Callback
Contact
+1 514 288 1997
Paul Demircioglu is the Director of Civis Mundi, an international membership club that offers access to curated private events and its global network.
As globalization reshapes the way we connect and operate, high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals are adopting a global outlook that transcends traditional national borders. With ties to multiple countries, they leverage cross-border networks and citizenship portfolios to create, preserve, and expand their wealth and influence. These global citizens are forming a new type of community that overcomes geographic boundaries and fosters collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose on an international scale.
This trend is reflected in the rising number of globally mobile high-net-worth individuals who relocate to a new country each year. Since 2013, the number of millionaires on the move has increased from 51,000 to a forecasted 142,000 in 2025, an astounding 178% growth. In addition to protecting their assets by geographic diversification, these individuals are also building transnational networks that are redefining wealth creation and impact in the 21st century.
Global turmoil, geopolitical and financial instability, digitalization, and investment migration programs have all played an important role in driving the rise of global citizens. Digital connectivity has eliminated traditional barriers, enabling seamless communication and collaboration across continents. Global membership networks have come to the fore, allowing high-net-worth individuals to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and access opportunities without geographical constraints.
At the same time, residence and citizenship by investment programs have transformed the traditional concept of citizenship. No longer an immutable birthright, citizenship has evolved into a strategic asset that can be expanded and diversified. ‘Safe Haven 8’ investment migration jurisdictions such as Malta, Monaco, Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE are attracting high-net-worth individuals thanks to their high-quality living standards, robust infrastructure, and tax incentives, making them ideal hubs for communities of global citizens. This mobility allows individuals to diversify their assets, mitigate geopolitical risks, and embrace a lifestyle defined by global aspirations.
The emergence of borderless communities highlights the increasing value of shared interests over physical proximity. Private membership clubs, curated investment groups, and global networks are no longer simply social spaces — they are powerful platforms for impact, partnership, and innovation. Civis Mundi, for example, provides a unique gateway for high-net-worth individuals to engage with a global network across business, arts and philanthropy, politics, academia, and health, and grants access to private events worldwide, fostering meaningful connections and collaborative opportunities.
By promoting connections among individuals with similar values and aspirations, these networks enable them to collaborate on ventures ranging from sustainable development initiatives to pioneering technological advancements. For instance, ultra-high-net-worth individuals within these communities frequently participate in cross-border philanthropic projects or co-invest in disruptive start-ups, leveraging their global networks to amplify their reach.
As these networks expand, they are redefining the global hierarchy of influence. Some jurisdictions are losing their prominence as others emerge as more attractive hubs. The UK, for example, has historically been a favored destination for the wealthy. However, recent years have seen a dramatic shift. In 2022, the country witnessed a net departure of 1,600 high-net-worth individuals, a figure that doubled to 3,200 in 2023 and was projected to nearly triple to 9,500 in 2024. This sharp trajectory highlights the importance of optionality and strategic mobility for high-net-worth individuals while emphasizing the need for jurisdictions to adapt and innovate continually to retain their appeal to wealthy investors.
Global citizens increasingly view a diversified residence and citizenship portfolio as essential to safeguarding their financial security, while cultivating international networks is regarded as a highly effective strategy to expand their influence and access opportunities across borders.
Global communities and networks have become important platforms for collaboration and growth, offering memberships with benefits that extend beyond financial aspects.
International organizations such as the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) exemplify how such communities create transformative opportunities and better leaders. With a presence in more than 140 countries, YPO enables business leaders to connect through networking events, educational resources, and collaborative ventures, facilitating personal growth and business expansion.
By participating in these networks, leaders can access insights into new markets, gain exposure to groundbreaking industries, and form strategic alliances across borders. Moreover, global communities and organizations play a pivotal role in supporting philanthropic initiatives, reflecting a shift in priorities among the world’s wealthiest.
Initiatives such as AMADE (the World Association of Children’s Friends) show how philanthropy can drive systemic change on a global scale. Focused on improving children’s rights, education, and health through collaborative efforts, AMADE also addresses broader social challenges. AMADE is supported by a global network of funders, demonstrating how international communities of high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals are collectively tackling pressing global challenges. These philanthropic efforts are not just about financial support but also about harnessing the power of cross-border collaboration to create lasting impact.
Networking events hosted by global communities are another cornerstone of their influence. These gatherings, often held in key jurisdictions such as Monaco, Singapore, or the UAE, serve as incubators for innovative ideas and collaborations. At such events, members are exposed to advanced technologies, insights from industry leaders, and opportunities to co-invest in high-impact ventures.
For high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, being part of such communities is not merely about access to opportunities — it is about shaping the future. By pooling expertise from diverse sectors such as finance, technology, and social entrepreneurship, members can develop partnerships, launch ventures, and contribute to initiatives that address critical issues of global concern. By leveraging these networks, they ensure that their influence extends far beyond the financial aspect, amplifying their reach, creating lasting impact, and redefining success.
As 2025 unfolds, the concept of global citizenship will continue to evolve, shaped by technological advancements, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and the growing mobility of ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals. Borderless communities will increasingly serve as platforms for individuals to connect, collaborate, and exchange knowledge on a global scale. As a result, global communities and membership organizations, composed of like-minded individuals, will play a central role in creating a more interconnected, innovative, and resilient global society.
Henley & Partners assists international clients in obtaining residence and citizenship under the respective programs. Contact us to arrange an initial private consultation.
