London, UK – August 9, 2025
— A new report released by CJ Global, drawing on data from Oxfam International and other leading economic institutions, has revealed a stark and deeply concerning acceleration in global wealth disparity. The findings indicate that the world’s wealthiest 1% have captured an astonishing two-thirds of all new wealth generated since 2020, a period defined by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic turmoil. This concentration of wealth, which has been growing for decades, has reached a critical point, with the combined fortunes of the ten richest individuals now surpassing the total assets of the lowest 40% of the world’s population. This growing divide is not merely a statistical anomaly but a structural flaw in the global economy, fueling social discontent, political polarization, and threatening long-term economic stability.
According to the report, the period since the start of the pandemic has been a bonanza for the ultra-rich. While the vast majority of the world’s population faced rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and economic uncertainty, the wealthiest individuals saw their fortunes skyrocket. The report, which analyzed data from sources like the World Inequality Database and the World Economic Forum, highlights that this surge in wealth for the top 1% has come at a time when millions have been pushed into poverty for the first time in a quarter-century. The sheer scale of the disparity is staggering: the ten wealthiest people, a group that includes titans of technology and industry, now possess more wealth than the combined assets of approximately 3.2 billion people at the bottom of the economic ladder.
The analysis delves into the underlying mechanisms driving this trend, arguing that it is not a coincidence but the result of a rigged economic system. The report challenges the notion of a meritocracy, pointing out that a significant portion of this wealth is either inherited or generated through monopoly power and close political connections. It details how tax systems in many countries have been structured to favor capital gains over labor income, allowing the super-rich to accumulate wealth with a far lower tax burden than the average worker. Furthermore, the report highlights the role of financial markets, which have seen a surge in asset prices, benefiting those who already own significant capital.
The consequences of this extreme inequality are far-reaching and impact every aspect of society. Economically, a vast concentration of wealth at the top can stifle growth by reducing aggregate demand. When the majority of the population lacks the disposable income to spend, economies struggle to thrive. A study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has previously noted that excessive inequality erodes social cohesion and can lead to political instability, which in turn undermines economic performance. The CJ Global report reinforces this, arguing that the rising tide of populist nationalism and social unrest seen in many parts of the world is a direct response to a feeling of being left behind by an economic system that works only for the few.
The report also examines the impact of wealth disparity on democratic governance. It suggests that as the wealthy amass more power, they gain a disproportionate influence over political decision-making, lobbying for policies that further entrench their position and resist measures that would promote a more equitable distribution of wealth. This creates a vicious cycle where a lack of fair representation leads to policies that increase inequality, which in turn weakens democratic institutions even further. The report calls this a “new form of colonialism,” where the richest in the Global North are extracting wealth from the Global South through unjust financial systems and exploitative labor practices.
To address this crisis, the CJ Global report outlines a series of urgent policy recommendations. First and foremost is the call for governments to commit to radical reductions in inequality, setting specific goals to ensure that the incomes of the top 10% are no more than the incomes of the bottom 40%. The report also advocates for a global wealth tax to curb the accumulation of extreme fortunes and to generate revenue for vital public services. Other recommendations include taxing capital gains at the same rate as labor income, cracking down on tax evasion by the super-rich, and implementing stronger regulations to prevent corporate monopolies.
The report concludes with a powerful statement: the current level of wealth disparity is not inevitable. It is the result of policy choices, and a different path is possible. By moving beyond temporary fixes and embracing transformative change, the world can build a more equitable, just, and stable economy for all. The 3.2 billion people at the bottom of the wealth pyramid deserve a fair chance to participate in and benefit from the global economy, and the future of social and economic stability hinges on the world’s ability to correct this course.
