Breaking the Billion-Dollar Ceiling: The Top 10 Richest Women in the World (2025)

In 2025, the number of female billionaires has reached a new high, with 406 women making Forbes’ list of the world’s 3,028 billionaires, accounting for 13.4% of the total. This marks a slight increase from 2024, where women represented 13.3% of the list. Forbes

Here are the top 10 richest women in the world as of 2025:

1. Alice Walton – $101 billion


The Walmart heiress has reclaimed her position as the world’s richest woman, with her net worth increasing by 40% from the previous year.

2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers – $89.6 billion


The L’Oréal heiress and vice-chairwoman of the company continues to hold a significant stake in the cosmetics giant.

3. Julia Koch – $74.2 billion


Following the death of her husband, David Koch, in 2019, Julia inherited a substantial share of Koch Industries.

4. Jacqueline Mars – $38.3 billion


As an heir to the Mars Inc. fortune, Jacqueline maintains a significant presence in the confectionery industry.

5. Miriam Adelson – $35 billion


Widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, Miriam has inherited a substantial stake in Las Vegas Sands.

6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant – $31.2 billion


Co-founder of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, Rafaela has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth.

7. Susanne Klatten – $27.4 billion


Germany’s richest woman, Susanne holds stakes in BMW and pharmaceutical company Altana.

8. Gina Rinehart – $27 billion


Australia’s mining magnate, Gina has expanded her family’s company, Hancock Prospecting, significantly.

9. MacKenzie Scott – $24.4 billion


Following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie has become a notable philanthropist, donating billions to various causes.

10. Iris Fontbona – $23.1 billion


Chilean businesswoman and widow of Andrónico Luksic, Iris controls Antofagasta PLC, a major mining company.

These women have amassed their wealth through a combination of inheritance, business acumen, and strategic investments. Their influence spans various industries, including retail, cosmetics, shipping, automotive, mining, and philanthropy.Wikipedia+5Forbes+5San Antonio Express-News+5WikipediaWikipedia

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