2026 Wealth Study: Inside the Great Wealth Transfer

Summary

• The 2026 study surveyed 1,431 individuals with at least $3 million in investable assets and at least 21 years of age between January 8 and February 5, 2026.
• 28% of wealthy Americans believe the outlook for the U.S. economy is very good or excellent, while nearly 80% report feeling financially secure today.
• Generation Z/Millennial investors (ages 21-45) are better represented in the study than in previous years, with 64% coming from a legacy wealth background.
• 74% of Generation Z/Millennial investors receive regular trust distributions, compared to older generations who earned more wealth through income.
• 70% of Generation Z/Millennial investors prioritize pursuing higher investment returns with higher risk, despite reporting moderate-to-conservative risk tolerance.
• Generation Z/Millennial investors hold an average of 28% of their portfolios in alternative investments and cryptocurrencies, compared to 3% for the Boomer/Silent Generation.
• 86% of Generation Z/Millennial investors use artificial intelligence regularly, compared to 42% of all wealthy individuals.
• 85% or more of Generation Z/Millennials are comfortable with their advisors leveraging AI for portfolio management and relationship servicing tasks.
• 32% of married Generation Z/Millennial investors already have a prenuptial agreement, which is more than triple the rate of wealthy individuals overall.
• Traditional stocks and bonds account for 73% of assets on average for wealthy Americans, but 88% of Generation Z/Millennials plan to increase their exposure to alternative investments.
• 58% of Generation Z/Millennial investors have invested in cryptocurrencies, with another 34% interested.
• 43% of Generation X investors allocate to cryptocurrencies, up from 26% two years ago.
• Ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) investors, defined as those with at least $25 million in assets, lean more heavily on private markets, multi-advisor teams, and private banks.
• 42% of UHNW investors own art, compared to 18% of wealthy individuals overall.
• 61% of UHNW art owners cite aesthetic enjoyment as a primary reason for collecting, while 36% cite investment value.
• 80% of wealthy Americans avoid using credit entirely or use it only when necessary, while more than half of UHNW investors take on debt to capitalize on opportunities.
• 47% of UHNW investors expect interest rates to decline over the next year, and 86% of this segment would take action with their money if rates fall.
• One-third of wealthy individuals own or have owned a business, with 23% inheriting their business, a sharp increase from 5% in 2022.
• Half of business owners plan to exit their company in the next 10 years, while approximately one-quarter have no plans to exit at any point.
• 94% of wealthy individuals are taking action to optimize their health, and 92% believe longevity is important in wealth planning.
• 46% of wealthy individuals have the basic elements of an estate plan in place, while 55% have established a trust.
• Incorporating longevity into financial planning ranked fourth among topics currently discussed with advisors.
• The most significant gaps in advisor conversations involve planning for personal elder care and how to use family wealth.