The number one financial concern for an overwhelming majority of high-net-worth individuals is a loss in value for their investments, according to a recently released study by Chubb, a global insurance company based in Whitehouse Station, N.J.
These same individuals also worry about inflation as a threat to their wealth, and the damage that could befall their property from climate-related disasters, the report said.
At the same time that they are balancing these concerns, a majority said it is harder than ever to build wealth in today’s world.
The report was based on a survey of 800 people in the U.S. and Canada with investable assets of at least $500,000, with the majority of respondents reporting assets of $1.5 million to $25 million.
Eighty percent of respondents said the loss of value to their investments was their top concern, and 74% said inflation is one of the top worries that keeps them awake at night. At the same time, 76% of respondents said potential property damage from climate related disasters is their top concern when it comes to their property.
A large majority of respondents said they are looking to professionals for help, as well as relying to some extent on themselves. Seventy-three percent of respondents said they are relying on a financial advisor, followed by 59% who are looking to an insurance broker or agent for answers. At the same time, 71% said they rely on their own knowledge at times.
Two-thirds said they find it more challenging to build and protect their wealth in today’s environment.
When it comes to their homes and the physical assets they have invested in, a majority of respondents ranked disasters caused by climate change as their chief worry.
“We have experienced the consequences of increasing frequency and severity of weather-related property damage across the country with more powerful storms, wildfires, and the unexpected occurrence of deep freezes in southern states,” Jennifer Naughton, executive vice president and risk consulting officer for Chubb Personal Risk Services, said in a statement.
High-net-worth individuals often invest part of their wealth in physical assets. Four out of five respondents said they are collectors of fine art, jewelry, cars, fine wines or other valuables. Most (62%) say they have a passion for what they collect, while 38% see it primarily as an investment.
The owners of the collections said they are afraid of fraud most of all, followed by physical damage during transportation. Climate and weather also figure into concerns of respondents regarding their collections, with 74% reporting that fires, storms and floods are among their top concerns.
“It’s important not to lose sight that external climate, weather-related risks and vulnerabilities specific to particular items can also impact collections,” Laura Doyle, senior vice president for fine art, and valuable collections product leader at Chubb, said in a statement. “We counsel that there are steps collectors can follow to help preserve their collections, including the installation of centrally monitored alarms, climate control systems and emergency preparedness planning.”
Ninety percent of the respondents also said they are worried about their liability risks and potentially large settlements that could be ordered against them.
