Source of wealth
The history of how a person's fortune was formed as a whole: business, asset sales, dividends, inheritance, professional activity - covering the entire relevant period, not just one transaction.
Practical significance
This question is more complex than the previous one, because it requires a coherent picture spanning decades. It is especially sensitive for clients from jurisdictions with non-public registers: part of the history has to be confirmed by the client's own documents rather than external sources.
Where it is used
- private banking and wealth management
- enhanced due diligence for higher-risk clients
- investment and migration programmes
- verification of beneficial owners of structures
What the term does not mean
This is not a tax return and does not substitute for tax advice. It is a factual history of the origin of capital.
How it differs from «Source of funds»
Source of wealth covers the entire history of capital, source of funds covers a specific transaction. The former explains the person, the latter explains the payment. More about this term
Illustrative example
The fortune was built over twenty years: a manufacturing company, its partial sale, dividends, and the purchase of commercial real estate - each stage is documented.
Related terms, services and guides
Definition verified 3 August 2026
Does this term relate to your situation?
Describe the situation in your own words. BLACKFILE will assess whether it is acceptable and suggest the appropriate area of work.