The annual Hurun Global Rich List identified 4,020 billionaires as of January 15, 2026, an increase of 578 from the previous year and the largest annual rise since the report was launched 15 years ago, with combined wealth growing by 28% and 726 individuals joining the list for the first time. China regained its position as the country with the largest billionaire population, adding 287 billionaires to reach 1,110, followed by the United States with 1,000 and India with 308. Elon Musk retained his position as the world's richest person, with his fortune rising 89% to an estimated $792 billion, driven primarily by higher valuations of SpaceX and Tesla. Jeff Bezos remained second with $300 billion, while Larry Page entered the top three with $271 billion. Artificial intelligence emerged as a significant source of new wealth, with 114 billionaires linked to AI companies, including 46 newcomers; Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang joined the world's ten wealthiest individuals after his fortune climbed to $172 billion. New York remained the city with the highest number of billionaires, hosting 146, while China's Shenzhen moved into second place. Financial services remained the leading source of billionaire wealth, and 96 individuals dropped off the list, the lowest number recorded since Hurun began tracking.