Almost half of HNWIs say governments are failing to maintain competitive economies

Nearly half (45.4 per cent) of high net worth individuals (HNWI) believe their governments are failing to maintain competitive economies, reflecting growing concerns around long-term fiscal confidence, according to CS Global Partners.

The UK-based advisory firm’s World Citizenship Report 2026 identified a broad shift in investor sentiment, with affluent individuals increasingly assessing whether governments can provide the long-term economic conditions for wealth creation, innovation, and intergenerational prosperity.

It highlighted that investors no longer separate fiscal success from governance, and a competitive economy was increasingly important as the outcome of stable policymaking, efficient public institutions, and ability to respond to long-term challenges.

When these factors become weaker, HNWIs begin to question whether their home government can continue to provide opportunities for businesses, families, and future generations, the report stated.

Beyond economic competitiveness, healthcare ranked as the second greatest concern, with 42.7 per cent of HNWIs citing it as a key indicator of government performance, while 39.9 per cent identified education as a major priority.

These factors were followed by political stability at 36 per cent, which CS Global Partners said outlined the view that a strong economy alone was no longer sufficient to inspire confidence if it was not supported by reliable institutions and effective governance.

The report stated that these concerns reflected a wider shift in investor priorities, with HNWIs placing greater emphasis on jurisdictions that can consistently deliver economic opportunities alongside high-quality public services, policy stability, and long-term security.

“Rather than focusing only on financial returns, they are increasingly considering the overall environment in which they and their families will live, work and build wealth,” CS Global Partners said.

“These findings indicate that investors are redefining what constitutes a strong economy.

“Wealthy people are increasingly associating economic confidence with governments that can maintain high-quality healthcare, invest in education, ensure political stability and provide a predictable regulatory environment.

“Together, these factors create the conditions necessary for long-term prosperity.”

Growing dissatisfaction among HNWIs in developed economies was also identified in the report.

It noted that many wealthy people in the UK were considering relocation due to frequent policy changes, governance concerns, and declining confidence in the country’s economic competitiveness.

“As confidence in domestic governance declines, alternative citizenship is a part of a broader long-term strategy rather than simply a contingency plan,” CS Global Partners stated.

“Investors are incorporating citizenship into their future planning to diversify risk, expand opportunities and secure access to jurisdictions that offer stronger economic prospects, institutional stability and a higher quality of life.

“The findings suggest that for today’s globally mobile investors, confidence is no longer determine through economic performance alone.

“Instead, it is shaped by a combination of competitive economies, dependable governance, quality healthcare, strong education systems and political stability.

“These are the factors that increasingly influence where they choose to invest, live and plan for future generations.”

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