At the end of 2012, 25% Colombian HNWIs had second homes abroad

Thursday 12 September 2013, Amsterdam

At the end of 2012, there were approximately 35,900 HNWIs in Colombia holding a combined wealth of US$160 billion, approximately 22% of the total individual wealth in Colombia. Colombian HNWIs outperformed the worldwide HNWI average over the last five years, rising by 39% whilst worldwide HNWI volumes declined by 0.3%. This was driven by a 16.6% rise in Colombian HNWI volumes in 2012 following moderate growth of 3.0% in 2011. The strong growth in HNWI wealth and volumes is expected to continue over the next five years. The total number of Colombian HNWIs is forecast to grow by 36%, to reach over 48,600 in 2017. HNWI wealth will see a smaller percentage increase, growing by 31% to reach US$209 billion by 2017.

HNWI Asset Allocation Trends

Colombian HNWI assets are relatively evenly spread between the 6 main asset classes. In 2012, real estate was the largest class for HNWIs in Colombia, accounting for 28% of total HNWI assets. This was followed by equities with 18%, fixed income with 15%, cash with 15%, business interests’ with 15% and alternatives with 9.5%. Real estate recorded the strongest growth over the last five years, driven by a strong local residential market. Compared to worldwide norms, real estate allocations in Colombia are high whilst equity allocations are low. Research showed that, at the end of 2012, 25% of Colombian HNWIs had second homes abroad. As of 2012, HNWI liquid assets amounted to US$38 billion, representing 24% of the wealth holdings of Colombian HNWIs. Investment funds (held by asset managers and wealth managers) accounted for US$53 billion of HNWI assets in 2012, equating to 33% of HNWI wealth.

Trends in the Colombian HNWI Population

As of the end of 2012, there were 435 UHNWIs in Colombia, 5 billionaires, 74 centimillionaires and 356 affluent millionaires. This accounts for 1.2% of the total HNWI population of Colombia, which is well above the global average of 0.7%. During the last 5 years, the number of UHNWIs in Colombia increased by 49% from 292 individuals in 2007 to 435 in 2012. There was a wide range of performance between the different UHNWI wealth bands. The number of billionaires increased by 150%, while the number of centimillionaires and affluent millionaires rose by 45% and 49% respectively.

Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) is the most important industry from which Colombian UHNWIs have acquired their wealth. It is the primary source of wealth for 19% of local UHNWIs. The 2nd largest industry is basic materials (16% of UHNWIs), which includes Colombia’s large mining, oil and chemicals industries. Bogota is the largest city for Colombian UHNWIs, accounting for 40% of the total UHNWIs with 173 individuals. There are also sizable UHNWI populations in Cali and Medellin (63 and 39 UHNWIs respectively).


This report offers:
•In depth analysis of the state and distribution of wealth throughout Colombia.
•A segmented breakdown of the demographics of HNWIs including job titles, industries, cities, and states and the performance thereof.
•A detailed look into the trends between Colombia’s UHNWIs.
•An analysis of Colombian HNWI investments broken down by asset class as well as a look into foreign investments.
•A look into the competitive landscape of the Wealth Sector.


This will facilitate:
•The increasing of your knowledge of the HNWI and UHNWI community within Colombia.
•The formulation and implementation of business strategies.
•A proper understanding of industry and market trends.
•An evaluation of competitive risk and success factors


Target audience
•Wealth management companies.
•Suppliers to wealth management companies.
•Contractor research organizations.
•Trade body, academia or other industry observers.
•Companies involved at any stage in the manufacturing, procurement and marketing process.