The top 5 world's richest women (2026)
Ever wondered who the wealthiest women in the world are? We reveal the top 5 richest women and how they ended up with their fortunes.
The wealthiest women in the world dominate various industries such as entertainment, cosmetics and food.
The majority of the five wealthiest women are from the United States, according to Bloomberg.
Forbes' 2026 World Billionaire List shows that 481 out of 3,428 billionaires (14%) are women.
That figure is up from 406 female billionaires, or 13.4% of the ranking last year.
Read on to find out who the richest women in the world are.
| Rank | Name | Net worth in U.S. dollars | Citizenship | Source of Wealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alice Walton | $134 billion | U.S. | Walmart |
| 2 | Francoise Bettencourt Meyers | $100 billion | France | L'Oréal |
| 3 | Julia Koch (and family) | $81.2 billion | U.S. | Koch Industries |
| 4 | Iris Fontbona & family | $52.6 billion | Chile | Mining |
| 5 | Jacqueline Mars | $49.1 billion | U.S. | Mars Inc. |
Net worth: $49.1 billion
Source of wealth: Mars Inc.
Citizenship: U.S.
With an estimated net worth of $45.5 billion, Jacqueline Mars is the fourth wealthiest woman in the world and owns around 30% of the food and sweets empire Mars Incorporated.
She is the granddaughter of Franklin Clarence Mars, who founded the famous company, which is behind popular brands such as M&Ms, Snickers and Skittles.
Jacqueline worked for the family business for nearly two decades and served on its board of directors. As of recent years, she is considered one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Beyond her business ties, Mars is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of education, environmental conservation, and the arts. She has also been active in equestrian sports and supports related causes.
Net worth: $52.6 billion
Source of wealth: Mining
Citizenship: Chile
Iris Fontbona, born in 1942, is a Chilean billionaire businesswoman and the matriarch of the Luksic family.
She is the widow of Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, who founded a massive business empire in mining and beverages.
Following his death in 2005, Fontbona and her family inherited his fortune, making her the wealthiest person in Chile and the richest woman in Latin America.
The family's wealth is primarily derived from their control of Antofagasta PLC, one of the world's largest copper producers, and Quiñenco, a conglomerate with diverse interests including banking and beverages.
Net worth: $81.2 billion
Source of wealth: Koch Industries
Citizenship: U.S.
Julia Koch, an American philanthropist, has an estimated net worth of $72.3 billion.
When her husband, David Koch, died in 2019, Julia and her three children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries, which has subsidiaries that are involved in various areas such as manufacturing and energy.
Before Julia married David, she was an assistant to fashion designer Adolfo Sardiña and dressed high-profile clients, including Nancy Reagan.
Julia is the president of the David H. Koch Foundation, which supports many causes involving medical research, education and the arts.
Net worth: $100 billion
Source of wealth: L'Oréal
Citizenship: France
With an eye-watering net worth of $90.7 billion, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, a French businesswoman and philanthropist, is the richest woman in the world.
Françoise is the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, the founder of beauty empire L’Oréal, and the only child of Liliane Bettencourt.
When her mother died in 2017, she inherited her fortune. Along with her family, Françoise owns around 33% of L’Oréal stock, according to Forbes.
She has been a director of L’Oréal since 1997. Françoise is the founder and president of the Foundation Bettencourt Schueller, which supports sciences and the arts, as well as promotes an inclusive society.
Net worth: $134 billion
Source of wealth: Walmart
Citizenship: U.S.
Alice Walton, an American heiress, has an estimated net worth of $115 billion and is the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
While Alice owns a huge stake in Walmart alongside her siblings, Rob and Jim, she doesn’t work for the retail corporation.
Instead, Alice has focused on art and wellness, opening the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011 and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, which was founded in 2021.
Get expert financial advice
The world’s wealthiest women have built their fortunes through strategic investments and inheritance, showcasing the importance of long-term financial planning and smart wealth management.
While their circumstances may be extraordinary, everyone can benefit from sound financial advice tailored to their needs.
Whether you're building wealth, managing investments or planning your future, understanding how your money can grow over time is crucial.
Speaking with a financial adviser can make all the difference in securing your financial well-being.
We’ll find a professional perfectly matched to your needs. Getting started is easy, fast and free.
)