The World Citizenship Report (WCR) 2026 revealed that nearly half of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) believe their governments are failing to maintain competitive economies.
Released by UK-based advisory firm CS Global Partners, the report found that 45.4% of investors identified a competitive economy as the biggest area where their home governments are falling short. It has further reflected growing concerns about long-term economic confidence.
Rather than reflecting short-term economic fluctuations, the WCR 2026 pointed to a broader shift in investor sentiment. The report added that affluent individuals are increasingly assessing whether governments can provide the long-term economic conditions necessary for wealth creation, innovation and intergenerational prosperity.
The report added that investors no longer separate economic success from governance. A competitive economy is increasingly important as the outcome of predictable policymaking, efficient public institutions and governments capable of responding to long-term challenges.
When these foundations weaken, investors begin questioning whether their home jurisdictions can continue to generate opportunities for businesses, families and future generations.
Beyond economic competitiveness, the World Citizenship Report 2026 also highlighted the broader foundations that shape confidence in a country. Healthcare ranked as the second most important concern, with 42.7% of HNWIs identifying it as a key indicator of government performance, while 39.9% cited education as a major priority.
Political stability followed at 36%, outlining the view that a strong economy alone is no longer enough to inspire confidence if it is not supported by reliable institutions and effective governance.
The report stated, “When asked about their current government’s failings, a competitive economy tops the list at 45.4%, followed by healthcare at 42.7% and education at 39.9%.”
WCR 2026 predictions
According to the report, these concerns reflect a broader shift in investor priorities. Wealthy individuals are placing greater emphasis on jurisdictions that can consistently deliver economic opportunity alongside high-quality public services, policy stability and long-term security.
Rather than focusing only on financial returns, they are increasingly considering the overall environment in which they and their families will live, work and build wealth. These findings indicate that investors are redefining what constitutes a strong economy.
Wealthy people are increasingly associating economic confidence with governments that can maintain high-quality healthcare, invest in education, ensure political stability and provide a predictable regulatory environment. Together, these factors create the conditions necessary for long-term prosperity.
The report also outlined growing dissatisfaction among affluent individuals in established economies. It notes that many wealthy people in the United Kingdom are considering relocating because of frequent policy changes, governance concerns and declining confidence in the country’s economic competitiveness.
Similarly, the United States accounts for the largest share of Citizenship by Investment applicants globally, illustrating how investors are increasingly seeking greater flexibility in response to changing economic conditions.
As confidence in domestic governance declines, alternative citizenship is a part of a broader long-term strategy rather than simply a contingency plan. The report found that investors are incorporating citizenship into their future planning to diversify risk, expand opportunities and secure access to jurisdictions that offer stronger economic prospects, institutional stability and a higher quality of life.
“Second Citizenship no longer functions primarily as an escape hatch, instead investors prioritise access to higher quality of life when asked about the value of a second citizenship,” as per the WCR 2026.
The findings suggest that for today’s globally mobile investors, confidence is no longer determine through economic performance alone. Instead, it is shaped by a combination of competitive economies, dependable governance, quality healthcare, strong education systems and political stability.
These are the factors that increasingly influence where they choose to invest, live and plan for future generations.
