships provide easier access to international markets and help them mitigate the risks posed by political or economic instability in any one country.

According to Wealth-X, more than 70% of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (those worth $30M or more) hold multiple citizenships or are actively pursuing additional residencies. For these billionaires, having multiple citizenships is about managing risk, not just luxury.

Incorporating Businesses in Multiple Jurisdictions

Another striking pattern among the billionaires on the Forbes Billionaires List is that their companies are often incorporated in various countries. Whether it’s the Cayman Islands, Delaware, or Singapore, billionaires are highly strategic about where they set up their companies.

By incorporating in different jurisdictions, they can take advantage of favorable tax policies, legal protections, and business incentives that specific countries offer. For example, incorporating in Cayman Islands or Ireland allows businesses to benefit from lower corporate tax rates and favorable regulatory frameworks.

The trend of cross-border incorporation is a reflection of the globalization of business. These billionaires know that the world is interconnected, and diversifying their business operations across multiple jurisdictions allows them to access new markets, reduce risks, and manage resources more efficiently.

A Global Portfolio of Assets

One of the most noticeable things about the wealth of the Forbes Billionaires List is the sheer global diversification of their assets. Rather than keeping all their wealth tied to one country or industry, these billionaires have investments and assets spread across continents and industries.

They own real estate in cities like London, New York, and Dubai, among others. This global real estate portfolio provides stability and diversification. These billionaires understand that owning properties in high-value markets spreads their risk and ensures their wealth continues to grow over time.

Additionally, many billionaires hold investments in emerging markets such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America, further diversifying their financial portfolios. This approach not only helps them mitigate risks but also positions them to take advantage of the growth potential in rapidly developing regions.

International Banking Relationships

When it comes to managing wealth, billionaires often bank internationally. This is a strategic move that provides several advantages, such as greater financial privacy, increased security, and easier access to global financial systems.

Many billionaires open accounts with Swiss banks or financial institutions in Singapore, Hong Kong, or other global financial hubs. These relationships allow them to move money across borders with ease, manage assets efficiently, and access a wider array of financial products and services.

Through international banking, these billionaires are also able to leverage currency diversification, protecting their wealth against potential downturns in any one economy. This approach offers more flexibility and security, which is critical in today’s volatile financial climate.

Legacy Planning and Risk Management

Billionaires on the Forbes Billionaires List understand that wealth management is not just about building wealth — it’s about preserving and growing it across generations. For this reason, they engage in careful legacy planning and risk management strategies that go beyond their business operations.

They structure their wealth using trusts, foundations, and other tools to ensure that their wealth is protected from legal disputes, political instability, and fluctuating economies. These billionaires also invest in various insurance products and hedging strategies to protect themselves from unforeseen risks.

By diversifying their jurisdictions — where they live, where their companies are incorporated, and where their assets are held — they are protecting their families and businesses for the long term. For them, wealth management is not only about making money but also about creating a legacy that will last through changing global conditions.

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Conclusion

The Forbes Billionaires List of 2025 reveals a common thread among the wealthiest people in the world. Global access, whether through multiple citizenships, diversified business operations, or international investments, is central to their success. These billionaires are not just diversifying their portfolios; they are diversifying jurisdictions.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, these billionaires understand that their wealth must be protected and managed across borders. By doing so, they not only mitigate risk but also position themselves to thrive in a world that is more uncertain than ever.

In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, those who think globally and act strategically are more likely to protect and grow their wealth. For aspiring billionaires, the Forbes Billionaires List serves as a valuable lesson: Diversify, plan for the long term, and always think beyond borders.

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