From inheritance to innovation, the world’s wealthiest women have amassed their fortunes through a compelling mix of legacy, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment. As of 2025, these ten women not only top the global rich lists but also wield significant influence across industries, philanthropy, and culture. Here’s how they reached the financial summit—and what sets their stories apart.
10. Susanne Klatten
Net Worth: ~$24 billion
Country: Germany
How She Made It:
Susanne Klatten inherited stakes in BMW and pharmaceutical giant Altana from her parents. Beyond inheritance, she is praised for her shrewd business acumen, actively growing Altana into a global leader and investing in sustainable technologies.
9. Abigail Johnson
Net Worth: ~$27 billion
Country: United States
How She Made It:
As CEO and chair of Fidelity Investments, Abigail Johnson modernized and expanded the family business, steering it into the digital age. Her leadership and foresight have helped Fidelity remain one of the world’s largest and most trusted financial firms.
8. Gina Rinehart
Net Worth: ~$29 billion
Country: Australia
How She Made It:
Gina Rinehart transformed Hancock Prospecting from a struggling mining company into a powerhouse, capitalizing on Australia’s resources boom. Her bold moves in iron ore and agribusiness have cemented her place as Australia’s richest person.
7. Iris Fontbona & Family
Net Worth: ~$31 billion
Country: Chile
How She Made It:
Fontbona inherited Antofagasta PLC, a mining company, after her husband’s death. She and her family have since diversified into banking and beverages, making her the wealthiest person in Latin America.
6. Yang Huiyan & Family
Net Worth: ~$33 billion
Country: China
How She Made It:
Yang Huiyan inherited a controlling stake in Country Garden Holdings, one of China’s largest real estate developers. She has since overseen its expansion into green building and tech-driven urban development.
5. Jacqueline Mars
Net Worth: ~$37 billion
Country: United States
How She Made It:
The Mars Inc. heiress owns a third of the world’s largest candy, pet care, and food company. While her wealth is inherited, Jacqueline Mars has been instrumental in steering the company’s philanthropic initiatives and sustainability efforts.
4. Julia Koch & Family
Net Worth: ~$59 billion
Country: United States
How She Made It:
Julia Koch became a billionaire after inheriting a significant stake in Koch Industries from her late husband, David Koch. She is now a prominent philanthropist, supporting causes from medical research to the arts.
3. MacKenzie Scott
Net Worth: ~$63 billion
Country: United States
How She Made It:
Scott’s fortune stems from her divorce settlement with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. What distinguishes her is her rapid, high-impact philanthropy—she’s given away more than $17 billion since 2020, reshaping the landscape of charitable giving.
2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family
Net Worth: ~$94 billion
Country: France
How She Made It:
The world’s richest woman, Bettencourt Meyers, inherited her stake in L’Oréal, the cosmetics giant founded by her grandfather. An author and advocate for science and the arts, she’s grown her fortune through savvy management and international expansion.
1. Miriam Adelson
Net Worth: ~$98 billion
Country: United States/Israel
How She Made It:
Adelson’s wealth comes from a majority stake in Las Vegas Sands, inherited after the passing of her husband, Sheldon Adelson, in 2021. She’s since expanded the casino empire into new markets and is an influential figure in medical research and philanthropy.
What Their Stories Reveal
While inheritance plays a significant role for many on this list, most have actively shaped and grown their fortunes through business leadership, innovation, and philanthropy. Their journeys serve as a reminder that wealth, when paired with vision and stewardship, can become a powerful force for change.
