Guess who just dethroned the world’s richest woman? And which heiress just hit the $100B club? This 2025 list is full of twists—don’t miss a single rank!
TOP 10. Melinda French Gates – $30.4 Billion
Source of Wealth: Microsoft, Investments | Nationality: American
Since splitting from Bill Gates, Melinda’s fortune has skyrocketed by $19.3 billion this year—thanks to Forbes revaluing her 2021 divorce settlement at $25 billion. She stepped down from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in June 2024 to focus on Pivotal Ventures, her organization that empowers women and drives global social change. As one of America’s top philanthropists, she and Bill have reportedly donated a combined $47.7 billion.
TOP 9. Marilyn Simons & Family – $31 Billion
Source of Wealth: Hedge Funds | Nationality: American
Marilyn Simons once donated $25 million to Stony Brook University’s economics department. Widow of legendary investor Jim Simons (who passed away in May 2024), she now leads the Simons Foundation—co-founded by the couple to support scientific research and education. A dedicated philanthropist, she serves on the boards of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and East Harlem Scholar Academies, and launched Stony Brook’s Women’s Leadership Council to offer mentorship programs.
TOP 8. Miriam Adelson & Family – $32.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Casino Industry | Nationality: American
Miriam Adelson and her family own over half of Las Vegas Sands, the casino giant behind iconic properties like The Venetian Macao and Marina Bay Sands Singapore. A former doctor, she devotes tons of time and resources to fighting drug addiction—and is a major donor to the Republican Party. Her late husband Sheldon Adelson founded the company in 1989.
TOP 7. Abigail Johnson – $32.7 Billion
Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments | Nationality: American
As Chair and CEO of Fidelity Investments, Abigail Johnson controls roughly 28.5% of the company founded by her grandfather in 1946. She started interning at Fidelity during college, joined full-time in 1988, and worked her way up to CEO by 2014. Under her leadership, the financial services giant has kept growing into one of the world’s biggest firms.
TOP 6. Savitri Jindal & Family – $35.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: Steel | Nationality: Indian
India’s richest woman, Savitri Jindal, runs the massive Jindal Group—a conglomerate with interests in steel, energy, cement, and infrastructure. Founded by her late husband Om Prakash Jindal (who died in a 2005 helicopter crash), the group is now steered by four of her nine children, who keep expanding the Jindal empire.
TOP 5. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant – $37.7 Billion
Source of Wealth: Shipping | Nationality: Swiss
Named Forbes’ richest self-made woman for three years straight, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant owns 50% of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company). Co-founded with her husband in 1970, the firm now has 900 ships and ranks among the world’s largest shipping lines—her husband Gianluigi Aponte controls the other half.
TOP 4. Jacqueline Mars – $42.6 Billion
Source of Wealth: Candy, Pet Food | Nationality: American
Jacqueline Mars inherited her wealth from Mars, Inc.—the family business founded by her grandfather, famous for candies and pet food. From M&M’s and Snickers to Pedigree dog food, Mars products are staples in households worldwide. Jacqueline served on the company’s board for 20 years and now shares ownership with her brother John and four nieces.
TOP 3. Julia Koch & Family – $74.2 Billion
Source of Wealth: Koch Industries | Nationality: American
After her husband David Koch passed away in 2019, Julia Koch inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries (now known as Koch, Inc.). Her fortune jumped by nearly $10 billion this year. Koch Industries is America’s second-largest private company, with businesses spanning oil refining, agriculture, and real estate.
TOP 2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family – $81.6 Billion
Source of Wealth: L’Oréal | Nationality: French
Last year’s richest woman, L’Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, saw her fortune drop amid a 20% stock decline—blamed on slowing sales in China. She announced her retirement in February, stepping down as vice chair, with her son Jean-Victor Meyers set to take over at the end of the year. It’s a major generational shift for the company.
TOP 1. Alice Walton – $101 Billion
Source of Wealth: Walmart | Nationality: American
Sam Walton’s only daughter has claimed the title of the world’s richest woman in 2025—becoming the first female billionaire to break the $100 billion mark. Her wealth surged by $28.7 billion this year, fueled by a 40% jump in Walmart’s stock price. Beyond business, Alice is a passionate art lover—she founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in her hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. This year, a new medical school bearing her name welcomed its first class, adding another chapter to her remarkable legacy.
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