In a world defined by economic volatility and an increasingly complex tax landscape, global mobility firm Multipolitan has launched its landmark Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation. The report, unveiled during a virtual press conference on July 29, serves as a crucial guide for high-net-worth individuals, offering a strategic roadmap to protect and grow their assets in a high-tax future. The event featured key insights from Nicholas Michael, Group Head of Market Development, and Chee Okebalama, Executive Partner at Multipolitan.
The report’s central thesis challenges traditional wealth-building paradigms. According to Michael, the focus is no longer solely on wealth creation, but on wealth preservation.
“A defining challenge for today’s investors is the protection of portfolios. Going forward, it’s not just about wealth creation anymore; it’s about defending your wealth,” Michael stated during the launch. He posited that the more pertinent question for investors today is not “How much do you make?” but “How much can you actually keep?” This shift is driven by a “quiet tax revolution” where governments are increasingly targeting assets in addition to income to address rising public debt and evolving fiscal policies.
Drawing on a decade of data and a multi-metric analysis, the report aims to answer three fundamental questions for the modern investor: Where is capital safest from rising tax pressures? What cities have preserved wealth through the last decade of volatility? And what does it take to structure wealth for longevity and legacy? To provide these answers, Multipolitan developed three proprietary indices:
- The Tax Friendly Cities Index 2025: This index evaluates and ranks 164 jurisdictions based on their tax environments for high-net-worth individuals, considering effective tax rates, broader tax policies, and regulatory stability. The report identifies Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Singapore as the top three cities for tax-friendly environments.
- The Wealth Preservation Cities Index 2015–2025: Highlighting cities that have successfully preserved and grown purchasing power despite economic shocks over the past decade, this index accounts for factors such as inflation, asset values, earnings, and governance. Top-ranking cities include Zug, Hong Kong, Basel, and Singapore, showcasing their resilience in the face of global economic turbulence.
- The Smart & Sustainable Cities Index (SSCI) 2025: This forward-looking index assesses cities expected to provide the strongest conditions for future wealth preservation by focusing on crucial attributes like digital readiness, climate resilience, and political stability. Wellington and Copenhagen were highlighted as leading examples of cities poised to become the safe havens of tomorrow.
Michael emphasised that predictability and transparency are now paramount for wealth protection. “Investors, entrepreneurs, and families need governance and stability to provide real safety for their wealth. Predictability and transparency are now the ultimate protection,” he noted. This underscores the report’s finding that the next generation of safe havens for wealth will be well-governed, tech-enabled, and climate-ready cities, rather than traditional financial institutions.
The report also dedicates a significant portion to the African context, a point underscored by Chee Okebalama, who highlighted that first-generation African entrepreneurs and wealth holders are increasingly adopting a global perspective. The report is designed to help them align their strategies with broader global mobility trends, not only for asset protection but also for accessing international markets and opportunities. Okebalama clarified that the report’s goal is not to encourage a mass exodus but to provide options. “The goal is not to move or to relocate, as building Africa is a top priority. But it’s important for us to have options so that it’s easier to play in the global space,” she said.With expert commentaries from veteran tax strategists at global firms like Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and BDO, the Taxed Generation report stands as a comprehensive strategic guide. It empowers investors to navigate an era where wealth preservation is as critical as wealth creation, ensuring their legacy and assets are secure for generations to come. The message is clear: in an age of rising taxes and economic uncertainty, proactive and strategic planning is not just an option—it is a necessity.