What do high net worth investors want? Feels like a trick question. You would assume the answer to what high net worth individuals want when investing, is pretty straightforward. Wealth accumulation and preservation

Sound reasonable?

No other motivations for investing and building wealth? 

Not so.

Read this article to understand the main factors high net worth investors consider when building wealth and accumulating assets. 

What you will learn


In this article, you’ll learn:  

  • Why wealthy investors prioritise tax efficiency when building an investment portfolio 
  • What high-net-worth investors want from their investments
  • How their personal priorities shape their portfolios
  • The types of investments that align with their goals
  • How to manage investment risk while maintaining growth

What Is a high net worth investor?

A High Net Worth Individual is someone who has significant financial assets. Typically the threshold is around £1 million in investable wealth.

These individuals require specialised financial strategies to protect, grow, and manage their wealth effectively.

Key points at a glance

  • Significant Assets – Typically £1 million+ in liquid assets (excluding property).
  • Exclusive Financial Services – Access to private banking, wealth management, and bespoke financial planning.
  • Tax Efficiency Strategies – Use of trusts, tax wrappers, and international structuring to optimise tax obligation
  • Diversified Investments – A mix of traditional and alternative assets to maximise returns while managing risk.
  • Long-Term Wealth Planning – Focus on preserving wealth for future generations.

Categorising affluent, high and ultra high net worth individuals

  • Affluent Investors – Those with investable assets between £250,000 and £1 million.
  • High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) – Typically holding £1 million+ in liquid assets.
  • Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) – Investors with £10 million+, often requiring more complex financial strategies.

Where do high net worth investors invest their money?

High net worth investors diversify their portfolios across multiple asset classes to balance risk and return. Their investment choices often prioritise wealth preservation, capital growth, and tax efficiency.

The most common investment choices for wealthy investors: include

  • Stocks & Equities – Exposure to blue-chip stocks, dividend-yielding companies, and international markets.
  • Property – Investments in luxury residential, commercial properties, and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
  • Private Equity & Venture Capital – Direct investments in startups and private businesses for high-growth potential.
  • Bonds & Fixed Income – Government and corporate bonds for stable returns and capital preservation.
  • Alternative Investments – Including hedge funds, commodities, fine art, and collectables.
  • Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets – Some wealthy individuals allocate a portion of their wealth to Bitcoin and other digital assets.

If you’re considering your options, we recommend you explore the best investment opportunities for high net worth investors, to broaden your knowledge of this topic.

Tax efficient Investment options

  • ISAs & Pensions – Maximising tax-free savings and pension contributions.
  • Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) & Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) – Offering tax relief for high-risk investments.
  • Offshore Investments – Using international structures for tax efficiency and asset protection.


What do high net worth investors want, when investing?

As you will learn throughout this article, there are many factors high net worth individuals consider when investing.  

When seeking to create significant wealth, there are other considerations beyond simply making money. 

Of course, what high net worth investors want from their investments is wealth. Simply put, wealth is money. 

However, creating long lasting wealth isn’t just about making money. It’s about making the right financial choices to preserve, grow, and protect it for the future. 

High-net-worth investors think differently when it comes to investments. They focus on strategies that ensure stability, reduce tax liabilities, and align with their long-term financial goals. 

In fact, mitigating taxes is a major element of wealth management for high net worth individuals

That’s covered in section two of this article. First, let’s start by understanding why stability and preserving wealth are key factors for affluent people.

1. Stability and wealth preservation

High-net-worth investors don’t gamble with their wealth.

Their primary goal is to ensure financial security by choosing stable, low-volatility investments that can withstand economic downturns. 

While they may allocate a portion of their portfolio to higher-risk, higher-reward opportunities, most of their wealth is placed in assets that preserve capital and provide steady growth.

Why stability matters for high net worth investors

  • Protects against significant financial losses during economic downturns.
  • Creates reliable income streams through dividends, bonds, and rental properties.
  • Ensures multi-generational wealth preservation and succession planning.
  • Provides a foundation for long-term financial security.
  • Allows selective exposure to high-growth opportunities while minimising downside risk.

Key takeaways

  • Blue-chip stocks provide steady growth and reliable dividends.
  • Prime real estate appreciates over time while generating rental income.
  • Government and corporate bonds offer stability and predictable returns.
  • Commodities like gold act as a hedge against inflation and market uncertainty.
  • A well-structured wealth preservation strategy prevents financial erosion.

2. Tax efficiency and reduced liabilities


For high-net-worth investors, tax efficient investing isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core strategy. Without careful planning, a large portion of their wealth can be lost to capital gains tax, income tax, and inheritance tax. 

By utilising tax-efficient structures, they maximise net returns while ensuring their wealth continues to grow.

Why tax-efficient investing matters for high net worth investors

  • Reduces overall tax burden and maximises wealth accumulation.
  • Shields assets from unnecessary capital gains and income tax.
  • Ensures investments grow tax-free or tax-deferred.
  • Minimises inheritance tax liabilities, preserving family wealth.

Key takeaways

  • Legally leverages government-approved tax incentives and reliefs.
  • ISAs and pensions provide tax-free investment growth.
  • Offshore bonds allow tax deferral and flexible withdrawals.
  • Trusts help mitigate inheritance tax and facilitate smooth wealth transfer.
  • Business property relief reduces tax exposure for entrepreneurs and business owners.

3. Diversifying & managing risk without limiting growth


A diversified portfolio is the key to balancing risk and reward. High-net-worth investors understand that putting too much capital into one asset class exposes them to unnecessary volatility. 

By investing across multiple asset types, industries, and regions, they reduce potential losses and create consistent returns.

Why diversification is key for high net worth investors

  • Reduces exposure to single-market crashes or downturns.
  • Balances high-risk, high-reward investments with stable income-generating assets.
  • Protects against currency fluctuations through international investments.
  • Ensures portfolio resilience across different economic cycles.
  • Provides access to multiple revenue streams for consistent wealth growth.

Key takeaways

  • A blend of equities, bonds, and real estate balances stability and growth.
  • Global investments protect against regional economic instability.
  • Private equity and hedge funds add alternative revenue streams.
  • Investing in commodities like gold provides a hedge against inflation.
  • Diversification across industries prevents overconcentration in one sector.

4. Investments with a purpose: Values based investing 

For many high-net-worth investors, financial success isn’t just about numbers.

They want their wealth to reflect their values, whether that means investing in sustainable businesses, funding social enterprises, or engaging in philanthropy. 

Purpose-driven investing allows them to create an impact while maintaining solid financial returns.

Why values-based investing matters for high net worth investors

  • Aligns financial goals with personal ethics and beliefs.
  • Supports long-term sustainability and responsible corporate behavior.
  • Provides opportunities for high returns in emerging ESG sectors.
  • Enhances legacy planning by contributing to meaningful causes.
  • Reduces exposure to industries facing regulatory and environmental risks.

Key takeaways

  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) funds allow ethical investing with strong returns.
  • Green bonds and sustainable real estate support environmental change while generating income.
  • Philanthropic trusts provide long-term financial giving with tax benefits.
  • Impact investing focuses on businesses that create social or environmental change.
  • Legacy-building investments ensure wealth contributes to a meaningful future.

5. Customised wealth strategies for long-term asset accumulation 


No two high-net-worth investors have the same financial goals, risk tolerance, or investment strategies. 

That’s why customisation is essential. 

Personalised financial plans allow them to tailor their portfolios to fit their wealth management needs while ensuring flexibility for future changes.

Why customisation matters for high net worth investors

  • Aligns investments with personal financial goals and risk tolerance.
  • Ensures efficient estate planning for generational wealth transfer.
  • Provides flexibility to adjust asset allocations based on market changes.
  • Maximises investment opportunities in private equity and structured finance.
  • Creates a roadmap for tax optimisation and risk mitigation.

Key takeaways

  • Wealth managers craft personalised investment plans based on individual goals.
  • Private equity and venture capital investments provide tailored growth opportunities.
  • Direct real estate investments offer control over long-term appreciation.
  • Family offices help manage multi-generational wealth efficiently.
  • Smart succession planning ensures seamless inheritance and wealth transfer.

What do high net worth investors want? Factors to consider


Here are a few things to consider after reading this article:

Risk tolerance: Striking the right balance between stability and high-growth opportunities.

Investment timeline: Short-term vs. long-term financial objectives.

Tax planning: Structuring investments to minimise liabilities.

Diversification: Spreading capital across various assets for security.

Professional advice: Engaging financial experts to optimise investment performance.