The number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI), defined as those worth USD 30 million plus, is set to rise by 34 percent over the next ten years. There were 137 HNWI in Romania in 2012, according to consultancy firm Knight Frank's 2013 Global Wealth Report, and the number is predicted to reach 183 by 2022.

Globally, the number of HNWI is estimated to increase by 50 percent over the next ten years, while for Europe, Knight Frank foresees a 31 percent climb in the number of individuals worth more USD 30 million by 2022. With 74 percent more HNWI predicted in 2022, Ukraine leads Europe, while the lowest rise should be in Finland – an 18 percent increase. Romania's 34 percent climb puts it mid-table in the European rankings.

The biggest growth in High Net Worth Individuals will be in Asia and Latin America, with an 88 percent increase expected in both regions. Globally, the number of billionaires is expected to climb by 85 percent over the next ten years to reach 4,076 individuals. In 2022 Europe there should be 1,115 billionaires, according to the World Wealth Report, a 57 percent rise on the current figures. With a 119 percent increase in billionaires predicted, Asia leads the way for rate of growth and by 2022 will have overtaken Europe with 1,191 billionaires expected in the region by then.

Knight Frank's Wealth Report takes a global look at prime property and wealth. It includes a guide to the performance of the world’s key luxury residential markets and HNWI growth forecasts over the next decade for over 80 countries and cities.

Knight Frank is a global real estate consultancy firm operating in key hubs across the globe.

Headquartered in London with 244 offices, the company has more than 7,000 employees across five continents. Founded in 1896 and a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) since 2003, the firm has 60 Equity Partners.

editor@romania-insider.com