Forbes recently released its list of the richest people in the world, and among them are some incredibly successful women. In 2023, these women have amassed impressive fortunes through various sources of wealth, ranging from inherited businesses to self-made ventures. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 richest women in the world, their net worth, sources of wealth, and nationalities, starting with the 10th wealthiest and moving towards the richest woman.
10. Iris Fontbona
- Net Worth: $23 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Antofagasta PLC, Quiñenco
- Nationality: Chile
Iris Fontbona, a Chilean native, inherited her wealth from her late husband, Andrónico Luksic. Her family runs Antofagasta PLC, a company involved in copper mining in Chile, and holds a majority stake in a manufacturing conglomerate, Quiñenco. Her net worth stands at $23 billion.
9. MacKenzie Scott
- Net Worth: $24 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Amazon (divorce settlement)
- Nationality: United States
MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, received a substantial settlement after their divorce, giving her a net worth of $24 billion. Known for her philanthropic efforts, she has donated billions to various non-profit organizations.
8. Gina Rinehart
- Net Worth: $27 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Hancock Prospecting
- Nationality: Australia
Gina Rinehart, the wealthiest person in Australia, inherited her wealth from her father, Lang Hancock, who founded Hancock Prospecting. With investments in mining and rare earth materials, she has accumulated a net worth of $27 billion.
7. Susanne Klatten
- Net Worth: $27.4 Billion
- Source of Wealth: BMW, Altana
- Nationality: Germany
Susanne Klatten, a German billionaire, holds a 19% stake in BMW and is the sole owner and deputy chair of chemicals company Altana. Her diverse investments have propelled her net worth to $27.4 billion.
6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant
- Net Worth: $31 Billion
- Source of Wealth: MSC Cruises
- Nationality: Switzerland
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, a Swiss billionaire, owns a 50% stake in MSC Cruises, the world’s biggest shipping line. Alongside her husband, Gianluigi, she has built a successful business empire, contributing to her net worth of $31 billion.
5. Miriam Adelson
- Net Worth: $35 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Las Vegas Sands
- Nationality: United States
Miriam Adelson inherited over half of her late husband Sheldon Adelson’s gambling empire, Las Vegas Sands. As an active supporter of drug addiction research, she has made significant contributions to philanthropy. Her net worth stands at $35 billion.
4. Jacqueline Mars
- Net Worth: $38 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Mars, Inc.
- Nationality: United States
Jacqueline Mars, an American heiress and investor, owes her fortune to her grandfather, who founded Mars, Inc., the world’s largest candymaker. With brands like M&Ms and Snickers under her conglomerate, she has amassed a net worth of $38 billion.
3. Alice Walton
- Net Worth: $57 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Walmart
- Nationality: United States
Alice Walton, the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, ranks as the third richest woman in the world. While her siblings joined the family business, Alice has focused on art curation. She opened the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and has a net worth of $57 billion.
2. Julia Koch
- Net Worth: $59 Billion
- Source of Wealth: Koch Industries
- Nationality: United States
Julia Koch inherited a 42% stake in multinational conglomerate Koch Industries after the passing of her husband, David Koch. With her extensive property portfolio and philanthropic endeavors, she has accumulated a fortune of $59 billion.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
- Net Worth: $80.5 Billion
- Source of Wealth: L’Oréal
- Nationality: France
At the top of the list is Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the chairwoman of L’Oréal’s holding company. With a net worth of $80.5 billion, she inherited her wealth from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who was previously the world’s richest woman.
