Canada has been ranked as the 13th wealthiest nation globally, according to the 2026 edition of the UBS Global Wealth Report. The report highlights significant growth in global personal wealth, with an increase of over 10% in 2025, marking the fastest pace in years. This surge is largely attributed to strong financial markets and a notable rise in non-financial assets, signaling an uplift in living standards worldwide.
In the UBS report, Switzerland leads the global wealth rankings with an average wealth per adult of US$910,382, followed by the United States at US$696,277. Canada's average wealth per adult stands at US$399,886, approximately C$567,000. This positions Canada ahead of several European countries, including Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden, which occupy the 3rd to 12th positions, respectively. Notably, Canada surpasses the regional average of Western Europe, which is US$337,083 per adult.
The report also sheds light on the distribution of wealth among the global population. It reveals that 1.5% of the world's adult population possesses net assets exceeding US$1 million, while over 41% have less than US$10,000. In Canada, approximately 55% of adults own assets above US$100,000, placing it among the higher brackets globally. Luxembourg leads in this category, with more than 70% of its adult population holding assets above US$100,000.
Despite Canada's strong position, the report highlights a growing wealth disparity. While average wealth has risen notably, median wealth has declined in most markets, indicating a widening gap between the wealthiest individuals and the broader population. This trend underscores the need for policies aimed at addressing income inequality and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The UBS Global Wealth Report also notes a record number of new millionaires worldwide in 2025, with nearly one million individuals joining the ranks of the affluent. The United States accounted for almost half of this growth, with more than 1,200 new millionaires emerging every day. Eastern Europe led in percentage growth, while Asia-Pacific and Western Europe also saw significant increases.
In summary, Canada's 13th place ranking in the UBS Global Wealth Report reflects its robust economic performance and the prosperity of its citizens. However, the report also highlights challenges related to wealth distribution, emphasizing the importance of policies that foster equitable economic opportunities for all Canadians.