Top Richest Women in the World

From powerful business leaders like Françoise Bettencourt Meyers to philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott, these women have transformed their fortunes through astute investments, strategic decisions, and family legacies. Explore our list of the top 10 richest women to see how their journeys have led to their immense fortunes.

10. Elaine Marshall & family - $28.4 billion 

Elaine Marshall, an American billionaire heiress, has a net worth of $28.4 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women globally. Her fortune largely stems from her 16% ownership stake in Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S. With estimated annual revenues of $125 billion, Koch Industries includes subsidiaries like Georgia-Pacific, Invista, and Flint Hills Resources. Elaine inherited her substantial wealth from her late husband, E. Pierce Marshall, who was a key figure in the family’s business legacy. Her substantial wealth and influential position in Koch Industries have not only solidified her status as one of the richest women globally but also as a powerful force in the business world.

9. Abigail Johnson - $28.7 billion

Abigail Johnson, an American businesswoman, commands an impressive net worth of $28.7 billion. As Chair, CEO, and President of Fidelity Investments, she controls approximately 24% of the company, which manages close to $2 trillion in assets. This substantial stake not only places her among the richest women but also makes her a key figure in the financial industry. In 2020, she was recognized as the richest person in Massachusetts, underscoring her financial influence. Under her leadership, Fidelity has expanded into new areas like cryptocurrency, enhancing its value and wealth. Abigail’s influence extends beyond Fidelity, with roles on various financial regulatory boards, further cementing her status as a formidable figure in both finance and wealth.

8. Gina Rinehart - $30.4 billion

Gina Rinehart, an Australian mining magnate, commands an impressive net worth of $30.4 billion, making her the wealthiest person in Australia. As the Executive Chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting, she controls the company her father founded, with major stakes in the Roy Hill iron ore project and the Hope Downs mine. Her wealth has soared thanks to Australia’s mining boom, making her one of the wealthiest women globally. Beyond mining, Gina’s influence extends into media, where she holds significant shares in Fairfax Media and Ten Network Holdings. Known for her fierce independence and opposition to government taxes on mining, Gina has transformed Hancock Prospecting into a multi-billion-dollar empire, securing her place as a true titan in the industry.

7. MacKenzie Scott - $31 billion

MacKenzie Scott, with a net worth of $31 billion, is redefining philanthropy with her immense wealth. Formerly known as MacKenzie Bezos, she became one of the world’s wealthiest women following her 2019 divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, receiving 20 million shares in Amazon, which were worth $35.6 billion at the time. But it’s her generosity that sets her apart. Since 2020, she’s donated over $14 billion to charities worldwide, making it challenging for her to maintain her billionaire status. Despite briefly being the richest woman globally in 2020, Scott remains focused on giving back, signing "The Giving Pledge" and aiming to donate most of her fortune within her lifetime. Her commitment to philanthropy and strategic giving shows how she’s turning her billions into a force for good. 

6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant - $34.6 billion

With a net worth of $34.6 billion as of 2024, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world. Her fortune comes from her 50% stake in the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest shipping line. Alongside her husband, Gianluigi, Rafaela started in the shipping industry in 1970 with a single ship bought with a $200,000 loan. Today, MSC operates across 155 countries, with over 150,000 employees and a presence in holiday cruises, inland logistics, and port operations. Rafaela’s keen eye for design has shaped the interiors of MSC Cruises ships, while her leadership continues to guide the family business. Her immense wealth reflects a lifetime of dedication to building MSC into a global powerhouse.

5. Savitri Jindal & family - $38.5 billion

Savitri Jindal, with a net worth of $38.5 billion, stands as one of the wealthiest individuals globally and the richest woman in India. Her immense fortune stems from her majority stake in the O.P. Jindal Group, a vast steel and power conglomerate she inherited after her husband O.P. Jindal’s tragic death in a 2005 helicopter crash. After his passing, she took the helm of the family business, successfully steering it to new heights and significantly increasing its revenue. Beyond her business achievements, Savitri's wealth has enabled her to take on influential roles in politics and education. She was elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha in 2005 and has held various ministerial roles. Savitri also chairs the Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, a legacy of her late husband’s vision.

4. Jacqueline Mars - $39 billion

Jacqueline Mars, with a net worth of $39 billion as of 2024, is a prominent heiress and philanthropist. She holds a one-third stake in Mars, Inc., the colossal candy empire founded by her grandfather, Frank C. Mars. This stake makes her one of the wealthiest individuals globally, as Mars, Inc. continues to generate more than $45 billion in annual revenue from its iconic brands like M&Ms, Snickers, and Skittles. Jacqueline joined Mars, Inc. in 1982 as food product group president, and her strategic insight helped shape its success until her retirement in 2001. Beyond business, Jacqueline is deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting the arts, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage. She is involved with organizations like the Washington National Opera and the League of Conservation Voters.

3. Julia Koch and Family - $74.6 billion

Julia Flesher Koch, an American philanthropist with a net worth of $74.6 billion as of 2024, stands as one of the wealthiest individuals globally. When her husband, David Koch, passed away in 2019, she inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries, one of the world's largest privately held companies, valued at around $50 billion at that time. Koch Industries, with annual revenues exceeding $120 billion, spans a diverse range of industries, including chemicals, energy, and manufacturing. Julia’s fortune reflects her significant share in this vast empire. 

In addition to her immense wealth, Julia is known for her philanthropy and impressive real estate portfolio, including properties in Aspen, Southampton, Palm Beach, and New York City.

2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers and Family - $79.9 billion

Françoise Bettencourt-Meyers, a French author and heiress with a net worth of $86.5 billion, is the richest woman globally and was the first woman to exceed the $100 billion mark by the end of 2023. Her immense fortune primarily stems from her 33% ownership of L'Oréal, inherited from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who was a principal shareholder in the cosmetics giant. Despite a dip in L'Oréal’s performance during the pandemic, the company has since recovered strongly, boosting Françoise’s wealth. She benefits significantly from its substantial dividends and rising stock value. In addition to her L'Oréal holdings, Bettencourt-Meyers' wealth is bolstered by her roles in the family’s investment and philanthropic activities. Her assets include luxury real estate in Paris and Brittany, further enhancing her financial stature. Her wealth highlights her crucial role in one of the world’s most influential beauty companies and her powerful influence in global philanthropy.

1. Alice Walton - $93.5 billion

Alice Walton, with a net worth of $80.3 billion, is a leading figure among the world's wealthiest individuals as of October 2024. As the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, she holds a significant stake in Walmart, where she owns a 13% ownership share through the Walton Family Holdings Trust and Walton Enterprises. Walmart’s enormous success has generated significant dividends for Alice and her siblings, solidifying her position among the richest women in the world. In addition to her retail empire, Alice has amassed considerable wealth through strategic investments and her role as a prominent art collector. Her real estate portfolio includes high-value properties such as a $25 million duplex in Manhattan and a $70 million oceanfront estate in Southampton. Alice Walton’s wealth is a testament to both her family’s retail legacy and her personal achievements.

These remarkable women have leveraged their business acumen, strategic investments, and family legacies to build extraordinary fortunes, solidifying their positions among the wealthiest individuals in the world.