In 2025, a global list of 3,028 billionaires includes 406 women, showing that women make up 13.4% of the total. This is a small but meaningful rise from 2024, where women comprised 13.3% of the list with 369 individuals.
Nine of these women inherited their fortunes, with Rafaela Aponte-Diamant standing out as the only self-made billionaire. Significant achievements in 2025 include Taylor Swift debuting with a $1.1 billion net worth from her highly acclaimed "Eras Tour," and Oprah Winfrey maintaining her status as a key player in media and business.
Here are the 10 wealthiest women in the world in 2025:
- Alice Walton:
Alice Walton, aged 75, tops the list with an estimated wealth of $101 billion. Based in the United States, her fortune grew from $56 billion last year, largely due to Walmart's rising stock. Alice, the daughter of Walmart's founder, Sam Walton, is known for her passion for art and philanthropy, having established the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and is set to open the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine.
- Françoise Bettencourt Meyers:
At 71, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, a French billionaire, is second with $81.6 billion. Her family founded L’Oréal, which she led on the board for years until stepping down in February 2025. A 12% dip in L’Oréal’s stock impacted her fortune, though she remains one of the most influential women in business.
- Julia Koch:
With a fortune of $74.2 billion, Julia Koch, 62, and her family hold the third spot. Residing in the U.S., she inherited 42% of Koch Industries upon her husband David Koch’s passing in 2019. The family continues to play a major role in the company’s operations.
- Jacqueline Mars:
Jacqueline Mars, 85, is a key shareholder in Mars Inc., a company renowned for products like Snickers and M&Ms. With a wealth of $42.6 billion, Jacqueline continues the legacy of a family business established in 1911, which remains globally dominant in confections and pet care.
- Rafaela Aponte-Diamant:
At 80, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, based in Switzerland, amassed an impressive $37.7 billion. She co-founded Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with her husband in 1970, growing it into one of the world's largest shipping firms. She is the only self-made billionaire on this list.
- Savitri Jindal:
Indian steel magnate Savitri Jindal and her family rank sixth with $35.5 billion. After her husband's passing in 2005, she took over Jindal Group, which spans steel, energy, infrastructure, and cement, cementing her influence in global industry.
- Abigail Johnson:
Abigail Johnson, aged 63, is worth $32.7 billion. She leads Fidelity Investments, a prominent firm established by her grandfather in 1946, with a significant 28.5% ownership stake. Her forward-focused leadership has reinforced its role in global investment strategy.
- Miriam Adelson:
In eighth place is Miriam Adelson, 79, with $32.1 billion. Widely respected as a physician and philanthropist, she inherited control of Las Vegas Sands after her husband’s passing, becoming a pivotal figure in the gaming industry and addiction medicine.
- Marilyn Simons:
Marilyn Simons ranks ninth with $31 billion. As a philanthropist, she co-founded the Simons Foundation, channeling efforts into scientific research and advancements, leaving an enduring impact on scientific communities worldwide.
- Melinda French Gates:
Melinda French Gates, at 60, commands a $30.4 billion fortune and takes the tenth spot. Following her divorce from Bill Gates, she leveraged her resources to establish Pivotal Ventures, significantly advancing opportunities for women and girls globally through targeted investments and programs.