The Cayman Islands has been ranked the world's third most attractive destination for wealth migration, according to The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2026, behind only New Zealand and Singapore.

The report scores countries out of 100 based on factors including tax policy, the rule of law, residency pathways and geopolitical stability.

Smaller economies dominate the rankings, with 11 of the top 16 destinations home to fewer than 10 million people. Strong tax regimes, political stability and investor residency programmes help explain why many outperform much larger economies.

According to the report, attracting internationally mobile wealth can generate significant economic benefits, including increased investment, entrepreneurship and long-term growth.

Why the top-ranked countries stand out

Singapore tops the global rankings, reflecting its combination of low taxes, political stability and business-friendly policies. The city-state has established itself as one of the world's safest destinations for investors and a leading hub for wealth in Asia.

Europe also performs strongly, with the Netherlands, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and Greece all featuring in the top 15.

One of the report's clearest findings is the strength of smaller economies. Rather than relying on large domestic markets, many have built investor-friendly ecosystems centred on predictable regulation, efficient tax systems, strong legal institutions and accessible residency programmes.

Singapore offers a globally connected financial centre, Cyprus has developed attractive residency pathways, while Switzerland combines political stability with a long-established private banking sector.

Why the U.S. ranks lower

Despite having the world's largest economy, the United States faces several structural challenges in attracting internationally mobile wealth, the report says.

Citizenship-based taxation, a complex fiscal system, longer investor processing times and political polarisation all weigh on its ranking.

Unlike most countries, the U.S. taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live, a policy that can increase the tax burden for globally mobile individuals. By comparison, many higher-ranked jurisdictions offer simpler and more predictable tax regimes.

Growing competition for global wealth

The report argues that countries are increasingly competing not only for businesses and skilled workers, but also for private capital.

In 2025 alone, nearly one million people worldwide became millionaires, highlighting the expanding pool of internationally mobile wealth.

High-net-worth individuals often relocate with businesses, investment capital and philanthropic spending, meaning their economic impact can extend well beyond personal wealth.

For the Cayman Islands, the report's findings are likely to renew debate over the balance between attracting internationally mobile wealth and managing the pressures of population growth. While an influx of high-net-worth residents can boost investment, create jobs and strengthen government revenues, it can also add to demand for housing, infrastructure and public services. As the jurisdiction continues to attract global wealth, policymakers face the challenge of ensuring economic growth is matched by sustainable development and investment in the country's long-term capacity.