The top 5 world's richest women (2025)
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 (as of June 2024) are from the United States, according to Statista.
Forbes' 2024 World Billionaire List shows that 369 out of 2,781 billionaires (13.3%) are women. 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 | Françoise Bettencourt Meyers | 99.5 billion | France | L'Oréal |
| 2 | Alice Walton | 72.3 billion | U.S. | Walmart |
| 3 | Julia Koch (and family) | 64.3 billion | U.S. | Koch Industries |
| 4 | Jacqueline Mars | 38.5 billion | U.S. | Mars Inc. |
| 5 | MacKenzie Scott | 35.6 billion | U.S. | Amazon |
5. Mackenzie Scott
Net worth: $35.6 billion
Source of wealth: Amazon
Citizenship: U.S.
With an estimated net worth of $35.6 billion, MacKenzie Scott is currently the 5th richest women in the world.
She is an American philanthropist, novelist, and former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Born on April 7, 1970, she is known for her significant contributions to charitable causes, particularly after her divorce in 2019, when she received a substantial settlement that included a 4% stake in Amazon.
Since then, Scott has focused on impactful giving, pledging to donate most of her wealth to support underprivileged communities, education, healthcare, racial equity, and more. Her approach to philanthropy is characterized by providing large, unrestricted donations to organizations, empowering them to use the funds as needed.
As of recent years, she is one of the world's most influential philanthropists.
4. Jacqueline Mars
Net worth: $38.5 billion
Source of wealth: Mars Inc.
Citizenship: U.S.
With an estimated net worth of $38.5 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.
3. Julia Koch (and family)
Net worth: $64.3 billion
Source of wealth: Koch Industries
Citizenship: U.S.
Julia Koch, an American philanthropist, has an estimated net worth of $64.3 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.
2. Alice Walton
Net worth: $72.3 billion
Source of wealth: Walmart
Citizenship: U.S.
Alice Walton, an American heiress, has an estimated net worth of $72.3 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.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
Net worth: $99.5 billion
Source of wealth: L'Oréal
Citizenship: France
With an eye-watering net worth of $99.5 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.
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