highnetworth

High net worth (HNW) is a classification used in finance to describe individuals with substantial investable assets. While definitions vary by institution and country, a common threshold is at least one million dollars in liquid or near-liquid financial assets, excluding primary residences. Some organizations distinguish higher tiers, such as Very-High-Net-Worth (VHNW) in the range of about five to thirty million dollars and Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) above roughly thirty million, though exact cutoffs differ.

Investable assets are the portion used for wealth management planning and do not always equal total net worth, which includes real estate, privately held businesses, and other illiquid assets. The HNW category is primarily a service segment for financial institutions, shaping the design of tailored products and advisory frameworks.

HNW individuals typically access specialized services through private banks, wealth management firms, and family offices. Offerings include investment management, estate and tax planning, philanthropy advisory, risk management, and succession planning. Customization, confidentiality, and coordinated multi‑generational planning are common features of HNW services.

Economically, HNW individuals control a substantial share of investable assets and influence markets through diversified portfolios. Trends in this group reflect global growth in wealth, shifting toward regional hubs, and increasing demand for bespoke, globally diversified strategies.

Key considerations for HNW individuals include tax efficiency, regulation and compliance, liquidity management, and privacy. Succession planning and philanthropy often play central roles in long-term wealth preservation across generations.