IWD 2025: The top 10 richest women in the world right now
From Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, Larry Ellison, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Larry Page, the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals has long been dominated by men. However, that doesn’t mean women aren’t building significant fortunes of their own. As the world gears up to celebrate International Women’s Day in 2025, we spotlight the most influential women shaping industries, philanthropy, and global business. Whether through inheritance, entrepreneurial expertise, or a blend of both, these women have built immense wealth and wield influence far beyond their net worth. From retail giants to financial powerhouses, here are the top ten richest women in the world this year.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family (France)
The world’s richest woman in 2025 remains Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of L'Oréal’s founder. She and her family control over a third of the beauty giant, making her an undisputed leader in the cosmetics industry. Under her leadership, L'Oréal has rebounded from pandemic-induced setbacks, with the company hitting record sales. She also became the first woman in history to surpass a personal fortune of $100 billion at the end of 2023.
2. Alice Walton (United States)
A Walmart heiress and an art patron, Alice Walton has focused her wealth on the arts rather than retail. The founder of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Walton has been instrumental in promoting culture in the U.S. Recently, she made headlines by selling over $21 million worth of stock from the Walton Family Holdings Trust, of which she is a trustee. Despite this, she remains one of the wealthiest women in the world, with her fortune anchored in the retail empire her father built.
3. Julia Koch & Family (United States)
After inheriting a massive 42% stake in Koch Industries following the passing of her husband, David Koch, in 2019, Julia Koch has solidified her place among the wealthiest women. Apart from business, she is known for her philanthropy, particularly in the healthcare sector. Through the Julia Koch Family Foundation, she has donated millions, including a significant $75 million to NYU Langone Health for an advanced Ambulatory Care Center.
4. Jacqueline Mars (United States)
An heiress to the Mars empire, Jacqueline Mars continues to be a significant figure in the food and pet care industry. Owning about a third of Mars Incorporated, she played a critical role in the company’s leadership before stepping back in 2016. Beyond business, she has a deep passion for equestrian sports, owning a horse farm in Virginia that has trained Olympic medalists.
5. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant (Switzerland)
Unlike many on this list, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is a self-made billionaire, co-owning the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with her husband. Together, they have transformed MSC into the world’s largest shipping line. She oversees the design and decoration of MSC Cruises, the company’s holiday cruise division, adding a creative touch to the business. Her immense fortune continues to grow as global trade and logistics remain lucrative.
6. Abigail Johnson (United States)
A major player in finance, Abigail Johnson has been the CEO of Fidelity Investments since 2014, taking over the reins from her father. She owns a substantial 28.5% stake in the firm, which has continued to expand its influence in global finance. Under her leadership, Fidelity has embraced the digital revolution, most notably through its venture into Bitcoin spot ETFs under the ticker FBTC, further cementing its position in financial innovation.
7. Savitri Jindal & Family (India)
The only Indian on this list, Savitri Jindal, chairs the Jindal Group, a conglomerate with interests in steel, power, cement, and infrastructure. After inheriting the empire from her late husband, Om Prakash Jindal, she played a vital role in its continued expansion. Additionally, Jindal has been active in politics, formerly serving as a minister in the Haryana state government.
8. MacKenzie Scott (United States)
After her high-profile divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott became one of the wealthiest women in the world with a 4% stake in Amazon. However, what sets her apart is her extraordinary commitment to philanthropy. Having pledged to give away at least half of her wealth, she has already donated approximately $16.5 billion to nearly 2,000 nonprofits. Her focus on direct, impactful giving has set a new standard for billionaire philanthropy.
9. Miriam Adelson & Family (United States)
The widow of Sheldon Adelson, the late chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, Miriam Adelson and her family continue to control the casino giant. With major properties in Macao and Singapore, the company remains a dominant force in the gaming industry. A politically active billionaire, she was the largest donor to Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, contributing $90 million. Her wealth and influence continue to be significant as the casino industry thrives globally.
10. Marilyn Simons & Family (United States)
Widow of legendary hedge fund manager Jim Simons, Marilyn Simons has inherited a vast fortune following her husband's passing in May 2024. The Simons family is best known for their philanthropic efforts through the Simons Foundation, which they co-founded in 1994. The foundation has contributed significantly to education, mathematics, and basic science, particularly in the fields of autism research and STEM education. With a Ph.D. in economics from Stony Brook University, Simons brings both business acumen and a deep commitment to social causes.
Who will be the next woman to join this elite list? With industries evolving rapidly and new opportunities emerging, the landscape of wealth and power continues to shift, making way for the next generation of influential women.