Find out who the top 10 richest woman in the world are and their amazing stories. This article looks at how female billionaires and wealthiest women made or got their fortunes. They come from various fields like retail, tech, and finance.
From leading businesses to giving back, their paths show new ways to build wealth globally.
Key Takeaways
- The list ranks the top 10 richest woman in the world based on net worth and influence.
- Female billionaires include both heirs and self-made entrepreneurs driving economic change.
- Philanthropy plays a key role in how wealthiest women shape society.
- The rise of women billionaires reflects shifting power dynamics in global finance.
- Each leader offers unique insights into legacy-building and wealth management strategies.
Understanding the Landscape of Female Wealth
Global female wealth is changing. In the last ten years, more women have become billionaires. They are changing how we see wealth with their tech startups and real estate.
The Growth of Female Billionaires
Forbes shows a 30% increase in female billionaires since 2010. They’ve built wealth through inheritance, starting their own businesses, and smart investments. Women in retail and tech, like Alice Walton and MacKenzie Scott, are leading the way.
- 45% of new entrants built wealth independently
- Asia and North America host 68% of top-ranked women
- Philanthropy now accounts for 35% of wealth management decisions
Breaking Glass Ceilings in Wealth Creation
Women are now leading in fields once dominated by men. A 2023 study found:
| Sector | Male-Dominated Share | Women’s Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | 85% | +22% since 2018 |
| Finance | 70% | +18% in hedge funds |
How Women Are Changing the Billionaire Demographics
Women’s wealth rankings show a shift in priorities. Giving to charity is now a smart investment. As one investor said:
“Wealth isn’t just kept—it’s reinvested in communities.”
Investments in renewable energy and healthcare are on the rise. This change marks a new era where making money and doing good go hand in hand.
How We Ranked the Top 10 Richest Woman in the World
To create the top 10 richest woman in the world list, we looked at verified data. This data came from financial reports and stock market trends. Each woman on the women in Forbes list has a net worth based on assets like stocks, real estate, and corporate holdings.
Weath rankings take into account changes in global markets and how much assets are worth.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth Sources | Stock prices, company valuations, and real estate holdings |
| Key Data | Publicly reported assets and Forbes list updates |
| Challenges | Private companies and family ownership structures |
Every billionaire women on the list is ranked by verified net worth. This is as of the latest reporting period. Wealth rankings change often because of market shifts.
For example, changes in tech stocks or commodity prices can change rankings overnight. This method makes the list transparent and shows how financial success can change quickly.
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers: L’Oréal’s Wealth Empire
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is one of the richest women in business. She inherited a cosmetics empire from her grandfather, Eugène Schueller, the founder of L’Oréal. She and her siblings run the company, turning their inheritance into a global influence through smart decisions and family governance.
The L’Oréal Inheritance
Her journey to power was filled with challenges. After her mother passed away, Bettencourt Meyers secured her place as co-CEO. She manages a 33% stake in L’Oréal. This wealth makes her the world’s wealthiest woman in 2023, with a fortune of $50 billion.
Business Leadership and Expansion
As a leading female business leader, she focuses on innovation. Under her leadership, L’Oréal has grown in clean beauty and digital marketing. The company has also acquired brands like IT Cosmetics. Her vision keeps L’Oréal relevant for 100 years.
Philanthropy and Personal Projects
Beyond business, she chairs the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, supporting science and arts. Her books on Greek mythology and biblical analysis show her interests go beyond wealth. This mix of business and culture makes her a unique richest woman in business. It shows how inheritance can support both profit and purpose.
Alice Walton: Walmart’s Art-Loving Heiress
Alice Walton is a prime example of how inheritance wealth can drive change. As Sam Walton’s daughter, she inherited a $22 billion stake in Walmart. This wealth allowed her to focus on art, setting her apart from her brothers.
In 2005, she opened the Crystal Bridges Museum in Arkansas. It’s a cultural gem with free admission. Her collection includes famous pieces like Edward Hopper’s *Nighthawks* and Georgia O’Keeffe’s *Black Iris*. This mix of commerce and culture is her hallmark.
| Asset | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Bridges Museum | $500M endowment |
| Art Holdings | Over 9,000 works displayed |
| Real Estate | Includes Bentonville properties and NYC holdings |
| Health Initiatives | $200M+ donated to healthcare since 2020 |
Walton’s influence goes beyond art. She also invests in banking and real estate. Her Walton Family Foundation supports education and health. This shows how wealth can be used for good, blending financial power with cultural impact.
Julia Koch: The Koch Industries Fortune
Julia Koch’s journey to wealth started with a big inheritance. In 2019, she got a 42% share of Koch Industries after her husband David passed away. This made her one of the biggest women’s business empires in the U.S. She had to learn fast about female wealth management and balance old traditions with new ideas.
Taking Over a Business Empire
Koch moved from a private life to leading a huge company. She took over a $100+ billion business. Her 42% stake in Koch Industries, covering energy, chemicals, and polymers, was a big test. She had to work with family and executives to keep the inheritance wealth strong.
Managing Wealth and Investments
Koch has a team of financial advisors and a family office to help her. Unlike many CEOs, she focuses on long-term growth and keeping the company’s core strong. Her choices on renewable energy and sustainability show her vision and the company’s values.
Philanthropic Ventures
Koch’s charity work follows her family’s tradition but also shows her own style. She supports medical research and arts in New York City. Her donations to museums and universities show how women’s business empires can make a big difference in society.
MacKenzie Scott: Amazon Wealth and Revolutionary Giving
MacKenzie Scott’s journey to becoming a top philanthropist was unique. After her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, she inherited a 4% stake in Amazon. This made her one of the richest women in the world. Her bold approach to giving has changed how self-made wealthy women donate.
The Amazon Divorce Settlement
In 2019, Scott got over $35 billion in Amazon stock from her divorce. This was a rare move that made her a major player in managing her wealth. Unlike usual settlements, this one focused on giving her money to charities right away.
Her Approach to Radical Philanthropy
Scott doesn’t follow the usual way of giving. She gives big, unrestricted sums to groups fighting for racial and gender equality. By 2023, she’d given over $10 billion to more than 1,200 charities. Her goal is to help those who are often overlooked, much like many female entrepreneurs who want to make a difference.
Impact on Charitable Giving Models
Traditional vs. Revolutionary Philanthropy:
| Aspect | Traditional Philanthropy | MacKenzie Scott’s Model |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Size | Small, incremental gifts | Large, lump-sum awards |
| Conditions | Extensive reporting requirements | No strings attached |
| Focus | High-profile causes | Systemic inequities |
Her approach challenges other billionaires to think differently about giving. Some worry about the long-term effects of such large donations. Yet, many see her as a role model for empowering women and helping those in need. This shift shows how self-made women are leading the way in changing how wealth is shared.
Jacqueline Mars: The Candy and Pet Food Conglomerate
Jacqueline Mars is one of the wealthiest women in the world. She co-owns Mars Inc., a global giant known for M&M’s and Snickers. Her journey started with inheritance wealth after her grandfather’s death.
Over the years, she and her brothers grew Mars into a vast empire worth billions. They expanded the business into new areas.
She led Mars into pet food and veterinary services. A big move was buying Banfield Pet Hospitals in 2008. Today, Mars operates in over 80 countries, blending tradition with innovation.
Her philanthropy is also notable. Mars supports equestrian sports and funds environmental projects like rainforest conservation. She also gives to arts organizations, showing her commitment to culture.
As a third-generation leader, she balances family control with modern business needs. Unlike some female billionaires, the Mars siblings keep their business private. They manage it closely, ensuring it grows while staying true to its roots.
- Key role in diversifying Mars into pet care and veterinary services
- Philanthropy focused on equestrian, environment, and arts
- Private family governance model
Gina Rinehart: Mining Magnate from Australia
Gina Rinehart is a standout among self-made wealthy women in Australia’s mining world. She took over Hancock Prospecting after her dad’s death in 1992. She turned a struggling company into a major force in the nation.
Building on Her Father’s Legacy
Rinehart faced a company with legal issues and financial problems. She quickly formed partnerships with Chinese companies for iron ore deals. By 2012, she launched the Roy Hill mine, a $2 billion project that boosted Hancock’s output by three times.
Challenges and Business Expansions
Her vision went beyond mining. She ventured into agriculture, media, and tech, including a 20% stake in the Daily Telegraph. She also invested in AI for mining. Key achievements include:
| Year | Breakthrough |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Secured $1.3B equity to fund expansion |
| 2014 | Founded Atlas Iron, boosting iron ore exports |
| 2020 | Ranked as Australia’s richest person |
Political Influence and Controversies
Rinehart’s strong views on mining taxes and climate policy have caused controversy. Some say she underplays mining’s environmental harm, while others commend her for creating jobs. Family feuds and legal battles have also made headlines. Yet, her net worth is over $8B, making her a leading women billionaire.
Miriam Adelson: Casino Empire and Political Influence
Miriam Adelson became a female billionaire by combining medicine with business. She started as a doctor, then married Sheldon Adelson, co-founder of Las Vegas Sands. Together, they grew the casino giant in Asia and the U.S., creating a huge women’s business empire.
After Sheldon’s death in 2021, Miriam took control of Las Vegas Sands. She became a top female fortune holder. She led the company to focus on tech for casinos and kept its global lead. Key actions included:
- Rethinking resort designs to attract younger gamblers
- Expanding health-focused amenities in resorts
- Adapting to post-pandemic travel trends
Politics are a big part of her legacy. The couple gave millions to Republicans and conservative groups, including support for Israel. Miriam keeps this up, linking her wealth to policy. Critics question if her donations are for personal beliefs or business. Her mix of medical knowledge and business smarts makes her stand out among female billionaires.
Abigail Johnson: The Fidelity Investments Leader
Abigail Johnson is one of the wealthiest female CEOs in the world. She leads Fidelity Investments with a blend of tradition and innovation. Her story is a mix of family legacy and hands-on leadership, making her a true example of modern female business leaders.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Leadership Tenure | CEO since 2014, Chair since 2016 |
| Assets Under Management | $4.1 trillion (2023) |
| Innovation Milestones | Launched Fidelity Go app, expanded robo-advisors, explored crypto partnerships |
Journey to CEO
After Harvard Business School, Johnson joined Fidelity as a stock analyst. She faced many challenges and gender barriers but became CEO. Her early doubters were silenced by her success, like doubling client accounts from 2010 to 2020.
Innovation in Financial Services
- Digital-first focus: mobile app downloads surged 300% under her leadership
- Early crypto trials: partnered with blockchain startups despite industry skepticism
- Automated investing tools for younger clients
Leadership Style and Business Philosophy
Johnson prefers to stay out of the spotlight but has changed Fidelity’s culture. She focuses on employee training and client-centered technology. Her approach is simple: “Trust data, not tradition.” Under her, Fidelity cut costs by 15% and expanded globally.
Johnson’s legacy is a mix of inherited wealth and self-made success. As a self-made wealthy women, she shows that leadership is earned, not given. It takes vision and resilience.
Iris Fontbona: Chile’s Mining and Beverage Baroness
Iris Fontbona is a leading top female fortune holder. She took over her husband Andrónico Luksic’s business after his death in 2005. She now leads Antofagasta PLC, a major copper mining firm in London, and Quiñenco, a company in banking, brewing, and shipping.
Her strategy has grown these industries into European markets. She mixes tradition with new ideas. This approach has made her a key player in the business world.
Fontbona is known for her female wealth management and influence. She keeps a low profile, but her impact is huge. Her company, Antofagasta PLC, has over 15,000 employees worldwide.
She focuses on helping others too. During tough times like the 2010 earthquake and the pandemic, she helped with education and disaster relief. Her work shows how women can use their wealth to make a difference.
Conclusion: What We Can Learn from the World’s Wealthiest Women
The top 10 richest women in the world are changing the game in business and charity. Women like L’Oréal’s Bettencourt Meyers and Julia Koch of Koch Industries are breaking new ground. They mix family traditions with new ideas, showing that women can succeed in many fields.
These women are also making a big difference through their giving. MacKenzie Scott and Alice Walton are funding projects in different ways. Their efforts show that women are now leading the way in solving big problems.
Yet, there’s still work to be done. The success of these women shows progress, but there are still big gaps. As more women take on leadership roles, their impact will only grow. Their stories teach us that true wealth is about vision, leadership, and pushing boundaries.
FAQ
Who are the top 10 richest women in the world?
The list includes names like Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, Alice Walton, and Julia Koch. They’ve made their fortunes through inheritance, business, and smart investments.
What industries have the wealthiest women typically invested in?
They come from various fields. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is in cosmetics with L’Oréal. Alice Walton is in retail with Walmart. MacKenzie Scott has invested in technology through Amazon. Gina Rinehart is in mining.
How has the landscape of women’s wealth changed over the years?
More women have become billionaires. This shows social changes and more women in leadership roles.
What factors contribute to the ranking of the richest women?
Their rankings depend on their net worth. This includes their assets like stocks, real estate, and businesses.
How do the richest women approach philanthropy?
They give to charity, focusing on education, health, gender equality, and disaster relief. They often use direct funding to avoid red tape.
What is the role of family legacy in their wealth accumulation?
Family legacy is key for many. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers built on her family’s cosmetics business. Jacqueline Mars transformed her grandfather’s candy company.
Are there challenges that these women face in managing their wealth?
Yes, they deal with family issues, managing big businesses, and public attention. They aim to keep a low profile.
How have female billionaires impacted traditional business models?
They’ve brought new strategies and philanthropy. This has changed industries and inspired others worldwide.
What can we learn from the stories of these successful women?
Their stories teach us about resilience, strategic thinking, and social responsibility. These lessons are useful for entrepreneurs and leaders.