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The combined wealth of billionaires worldwide increased by an estimated $2.5 trillion last year, according to new research from Oxfam. The findings were published to coincide with the opening of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland and highlight the growing gap between the wealthiest individuals and the wider population.

In Ireland, the report estimates that the country’s 11 billionaires now hold combined wealth of more than $54.4 billion, or approximately €46.7 billion. This represents a 2% rise compared with 2024 and places their collective wealth above that of around 66% of the population, equivalent to more than 3.4 million people.

Among those listed are Stripe founders John Collison and Patrick Collison, each estimated to be worth around $10 billion. The report also references businessman Denis O’Brien, with an estimated fortune of $3.1 billion, and investor Dermot Desmond, whose wealth is put at approximately $2.3 billion. The figures are based on Oxfam’s analysis of Forbes’ latest billionaire rankings up to the end of November 2025.

Titled Resisting the Rule of the Rich, the report concludes that the number of billionaires globally has reached a record high. It states that the 12 richest individuals now own more wealth than the poorest half of the world’s population, exceeding four billion people combined.

The analysis also points to the concentration of power alongside wealth. Oxfam notes that billionaires are thousands of times more likely than the general population to hold political office. It adds that ownership of major digital platforms is highly concentrated, with most leading social media and artificial intelligence companies controlled by a small group of billionaires. Women remain significantly under-represented, accounting for only 13% of billionaires and holding the same share of total billionaire wealth.

Commenting on the findings, Jim Clarken, chief executive of Oxfam Ireland, said economic inequality is contributing to what he described as growing political capture across the world. He warned that excessive concentration of wealth allows a small elite to shape rules, influence public debate and dominate digital spaces.

Oxfam Ireland has called on the Government to introduce fairer taxation for the super-rich, strengthen regulation of large technology companies and take stronger action against disinformation and online hate. The organisation also urged Ireland to use its international standing to support debt relief and reforms to the global financial system, while addressing domestic policies that allow economic power to become increasingly concentrated.

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