Top 10 richest women in the world: From L’Oréal's Françoise Bettencourt Meyers to Walmart's Alice Walton

The top 10 wealthiest women in the world represent a diverse range of industries, from cosmetics and retail to mining and finance. These women have built and expanded their fortunes through strategic business decisions, leadership, and in some cases, inheritance. Many of them are not only influential in their industries but also engage in philanthropy and social causes.Their combined wealth showcases the significant role women play in the global economy, driving innovation and progress across various sectors. Despite challenges, they continue to rise, shaping the future of business and wealth on a global scale.Explore the list of the top 10 richest women in the world and know their source of wealth.




Net Worth: $99.5 Billion | Age: 70 | Source of Wealth: L’Oréal | Citizenship: France
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of L’Oréal's founder, has maintained her position as the world’s richest woman for the fourth consecutive year. Her wealth is predominantly tied to her nearly 35% stake in L’Oréal Group, which generates $45 billion in revenue. She first appeared on Forbes’ billionaires list in 2018, with a fortune of $42.2 billion.

Net Worth: $72.3 Billion | Age: 74 | Source of Wealth: Walmart | Citizenship: U.S.
Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is the richest woman in America. Her net worth has increased by $15.6 billion in the past year due to a significant 34% rise in Walmart's share price. Alice, who focused on art rather than joining her brothers on Walmart's board, founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Net Worth: $64.3 Billion | Age: 61 | Source of Wealth: Koch Industries | Citizenship: U.S.
Julia Koch, widow of David Koch, holds the third spot as the richest woman. She and her three children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries, a conglomerate involved in various industries, including oil refining and medical technology. Julia also serves as a trustee at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Net Worth: $38.5 Billion | Age: 84 | Source of Wealth: Candy, Pet Food | Citizenship: U.S.
Jacqueline Mars, along with her brother John Mars, owns Mars Inc., the global candy and pet food giant known for brands like M&Ms and Pedigree. The company was founded by their grandfather, Frank C. Mars, in 1911. Jacqueline’s son, Stephen Badger, currently serves on the company's board.

Net Worth: $35.6 Billion | Age: 53 | Source of Wealth: Amazon | Citizenship: U.S.
MacKenzie Scott, the former spouse of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, became a billionaire after receiving a 4% stake in Amazon following their 2019 divorce. Committed to philanthropy, Scott has pledged to give away most of her wealth and has already donated $17.3 billion to various causes. In March 2023, she awarded $640 million to 361 organisations.

Net Worth: $33.5 Billion | Age: 74 | Source of Wealth: Steel | Citizenship: India
Savitri Jindal, chair of Jindal Group and widow of founder Om Prakash Jindal, is India’s richest woman. After her husband's death in 2005, the group's companies were divided among their four sons, who now run them independently. Her wealth has increased due to rising share prices, moving her up from the 12th richest woman in 2023.
Net Worth: $33.1 Billion | Age: 79 | Source of Wealth: Shipping | Citizenship: Switzerland and Italy
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, along with her husband Gianluigi Aponte, co-founded MSC, which has grown into the world’s largest shipping line. They each own a 50% stake in the company, which they started in 1970 with a $200,000 loan to purchase their first ship. Rafaela also oversees the decoration of MSC Cruises ships.

Net Worth: $32 Billion | Age: 78 | Source of Wealth: Casinos | Citizenship: U.S.
Miriam Adelson, along with her family, owns more than half of Las Vegas Sands, one of the world’s largest casino operators. She inherited her stake after her husband, Sheldon Adelson, passed away in 2021. A physician by training, Miriam has donated over $1 billion to fund medical research and drug discovery.

Net Worth: $30.8 Billion | Age: 70 | Source of Wealth: Mining | Citizenship: Australia
Gina Rinehart, the wealthiest person in Australia, chairs Hancock Prospecting Group, a mining and agriculture company. She inherited the business from her father, Lang Hancock, who passed away in 1992. Rinehart's fortune has grown by 14% since March 2023, cementing her status as Australia's richest individual.

Net Worth: $29 Billion | Age: 62 | Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments | Citizenship: U.S.
Abigail Johnson, the CEO of Fidelity Investments, has moved up from 11th place to rejoin the top 10 richest women this year. She has led Fidelity since 2014, taking over from her father, Edward "Ned" Johnson III, who passed away in 2022. Abigail owns an estimated 28.5% stake in the firm, which manages $4.9 trillion in assets. Fidelity was founded by her grandfather in 1946.
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