HSBC Survey Puts Affluent Retirement Goal at $2.6 Million

Affluent investors say they need $2.6 million to retire comfortably, a 26% rise from a year ago.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Retirement Planning

Flat opaque gouache-painted editorial illustration of a smooth stone in a cream dish beside three coins, evoking retirement savings goals. — Affluent investors say they need $2.6 million to retire comfortably, a 26% rise from a year ago, according to an HSBC online survey of 9,993 people. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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An HSBC online survey of 9,993 affluent and high-net-worth investors aged 21 to 69 found they say they need $2.6 million to retire comfortably. Affluent investors report having saved on average 52% of that goal.

Why it matters

The stated target is about double the amount other surveys show everyday Americans think they need, and Schroders' spring survey put the figure at $1.2 million. Inflation and a changing view of what retirement funds are contributing to the higher goal.

The survey of 9,993 respondents with minimum investable assets of $100,000 (affluent) or $2 million (high-net-worth) reports a $2.6 million goal, up 26% year over year. Savings progress varies by generation, with baby boomers at 74% of goal and Millennials at 42%.

The players

HSBC

HSBC is a global banking and financial services organization that conducted the online survey of affluent and high-net-worth investors.

Schroders

Schroders is a British global asset management firm that surveyed retirement savers this spring on the income they need to retire comfortably.

The details

HSBC conducted the survey online, asking respondents about retirement cost expectations and savings progress. Affluent Americans also plan to fund more than retirement, and 43% cite retirement as their top financial goal.

Schroders surveyed retirement savers this spring about the income they need to retire in comfort.
HSBC's figure is up 26% from a year ago.

Market Dynamics

The HSBC figure of $2.6 million roughly doubles the $1.2 million need reported in Schroders' spring survey of retirement savers. The gap between affluent and general-population estimates is widening as the stated affluent target rose 26% in a year.

Savers gauging their own retirement target can compare their progress against the 52% average share of goal reported by affluent investors. Those with lower balances may find the $1.2 million Schroders benchmark a more relevant reference point for planning.

The takeaway

Retirement targets vary widely by wealth level and survey, so savers should measure their own goal against their own income needs. Tracking progress toward a specific figure makes the gap concrete.