The 2026 list includes 481 women out of 3,428 billionaires worldwide – that’s about 14%. By comparison, the year before, there were 406 women, representing 13.4%. Thus, the presence of women in the global list of the wealthiest people continues to grow.
New names appeared in the top ten of the richest women in the world. For the first time in the top 10 included a representative of China Zheng Shuliang and Chilean businesswoman Iris Fontbona, writes Forbes. Their inclusion in the rating reflects the strengthening position of businesses from emerging markets.
It is noteworthy that among the ten richest women only one of them achieved her fortune independently – without inheritance or participation in the family business. The rest of the participants of the list are connected with inherited assets or continuation of family corporations.
The ranking is based on data as of March 1, 2026 and takes into account the value of assets, shares in companies and other financial indicators.
№1. Alice Walton
Wealth: $134 billion (vs. $101 billion a year earlier)
Age: 76
Source: Walmart
Citizenship: USA
The capital of Sam Walton, the only daughter of Walmart’s founder, has risen markedly thanks to a jump in the company’s stock by about 30%. At the beginning of 2026, the retailer reached a historic milestone – market capitalization exceeded $1 trillion, largely due to the rapid growth of online sales.
№2. Françoise Betancourt-Myers
Wealth: $100 billion ($81.6 billion a year ago)
Age: 72
Source: L’Oréal
Nationality: France
The granddaughter of L’Oréal’s founder has increased her fortune by nearly $18 billion thanks to the company’s stock rise. In recent years, she has stepped back from an active role in the business: in 2025, she completed her work on the board of directors, handing over some of her responsibilities to her son.
№3. Julia Koch and family
Wealth: $81.2 billion (previously $74.2 billion)
Age: 63
Source: Koch, Inc.
Citizenship: USA
After the death of her husband David Koch, she inherited a large stake in one of the largest private businesses in the US. The family also actively invests in sports – in particular, acquired a stake in the New York Giants club.
№4. Iris Fontbonne and family
Wealth: $52.6 billion ($28.1 billion a year ago)
Age: 83
Source: Antofagasta
Nationality: Chile
Fontbonne’s fortune has nearly doubled on the back of rising copper prices. Her main asset is a mining company, which she inherited after the death of her husband.
№5. Jacqueline Mars
Wealth: $49.1 billion (vs. $42.6 billion)
Age: 86
Source: Mars, Incorporated
Citizenship: USA
The third-generation member of the Mars family has raised capital by growing a business that encompasses not only sweets but also pet products.
№6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamante
Wealth: $44.5 billion (previously $37.7 billion)
Age: 80
Source: Mediterranean Shipping Company
Nationality: Switzerland
She and her husband built one of the largest shipping companies in the world, starting the business by buying a single ship with loan funds. Today, MSC is a global leader in logistics and maritime transportation.
№7. Savitri Jindal and family
Wealth: $39.1 billion ($35.5 billion a year ago)
Age: 75
Source: Jindal Group
Nationality: India
After the death of her husband, she inherited an industrial empire spanning metallurgy, energy and infrastructure. The business is now run by her sons.
№8. Miriam Adelson and family
Wealth: $37.5 billion (previously $32.1 billion)
Age: 80 years old
Source: Las Vegas Sands
Citizenship: USA
The rise in the casino giant’s stock has allowed her to increase her fortune significantly. In addition to business, she is known for her active political activities and support for Donald Trump.
№9. Abigail Johnson
Wealth: $33.2 billion (vs. $32.7 billion)
Age: 64
Source: Fidelity Investments
Citizenship: USA
The longtime head of one of the world’s largest investment firms, founded by her grandfather, remains an influential figure in the financial industry.
№10. Zheng Shuliang and family
Wealth: $33.2 billion ($15.4 billion a year ago)
Age: 80
Source: China Hongqiao Group
Nationality: China
One of only two Asian women in the top 10. The company founded by her husband is among the largest aluminum producers in the world, and the business is now developed by their son.
