The World's Richest Women: A Glimpse into Global Fortunes
In a world often dominated by headlines about male billionaires, a significant and influential group of women holds immense wealth, shaping industries and engaging in impactful philanthropy. As of mid-2025, the landscape of global billionaires continues to evolve, with women representing a crucial, albeit smaller, percentage of this ultra-wealthy cohort.
According to various financial reports in April and May 2025, there are approximately 390 women with a net worth of $1 billion or more worldwide, constituting about 13.5% of all billionaires. While a notable portion of this wealth is inherited, an increasing number of women are building their fortunes through self-made endeavors, particularly in dynamic sectors like technology and finance.
The Richest Women in the World (as of May 2025)
The following table highlights some of the most affluent women globally, their primary sources of wealth, and estimated net worth. It's important to note that net worth figures can fluctuate due to market conditions and other factors.
| Rank | Name | Country | Main Source of Wealth | Estimated Net Worth (USD) |
| 1 | Francoise Bettencourt Meyers | France | L'Oréal | $90.7 billion |
| 2 | Alice Walton | United States | Walmart | $115 billion |
| 3 | Julia Koch & Family | United States | Koch Industries | $72.3 billion |
| 4 | Jacqueline Mars | United States | Mars, Inc. | $45.5 billion |
| 5 | Abigail Johnson | United States | Fidelity Investments | $36.8 billion |
| 6 | MacKenzie Scott | United States | Amazon (divorce settlement) | $35.5 billion |
| 7 | Savitri Jindal & family | India | Jindal Group (steel, power, etc.) | $31.7 billion |
| 8 | Miriam Adelson | Israel/United States | Las Vegas Sands (casinos) | $31.3 billion |
| 9 | Susanne Klatten | Germany | BMW, Altana | $25.5 billion |
| 10 | Rafaela Aponte-Diamant | Italy/Switzerland | Mediterranean Shipping Company | $38.8 billion |
Note: Net worth figures are approximate and can vary based on the reporting source and market fluctuations.
Key Industries and Trends
The wealth of these women stems from diverse sectors, reflecting various pathways to immense fortune:
- Inherited Fortunes: Many of the richest women inherited significant stakes in family-founded empires, such as L'Oréal (Francoise Bettencourt Meyers), Walmart (Alice Walton), Mars, Inc. (Jacqueline Mars), and Koch Industries (Julia Koch). Their roles often involve sitting on company boards and overseeing family investments.
- Business Leadership: A number of women, like Abigail Johnson of Fidelity Investments, actively lead and grow the businesses they inherited or built.
- Philanthropy: While often a component of inherited wealth, several women, most notably MacKenzie Scott, are making headlines for their strategic and impactful philanthropic endeavors, actively donating vast sums of their wealth to various causes.
- Diverse Industries: Beyond retail and cosmetics, these women hold significant influence in industries ranging from steel and power (Savitri Jindal) to shipping (Rafaela Aponte-Diamant) and gaming (Miriam Adelson).
The increasing presence of women in the billionaire ranks, whether through inheritance or self-made success, continues to reshape the global economic landscape and inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs and leaders.
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers: The Billionaire Behind L'Oréal's Legacy
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers stands as a towering figure in the world of global wealth, consistently ranking among the richest women, and often the richest woman, on the planet. Her immense fortune is deeply intertwined with the legacy of L'Oréal, the world's leading cosmetics company, founded by her grandfather.
Born on July 10, 1953, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, Bettencourt Meyers is the only child and heir of Liliane Bettencourt, who herself was a dominant force in the global wealth landscape. Upon her mother's passing in September 2017, Bettencourt Meyers inherited a significant portion of the L'Oréal empire, propelling her net worth to unprecedented levels.
While her wealth is largely inherited, Bettencourt Meyers is not merely a passive recipient. She has served on L'Oréal's board since 1997 and, until recently, held the position of Vice Chairman. In February 2025, she announced her retirement from the board, passing her position to her son, Jean-Victor Meyers, marking a new chapter in the family's involvement with the company. Her family holding company, Téthys Invest, along with Financière L'Arcouest S.A.S., collectively holds a substantial stake in L'Oréal, typically around 33-35% of the company's shares.
Key Aspects of Francoise Bettencourt Meyers' Wealth and Influence
The following table provides a snapshot of Francoise Bettencourt Meyers' significant attributes and the sources of her vast wealth.
| Feature | Description |
| Current Net Worth (May/June 2025) | Estimated to be between $86.4 billion and $91.3 billion USD. Her net worth can fluctuate with L'Oréal's stock performance and market conditions. She made history in late 2023 by becoming the first woman to amass a $100 billion fortune, though it has seen some dips since then. |
| Main Source of Wealth | Her fortune primarily stems from her significant ownership stake in L'Oréal, the global beauty and cosmetics giant. Her family (through Téthys Invest and Financière L'Arcouest S.A.S.) holds the largest share of the publicly traded company. |
| Role in L'Oréal | While recently retiring from the board, she has served as Vice Chairman of L'Oréal's board and her family's holding company oversees their investment in the company. Her sons, Jean-Victor Meyers and Nicolas Meyers, also serve as directors. |
| Philanthropy | Bettencourt Meyers is a dedicated philanthropist. She co-founded the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation with her husband and father in 1987. This foundation actively supports scientific research, cultural projects, and humanitarian causes, with a strong focus on "taking talent to the top" in fields like life sciences, arts, and solidarity. Notable contributions include a pledge of $226 million with L'Oréal for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire. She is also involved in the Fondation Pour l'Audition, focusing on hearing health research. |
| Personal Interests | Known for her private nature, Bettencourt Meyers is also an accomplished author, having published several books on Greek mythology and Jewish-Christian relations. She is reported to enjoy playing the piano for hours. |
| Residence | She reportedly leads a quiet life in the exclusive Neuilly-sur-Seine commune, a wealthy suburb west of Paris, France. |
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers' story is a testament to the enduring power of family legacies in the business world, coupled with a commitment to philanthropy and intellectual pursuits. Her influence extends far beyond her personal wealth, shaping the trajectory of a global industry and contributing significantly to scientific and cultural advancement.
Alice Walton: Walmart Philanthropic Powerhouse
Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, has forged a unique path defined by her immense wealth and profound dedication to the arts, healthcare, and philanthropy. While her brothers, Rob and Jim Walton, took more active roles in the retail giant, Alice has become a formidable force in her own right, particularly through her transformative contributions to the cultural landscape of America.
Born on October 7, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas, Alice grew up immersed in the burgeoning world of Walmart. After graduating from Trinity University with a B.A. in economics, she initially pursued a career in finance, working as an equity analyst and money manager before founding her own investment bank, Llama Company, in 1988.
However, her lifelong passion for art and a desire to make it accessible to everyone truly set her apart. This passion culminated in the founding of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in her hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas, which opened its doors in 2011. The museum, a testament to her vision, houses a world-class collection of American art, much of which came from her personal collection, and offers free admission to the public. Crystal Bridges is more than just a museum; it's a cultural hub nestled within 120 acres of Ozark forest, blending art, architecture, and nature.
Building on the success of Crystal Bridges, Alice established the Art Bridges Foundation in 2017. This foundation aims to expand access to American art across the nation, particularly in underserved communities, by supporting exhibitions, loans, and programming in partnerships with museums of all sizes.
Beyond the arts, Alice Walton's philanthropic endeavors extend to healthcare and education. She founded the Alice L. Walton Foundation in 2017 to support these vital areas, and in 2019, she established the Heartland Whole Health Institute. This initiative seeks to integrate a whole-health approach into the broader healthcare system. In 2021, she further cemented her commitment to healthcare by founding the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, which is set to open new buildings in 2025 on the Crystal Bridges campus, fulfilling her vision of combining art and wellness.
Alice Walton's net worth, primarily stemming from her significant stake in Walmart, has consistently placed her among the wealthiest individuals globally, often holding the title of the world's richest woman. While specific figures fluctuate with market changes, her fortune has consistently been in the tens of billions of dollars.
Alice Walton's Estimated Net Worth (Select Years)
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Source of Wealth | Notes |
| 2019 | $46 billion | Walmart | Source: Forbes (as of April 2019) |
| 2024 | $60 billion | Walmart | Source: InfluenceWatch.org (as of 2024) |
| 2025 | $101 - $113 billion | Walmart | Various reports from early 2025 place her net worth in this range, solidifying her position as the richest woman. |
Note: Net worth figures are estimates and can vary based on reporting sources and market fluctuations.
Alice Walton's impact extends far beyond her financial standing. Through her strategic philanthropy, she has democratized access to art, championed holistic health, and invested in educational initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on American culture and society. Her dedication to improving lives through art and wellness underscores a legacy of profound generosity and visionary leadership.
Julia Koch & Family: The Quiet Multi-Billion Dollar Fortune
Julia Koch, along with her three children, inherited a substantial fortune following the passing of her husband, David Koch, in 2019. This inheritance, primarily a 42% stake in the vast and diversified Koch Industries, immediately positioned her among the wealthiest individuals in the world, and frequently, as one of the richest women globally. While the Koch name has often been associated with political activism through David and his brother Charles, Julia Koch has cultivated a more private profile, focusing her considerable resources on philanthropy and strategic investments.
Born Julia Margaret Flesher in Indianola, Iowa, in 1962, Julia moved to Arkansas at a young age. She later pursued a career in fashion in New York City, working as an assistant to designer Adolfo, where she dressed high-profile clients, including First Lady Nancy Reagan. It was in New York that she met David Koch on a blind date in 1991, and they married in 1996.
The foundation of the family's immense wealth lies in Koch Industries, the second-largest privately held company in the United States, according to Forbes. This sprawling conglomerate has a hand in a wide array of industries, including oil refining, chemicals, paper products (through Georgia-Pacific), electronics (Molex), and glass manufacturing (Guardian Industries), among many others. The company's diversified interests and global reach have consistently generated enormous revenue, contributing to the family's continuous accumulation of wealth.
Since David Koch's passing, Julia Koch has become increasingly active in managing the family's philanthropic endeavors. She serves as president of the David H. Koch Foundation, which has historically donated hundreds of millions of dollars to causes spanning science and medical research, education, and the arts. In 2023, Julia also established the Julia Koch Family Foundation, further solidifying her commitment to supporting transformative initiatives in healthcare, education, and the arts within the communities where the family resides and operates.
Her philanthropic work includes significant contributions to institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the School of American Ballet. In a notable move in February 2024, the Julia Koch Family Foundation gifted $75 million to fund the Julia Koch Family Ambulatory Care Center at NYU Langone's West Palm Beach location, underscoring her dedication to advancing healthcare access and innovation. Beyond traditional philanthropy, Julia Koch and her children also made headlines in June 2024 for acquiring a nearly $700 million stake (15%) in BSE Global, the parent company of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and WNBA's New York Liberty, demonstrating a diversified interest in sports and entertainment.
Julia Koch & Family: Estimated Net Worth (Select Years)
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Primary Source of Wealth | Key Activities/Notes |
| 2019 | ~$60 billion (inherited) | Koch Industries | Following David Koch's passing, Julia and her children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries, a vast diversified conglomerate. |
| 2024 | $72.4 billion | Koch Industries | Ranked among the world's richest women. Continued active philanthropy through the David H. Koch Foundation and the newly established Julia Koch Family Foundation. Significant gifts to healthcare and arts. |
| 2025 | $74.2 billion | Koch Industries | Continued growth in wealth. Investment in BSE Global (Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty) announced in June 2024. Ongoing philanthropic efforts focusing on healthcare, education, and the arts. |
Note: Net worth figures are estimates and can fluctuate based on market conditions, company valuations, and financial reporting cycles. The figures reflect the combined wealth of Julia Koch and her three children, as their fortune is largely shared through their inherited stake in Koch Industries.
Julia Koch's journey highlights a transformation from a private figure to a prominent philanthropist and investor. With the colossal wealth derived from Koch Industries, she is actively shaping a legacy of strategic giving and diversified business interests, building upon the family's long-standing influence.
Jacqueline Mars: The Quiet Heiress of a Sweet Empire
Jacqueline Mars is an American heiress and investor, best known for her significant stake in Mars, Incorporated, the global confectionery, pet food, and food products giant. As the granddaughter of founder Frank C. Mars and daughter of Forrest Mars Sr., she represents the third generation of one of the world's most private and successful family businesses. While the company's iconic brands like M&M's, Snickers, and Pedigree are household names, Jacqueline Mars herself maintains a notably low public profile, preferring to focus her considerable influence on philanthropy and personal passions.
Born on October 10, 1939, Jacqueline Mars grew up immersed in the family business. She joined Mars, Inc. in 1982, serving as the Food Product Group President and playing an active role in the company's operations before her retirement in 2001. Though no longer involved in day-to-day management, she remains a co-owner of the privately held company, alongside her brother John Mars and the four daughters of her late brother Forrest Jr. This ownership stake forms the bedrock of her immense wealth.
Mars, Incorporated, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is a diversified global powerhouse with annual revenues exceeding $50 billion (as of 2024). It operates across various segments, including Mars Wrigley (confectionery), Mars Petcare (pet food and veterinary services), and Mars Food. The company's long-standing success, built on a foundation of popular brands and a commitment to quality, has ensured the sustained growth of the family's fortune.
Beyond the corporate world, Jacqueline Mars is a dedicated philanthropist with a strong interest in equestrian sports, conservation, and the arts. She is a prominent supporter of the U.S. Equestrian Team and owns an organic farm in Virginia, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable practices. Her charitable contributions extend to organizations such as the National Archives, the Washington National Opera, and the National Sporting Library & Museum, where she serves on various boards. In 2021, she received the prestigious USEA President's Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her significant contributions to eventing.
Jacqueline Mars' wealth consistently places her among the richest women in the world. Her estimated net worth is primarily tied to her approximately one-third ownership of Mars, Incorporated.
Jacqueline Mars' Estimated Net Worth (Select Years)
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Primary Source of Wealth | Key Activities/Notes |
| 2019 | $23.5 billion | Mars, Incorporated | Forbes estimated her shares in Mars, Inc. and other assets. |
| 2024 | $38.5 billion | Mars, Incorporated | Consistently ranked among the top wealthiest individuals globally. Continued philanthropy in equestrian, conservation, and arts. |
| 2025 | $38.6 - $39 billion | Mars, Incorporated | Remains a key shareholder in the privately-held Mars, Inc. Her wealth reflects the continued success and diversification of the family business. |
Note: Net worth figures are estimates and can fluctuate based on market conditions and company valuations. Mars, Incorporated is a private company, meaning its financial details are not publicly disclosed, making precise net worth calculations challenging.
Jacqueline Mars embodies a legacy of quiet influence and significant philanthropy. While the Mars family is known for its privacy, her dedication to her passions and her continued commitment to charitable causes underscore a profound impact beyond the sweet treats and pet care products that built her family's empire.
MacKenzie Scott: Reshaping the Landscape of Giving
MacKenzie Scott, an American novelist and philanthropist, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in modern philanthropy. Following her 2019 divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, she received a significant stake in Amazon, catapulting her into the ranks of the world's wealthiest individuals. Since then, Scott has embarked on an unprecedented philanthropic journey, rapidly and strategically distributing billions of dollars to thousands of organizations with a unique "no-strings-attached" approach.
Born MacKenzie Tuttle on April 7, 1970, in San Francisco, California, Scott graduated from Princeton University, where she studied under Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison. Her career as a novelist includes two acclaimed works, "The Testing of Luther Albright" (2005) and "Traps" (2013). She was also instrumental in the early days of Amazon, serving as one of its first employees and playing a key role in its development.
However, it is her post-divorce philanthropy that has truly defined her public persona. In 2019, she signed the Giving Pledge, committing to give away the majority of her wealth. What sets Scott's giving apart is her philosophy of "trust-based philanthropy." Instead of imposing strict conditions or demanding detailed proposals, she provides large, unrestricted grants to organizations, empowering them to utilize the funds where they believe they will have the most impact. This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional philanthropic models and has been praised for its efficiency and effectiveness in supporting grassroots efforts.
Scott's donations are meticulously researched and often focus on organizations working to address systemic inequities. Her primary focus areas include:
- Education: Supporting a wide range of educational initiatives, from early learning to post-secondary institutions, with a particular emphasis on youth development and institutions serving underrepresented communities (e.g., HBCUs, tribal colleges).
- Equity & Justice: Championing causes related to racial and gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, immigration, and criminal justice reform.
- Economic Security & Opportunity: Investing in programs that promote financial inclusion, workforce development, affordable housing, and economic empowerment.
- Health: Supporting access to healthcare, mental and behavioral health services, child development and welfare, and nutrition and food security.
- Arts & Culture: Recognizing the importance of cultural institutions in enriching communities.
- Environment: Supporting initiatives focused on environmental protection and sustainability.
By the end of 2024, MacKenzie Scott had reportedly donated over $19 billion to more than 2,000 organizations, making her one of the most prolific philanthropists in history. Her transparent and rapid giving model has not only provided vital resources to countless nonprofits but has also sparked conversations about the future of philanthropy and the importance of trusting the organizations on the ground.
MacKenzie Scott's Estimated Net Worth (Select Years)
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Primary Source of Wealth | Key Philanthropic Activities/Notes |
| 2019 | ~$35.6 - $49 billion | Amazon | Received significant Amazon stock as part of her divorce settlement. Signed the Giving Pledge. Began her rapid, unrestricted giving, focusing on diverse causes. |
| 2024 | ~$37 - $40.6 billion | Amazon | Continued substantial donations, with over $19 billion given by year-end. Focused on education, equity, economic security, and health. Her approach of large, unrestricted gifts gained widespread recognition. |
| 2025 | ~$29.6 - $36.5 billion | Amazon | Her net worth fluctuates with Amazon stock performance and her continued large-scale donations. Remains a leading figure in philanthropy, advocating for trust-based giving and supporting a wide array of grassroots organizations. Early 2025 reports indicate a slight decline in net worth due to continued giving and Amazon stock fluctuations. |
Note: Net worth figures are estimates and can fluctuate significantly due to Amazon's stock performance and MacKenzie Scott's ongoing, substantial philanthropic donations.
MacKenzie Scott's remarkable journey from co-founder and novelist to a transformative philanthropic force continues to inspire and challenge conventional notions of wealth and giving. Her commitment to empowering communities and addressing systemic issues through bold and trusting investments solidifies her legacy as a truly impactful figure.
The Evolving Landscape of the World's Richest Women
As of mid-2025, the landscape of global wealth continues to be shaped by a dynamic interplay of established legacies and transformative philanthropic visions. While the majority of the world's richest women have inherited their immense fortunes, often stemming from multi-generational family businesses in sectors like retail, cosmetics, and diversified industrials, their individual approaches to wealth management and societal impact are increasingly diverse. Figures like Alice Walton, Julia Koch, Jacqueline Mars, and MacKenzie Scott exemplify this trend, demonstrating that immense wealth, whether inherited or newly acquired, carries with it a profound opportunity—and often a responsibility—to influence the global economy and address pressing social challenges.
The year 2025 highlights a continued, albeit slow, increase in the representation of women among the world's billionaires, underscoring gradual shifts towards greater gender parity in economic influence. However, the true significance lies not just in their accumulated wealth, but in how it is deployed. From Alice Walton's dedication to making art and holistic healthcare accessible, to Julia Koch's strategic investments and broad philanthropic reach, and Jacqueline Mars' quiet commitment to conservation and equestrian sports, these women are leveraging their resources to shape cultural narratives, advance scientific research, and protect vital ecosystems. MacKenzie Scott, in particular, stands out for her revolutionary approach to "trust-based philanthropy," accelerating the flow of capital to grassroots organizations with unprecedented speed and flexibility, challenging traditional models of giving.
As we look ahead, the influence of these wealthiest women is poised to grow. Their philanthropic endeavors are not merely acts of charity but strategic investments in a more equitable and sustainable future. They are driving conversations about systemic change, empowering communities, and demonstrating the potent impact of wealth when aligned with purpose. The trajectory of their fortunes and, more importantly, their philanthropic legacies, will continue to be a compelling indicator of how private wealth can contribute to public good in an ever-evolving world.