Alice Walton is the richest woman in the world in 2026, with a net worth of $134 billion. She leads a group of ten women whose combined fortune tops $600 billion, built across retail, beauty, shipping, finance, and mining. French beauty heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers ranks second, and American billionaire Julia Koch comes in third.
This list is worth more than a glance at big numbers. It’s a window into how different ownership structures, family businesses, public companies, and private conglomerates translate into very different paths to extreme wealth.
Who Is the Richest Woman in the World Right Now?
Alice Walton holds that title, and she’s also the richest woman in America and the richest lady in the country by a wide margin. She is the daughter of Sam Walton, the man who built Walmart from a single store in Arkansas into the world’s biggest retailer. Alice did not build Walmart herself, but she grew her inheritance into something extraordinary.
Alice Walton’s net worth reached $134 billion in 2026, up from $101 billion in 2025. She now ranks 14th among all billionaires globally, male or female, and is the first American woman to surpass $100 billion in wealth. She reclaimed the top spot for female billionaires after spending years trading the #1 position with L’Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers.
Top 10 Richest Women in the World (2026)
Here is the full list, based on Forbes’ 2026 World’s Billionaires data.
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Source of Wealth | Country |
| 1 | Alice Walton | $134B | Walmart (retail) | USA |
| 2 | Françoise Bettencourt Meyers | ~$100B | L’Oréal (beauty) | France |
| 3 | Julia Koch & family | $81.2B | Koch Industries (energy) | USA |
| 4 | Iris Fontbona & family | ~$52.6B | Antofagasta (mining) | Chile |
| 5 | Jacqueline Mars | ~$49.1B | Mars Inc. (food & candy) | USA |
| 6 | Rafaela Aponte-Diamant | ~$44.5B | Shipping (MSC) | Switzerland |
| 7 | Savitri Jindal & family | ~$39.1B | Jindal Group (steel) | India |
| 8 | Miriam Adelson & family | ~$37.5B | Las Vegas Sands (casinos) | USA |
| 9 | Abigail Johnson | ~$33.2B | Fidelity (finance) | USA |
| 10 | Zheng Shuliang & family | ~$33.2B | Shandong Hongqiao (aluminum) | China |
Note: these figures reflect Forbes’ 2026 World’s Billionaires snapshot. Net worth tied to public stock, which applies to most names on this list, shifts with the market, so other Forbes products published later in the year can show different numbers for the same person.
1. Alice Walton — $134 Billion
Alice Walton is 76 years old and is worth $134 billion in 2026. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She is the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, and most of her wealth comes from Walmart stock that has grown steadily over decades.
Alice Walton is one of just 20 people worldwide with a net worth exceeding $100 billion, a group Forbes refers to as the ‘100 Billion Club. She is not just an heiress; she is deeply passionate about art. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, now one of the most visited art museums in the United States.
The Journey to Wealth
Alice inherited her Walmart shares after her father passed away in 1992, when Walmart was already the largest retailer in the U.S. Over the following decades, the stock kept growing. Although she never worked in the company, Alice managed her wealth carefully and channeled much of it into art and charitable causes.
Business Empire & Ventures
Alice Walton founded the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville , Arkansas. Alice Walton’s main wealth comes from Walmart stock, which makes up most of her net worth. In 2011, she founded the Crystal Bridges Museum with a $1.2 billion personal donation.
Key Facts: Net worth of $134 billion in 2026; wealth source is inherited Walmart stock; founded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; first American woman to pass $100 billion; reclaimed the top women’s wealth spot after trading the #1 rank with L’Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers of L’Oréal.
2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers — ~$100 Billion
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, who founded L’Oréal in France in 1909. Her family owns about 35% of the company, and she served on L’Oréal’s board from 1997 until she retired in 2025, when her son Jean-Victor Meyers succeeded her.
After her mother Liliane passed away in 2017, Françoise took full control of the family’s shares. She avoids the spotlight and prefers books, research, and quiet work. She now leads the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which supports science and the arts across France.
The Journey to Wealth
After years of public legal battles over her mother’s mental health, Françoise ultimately secured full control of the family fortune following Liliane’s death. From a young age, she knew she would inherit one of the world’s most valuable beauty empires.
Business Empire & Ventures
L’Oréal operates in more than 150 countries and owns well-known brands such as Lancôme, Maybelline, Garnier, and Kiehl’s, earning over $40 billion a year. Françoise also chairs the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, one of France’s largest private charities.
Key Facts: Net worth of roughly $100 billion in 2026; wealth source is a 35% family stake in L’Oréal; joined the L’Oréal board in 1997; chairs the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation; L’Oréal operates in over 150 countries.
3. Julia Koch & Family — $81.2 Billion
Julia Koch became rich after inheriting a 42% stake in Koch, Inc., after the passing of her husband, David Koch. Koch Inc. (formerly Koch Industries) is one of the largest private companies in the U.S., spanning oil, chemicals, and consumer goods. Her husband, David Koch, one of the well-known Koch brothers, died in 2019.
Julia remains highly active, serving on the boards of major institutions, and her family recently acquired a stake in the NFL’s New York Giants.
The Journey to Wealth
Julia worked as a fashion stylist before marrying David Koch in 1996. She was not involved in building Koch Industries. After David’s death, she inherited his stake, which quickly made her one of the most powerful women in American business.
Business Empire & Ventures
Koch Industries earns over $125 billion a year and owns major brands like Georgia-Pacific, Invista, and Flint Hills Resources. Julia’s family also owns a minority stake in the New York Giants.
Key Facts: Net worth of $81.2 billion; wealth source is a 42% stake in Koch, Inc. (formerly Koch Industries), one of America’s largest private companies; the family holds a stake in the New York Giants; active in philanthropy through the Koch Foundation.
4. Iris Fontbona — ~$52.6 Billion
Iris Fontbona lives in Chile, where her family controls Antofagasta, a major copper mining company. Chile is one of the world’s top copper producers, and Iris Fontbona’s family plays a leading role in that industry. She is one of the most powerful women you may not know.
Copper is essential for electric vehicles, clean energy, and technology, so her wealth is considered highly secure and future-focused.
The Journey to Wealth
Iris received her wealth after her husband, Andronico Luksic, passed away in 2005. He had built a large business empire across mining, banking, and beverages. Since then, Iris and her sons have focused mainly on copper mining, a smart long-term bet given rising global demand.
Business Empire & Ventures
Antofagasta is listed on the London Stock Exchange and produces copper in Chile and other parts of South America. The Luksic Group also holds interests in Banco de Chile and Cervecería Chile, making the family one of the richest in Latin America.
Key Facts: Net worth of roughly $52.6 billion; wealth source is copper mining through Antofagasta; controls one of Chile’s largest mining groups, listed on the London Stock Exchange; benefits from growing copper demand tied to the green energy transition.
5. Jacqueline Mars — ~$49.1 Billion
Jacqueline Mars owns about 30% of Mars Inc., the maker of M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, and Pedigree. The company was founded by Jacqueline Mars’ grandfather, Franklin Clarence Mars. She worked there for nearly 20 years and also served on its board. You’ve almost certainly eaten a product from her family’s company.
The Journey to Wealth
Jacqueline grew up in the Mars family and joined the company after studying at Radcliffe College. She worked in different roles before leaving daily management. Her wealth comes from the family’s private ownership of Mars Inc., one of the world’s largest private companies.
Business Empire & Ventures
Mars Inc. generates over $50 billion in annual revenue and owns brands like Twix, Wrigley’s, Royal Canin, and Whiskas. In addition to its core brands, Mars Inc. significantly expanded its footprint by acquiring snack giant Kellanova (owner of Pringles and Cheez-It). The company operates in 80 countries and employs more than 140,000 people.
Key Facts: Net worth of roughly $49.1 billion; wealth source is a roughly 30% family stake in Mars Inc.; Mars generates over $45 billion in annual revenue; one of the world’s largest privately held food companies; active in philanthropy across education and the environment.
6. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant — ~$44.5 Billion
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is the richest self-made woman in the world in 2026. She built the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) from the ground up with her husband. This is a name every aspiring entrepreneur should know. She inherited nothing and created everything herself, making her the highest-ranking self-made woman in history
Today, MSC is the world’s largest container shipping company.
The Journey to Wealth
Rafaela and her husband, Gianluigi, founded MSC in 1970 with just one used cargo ship. Rafaela managed finance, administration, and ship design while Gianluigi directed maritime operations, growing a single vessel into a global shipping empire. Over the following decades, they steadily grew the company, and in 2022 MSC became the world’s largest container shipping line.
Business Empire & Ventures
MSC operates more than 700 ships and serves over 500 ports worldwide. The company has also expanded into cruise travel through MSC Cruises, now one of the fastest-growing cruise brands in the world. MSC remains fully owned by the Aponte-Diamant family.
Key Facts: Net worth of roughly $44.5 billion; wealth source is Mediterranean Shipping Company; built from one ship to more than 700 vessels; richest self-made woman in the world; MSC Cruises is one of the fastest-growing cruise brands globally.
7. Savitri Jindal & family: ~$39.1 Billion
Savitri Jindal is the head of the Jindal Group, a major Indian steel and infrastructure company. She became a billionaire after her husband, O.P. Jindal, passed away in 2005. Since then, she has guided the group’s growth in steel, power, and infrastructure, supporting India’s broader economic development. She is currently the richest woman in Asia and India’s richest woman.
The Journey to Wealth
Savitri Jindal took on a leadership role at Jindal Group after the death of O.P. Jindal in a helicopter crash. Savitri had eight children with O.P. Jindal, and supported her children as they managed different parts of the business.
Business Empire & Ventures
The Jindal Group operates through several listed companies, including JSW Steel, Jindal Steel and Power, and JSW Energy. Together, they make up one of India’s largest industrial groups, with JSW Steel ranking among Asia’s top steel producers by volume.
In addition to Savitri Jindal’s business leadership, she is an active public servant and elected legislator in Haryana, India, making her one of the few global female billionaires holding active political office.
Key Facts: Net worth of roughly $39.1 billion; wealth source is the Jindal Group’s steel and infrastructure holdings; richest woman in Asia and in India; JSW Steel is among Asia’s top steel producers; the group spans steel, power, energy, and cement.
8. Miriam Adelson: ~$37.5 Billion
Miriam Adelson inherited a major casino business after her husband, Sheldon Adelson, founder of Las Vegas Sands, died in 2021. Las Vegas Sands owns some of the world’s most well-known casino resorts, and a strong rise in its share price over the past year has added billions to her wealth. She is also one of the biggest political donors in the United States.
The Journey to Wealth
Miriam was a doctor before marrying Sheldon Adelson in 1991. After Sheldon Adelson’s death, Miriam inherited control of Las Vegas Sands and now plays an active role in guiding the company’s direction, including its expansion into new markets.
Business Empire & Ventures
Las Vegas Sands runs major casino resorts in Macau and Singapore, including Marina Bay Sands and The Venetian Macao. After selling its Las Vegas properties in 2021, the company shifted its focus to Asia. Miriam also owns the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper and a controlling majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
Key Facts: Net worth of roughly $38 billion; wealth source is Las Vegas Sands casino resorts, operates in Macau and Singapore; one of the largest political donors in the US; owns the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
9. Abigail Johnson — ~$35 Billion
Abigail Johnson leads Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest financial firms. Although she inherited the role, her impact is what truly matters. Under Abigail Johnson’s leadership, Fidelity expanded its managed assets (AUM) to over $7.8 trillion (with nearly $20 trillion in total assets under administration) and serves more than 50 million individual investors.
The Journey to Wealth
Abigail joined Fidelity in 1988 as an analyst after earning her MBA from Harvard. She held various roles before becoming CEO in 2014. Fidelity was founded in 1946 by her grandfather, Edward Johnson II, and later led by her father, Edward Johnson III, making her the third generation of the Johnson family to lead the company.
Business Empire & Ventures
Fidelity Investments manages more than $4.5 trillion in assets and serves over 40 million investors. Under Abigail’s leadership, the company launched Fidelity Digital Assets, an early and trusted platform for institutional crypto custody. Fidelity remains privately owned, with the Johnson family holding a majority stake.
Key Facts: Net worth of roughly $33.2 billion, wealth source is Fidelity Investments, CEO since 2014 and third-generation family leader, Fidelity manages $4.5 trillion in assets, launched Fidelity Digital Assets.
10. Zheng Shuliang & Family: ~$33.2 Billion
Zheng Shuliang is one of the richest women in the world, and one of the few female billionaires on this list who built her standing in heavy industry. Zheng Shuliang is 80 years old and lives in Binzhou, China. Her fortune comes from China Hongqiao Group, one of the country’s largest aluminum producers.
Zheng Shuliang is ranked No. 63 in Forbes’ 2026 billionaires list, and her wealth has more than doubled in a year, up from $15.4 billion on the 2025 list. She also sits among the ten richest people in China on the Forbes China list.
The Journey to Wealth
Zheng Shuliang’s wealth traces back to her late husband, Zhang Shiping, who founded China Hongqiao and built it into a multibillion-dollar business during China’s reform and opening-up years. Zhang Shiping died in 2019. Zheng Shuliang went on to serve as vice chairman of the company, and Forbes counts her fortune together with her family’s.
In May 2026, she resigned from that role, citing her age. The move is a textbook example of planned succession, because the next generation was already in place.
Business Empire & Ventures
China Hongqiao produces aluminum, a core metal in construction, packaging, and electric vehicles. That makes the family’s wealth closely tied to industrial demand and to the company’s share price, which is why her net worth can swing sharply from one list to the next. Forbes’ live tracker, for example, put her closer to $24 billion in early October 2026.
Zheng Shuliang’s son, Zhang Bo, is chairman and CEO of Hong Kong-listed Hongqiao. Zheng Shuliang’s daughter, Zhang Hongxia, chairs the textile producer Weiqiao Textile, which was taken private from the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2024.
Key Facts: Net worth of roughly $33.2 billion on the Forbes 2026 list; wealth source is aluminum through China Hongqiao Group; No. 63 on the Forbes 2026 billionaires list; widowed with three children; stepped down as vice chairman in May 2026; son runs Hongqiao and daughter chairs Weiqiao Textile.
How Did the Wealthiest Women in the World Get Their Fortune?
Here is the honest answer: most of the wealthiest women in the world inherited their wealth. Nine out of the ten richest women in the world built their fortunes through family businesses, late husbands, or famous parents.
That is not a criticism. Managing and growing a billion-dollar inheritance well, rather than losing it, is genuinely hard work, and several of these women have meaningfully grown what they received. The only clear exception in the top 10 is Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, who built her shipping empire entirely from scratch, and can be called the richest self-made woman.
The Richest Self-Made Woman Group Is Growing Fast
Things are changing. Forbes reports that the number of female billionaires has grown to 481 out of 3,428 worldwide, about 14% of all billionaires, up from 406 the year before.
Many of these new wealthiest women in the world are self-made entrepreneurs rather than heirs. Women like Rihanna, Sara Blakely, and Whitney Wolfe Herd show that wealthy women today are increasingly building their own brands in beauty, fashion, and tech.
Among women who’ve built fortunes outside the traditional billionaire path, Oprah Winfrey is widely regarded as the richest black woman in the world, and one of America’s richest women, having built her wealth through media, entertainment, and a long run of savvy business investments. This growing trend is clearly reflected in the Forbes Self-Made Women list, which continues to expand every year.
Where Are the Wealthiest Women in the World From?
The United States leads the top 10, with five women on the list. France, Chile, Switzerland, India, and China each claim one spot.
The geographic spread tells a clear story: extreme wealth among women is no longer limited to the US and Europe. Figures like India’s Savitri Jindal and Chile’s Iris Fontbona show that emerging markets are creating female billionaires at scale. The 2026 data also shows steady growth in the number of female billionaires outside the US and Europe over the past five years.
Why Is the Wealth Gap Between Men and Women Still So Big?
As of March 2026, the richest man in the world holds a fortune of over $834 billion, compared to Alice Walton’s $134 billion, a gap of roughly $700 billion between the top-ranked man and woman globally.
Women make up only 14% of the world’s billionaires. Progress is happening, but it remains slow.
Conclusion
These ten women show that extreme wealth today still comes mostly from inheritance, but smart stewardship and self-made success are both playing a bigger role than ever before. While heirs still lead the list of the richest women in the world, more women are building fortunes from the ground up in industries like shipping, beauty, and technology.
The real lesson isn’t just who’s on this list, it’s how differently these fortunes are managed. Compare the richest woman in the world, Alice Walton’s steady, hands-off stewardship of Walmart stock to Abigail Johnson actively modernizing Fidelity. Inheriting wealth and growing or deploying it well are two very different skill sets, and the women on this list who’ve done both, taking their spot in the richest self-made woman list are the ones worth studying most closely.
Better access to funding, more women-led businesses, and changing corporate governance are slowly increasing female representation among the world’s richest, though major gaps still remain.
Neelmani Yadav
FAQs
- Who ranks just outside the top 10, in the top 20 richest women in the world?
Names like MacKenzie Scott (ex-wife of Jeff Bezos), Laurene Powell Jobs, Gina Rinehart, and Susanne Klatten typically round out the top 20, each with fortunes in the tens of billions, built across media investments, mining, and automotive holdings.
- What share of the world’s billionaires are women?
Women make up about 14% of the world’s billionaires, with 481 female billionaires out of 3,428 total, according to Forbes’ 2026 data.
- What is the combined net worth of the top 10 richest women in the world?
Together, the 10 richest women in the world are worth more than $600 billion, led by Alice Walton’s $134 billion fortune.
