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A striking portrait of the modern billionaire emerges from the latest findings by Altrata's 2024 Billionaire Census, which delves into the wealthiest individuals on the planet as of 2023. The quintessential billionaire is a man in his 60s, resides in New York City, is passionate about sports, and has deep roots in the banking and finance sectors. Despite an affection for private jets, luxury yachts, and high-end cars, the typical billionaire has earned his status through self-made fortunes rather than inheritance.

The count of billionaires globally has reached an all-time high of 3,323, collectively amassing a net worth of $12.1 trillion—a 9% increase from the previous year fueled by a stock-market recovery. The United States stands out with nearly a third of the world's billionaires, the highest concentration found in any nation. New York City itself boasts 144 billionaire residents, surpassing the billionaire populations of any country except the US, China, and Germany.

Men dominate the billionaire demographic, making up 87% of the total. Their paths to wealth often diverge from those of the world's 431 female billionaires. While a substantial 60% of all billionaires are self-made, men are more likely to have achieved their fortunes independently, with 76% of female billionaires having inherited at least part of their wealth compared to just 35% of male billionaires.

The types of assets held by billionaires reveal further differences between genders. Public assets form the largest portion of wealth for male billionaires, bolstered by tech magnates like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos whose fortunes are heavily tied to the enterprises they head. On the other hand, women's wealth tends to be more liquid, encompassing cash and private holdings, which are commonly associated with inherited wealth, according to Altrata.

Sector-wise, 22% of all billionaires work in finance or banking. Interestingly, 17% of female billionaires dedicate much of their efforts to the nonprofit sector. This division in professional focus is also reflected in their personal interests: 71% of female billionaires prioritize philanthropy, whereas sports are the top interest for male billionaires. Education, particularly donations to alma maters, emerges as the leading philanthropic cause across all billionaires.

Luxury spending habits show a gender split as well. Male billionaires are inclined towards luxury vehicles, including jets, yachts, and cars, while female billionaires favor investments in property and art. Men are nearly four times more likely to have car collections valued over $1 million compared to their female counterparts.

In conclusion, if you're on the lookout for someone in the three-comma club, finance circles in New York City might be a good starting point. If that doesn't yield results, a philanthropic event or a classic car show could be worth attending.