These days, it takes a nine-figure sum to gain entry to the BRW Rich 200.

It is never a bad year to be rich, but 2004 is a particularly good time for the wealthy. Why? Because they are getting richer. However it is assessed, the members of the BRW Rich 200 are experiencing a boom. The reason is that the main asset classes of property and equities have been strong and corporate profits have been robust. The magnitude of the wealth increase makes the 2004 Rich 200 the biggest in the list's 22 years.