Who are the Top 10 Richest Women in the World in 2026?
Wealth, Influence, and What They Do
In 2026, the world’s richest women exemplify the scale of global wealth, blending both inherited fortunes and self-made empires. From retail empires to financial institutions, these women command vast assets and influence industries worldwide. While net worth figures fluctuate with stock markets, asset values, and economic shifts, the following list represents the top 10 richest women in the world based on the latest verified data.
1. Alice Walton – Walmart Heiress and Art Philanthropist
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $119+ billion
Alice Walton leads the list as the wealthiest woman in the world in 2026. Born into the Walton family, she inherited a substantial stake in Walmart, the world’s largest retailer known for its massive global footprint in discount stores and e-commerce.
What She Does
Although Walton has never managed Walmart directly, she is a major figure in art and philanthropy. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, championing cultural access and arts education. Her involvement in philanthropic efforts through foundations and cultural institutions adds to her public profile.
Why She’s on Top: Walmart’s strong performance in retail and e-commerce continues to drive the Walton family’s wealth higher, keeping Alice at the top among female billionaires.
2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family – L’Oréal Heiress
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $90+ billion
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers remains one of the richest women globally, with her fortune rooted in her family’s stake in L’Oréal, the leading global cosmetics and beauty company.
What She Does
Bettencourt Meyers is an influential business leader and author. She served as vice-chair of L’Oréal and manages the family’s wealth through Téthys Invest, a family holding company. Though she stepped back from some executive duties recently, her stake in L’Oréal keeps her near the very top of the world richest list.
Why She’s Wealthy: L’Oréal’s global reach in cosmetics, skincare, and luxury products has ensured consistent growth, supporting Bettencourt Meyers’s multibillion-dollar fortune.
3. Julia Koch & Family – Koch Industries Stakeholder
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $75+ billion
Julia Koch represents one of America’s most prominent industrial fortunes through Koch Industries, a diverse private conglomerate involved in energy, chemicals, and manufacturing.
What She Does
After the passing of her husband, David Koch, Julia inherited a significant share of Koch Industries. Though the business itself is run by professional teams, the family’s stake contributes massively to her wealth.
Why She’s Wealthy: Koch Industries’ broad portfolio—from pipelines to consumer goods—makes it one of the largest private companies in the United States.
4. Jacqueline Mars – Candy, Pet Care & Food Empire Heiress
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $40+ billion
Jacqueline Mars is a billionaire heir to Mars, Incorporated, one of the world’s largest private food companies, known for brands like M&M’s, Snickers, and pet food products.
What She Does
Though not involved in daily operations, Mars’s family ownership of the company ensures her place among the wealthiest individuals. Her involvement tends toward philanthropic and family wealth management initiatives.
Why She’s Wealthy: Mars products hold global dominance in sweets and pet nutrition markets, sustaining enormous revenue and profitability.
5. Rochelle “Rafaela” Aponte-Diamant – Shipping Magnate
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $35+ billion
Rafaela Aponte-Diamant stands out as one of the richest self-made women in the world. She co-founded the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), now the largest global container shipping line.
What She Does
Alongside her husband, Aponte-Diamant built MSC from a single-ship operation to a fleet dominating global freight logistics. Her role in strategic management and expansion has been central to its success.
Why She’s Wealthy: Global trade and shipping remain critical to world commerce, and MSC’s leadership in the sector has underpinned Aponte-Diamant’s wealth.
6. Abigail Johnson – Financial Services Leader
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $35+ billion
Abigail Johnson’s fortune comes from her leadership in Fidelity Investments, one of the largest financial services firms in the world, offering investment products, retirement services, and brokerage platforms.
What She Does
As Chairman and CEO, Johnson has expanded Fidelity’s global reach and diversified offerings, including digital investments and financial technology services.
Why She’s Wealthy: Fidelity’s extensive asset base and trusted reputation among investors helped build Johnson’s significant stake and wealth.
7. Melinda French Gates – Philanthropist and Investor
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $29+ billion
Melinda French Gates is a notable philanthropist and investor, best known for her role in deep global philanthropic efforts via the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other initiatives.
What She Does
Though wealth partly comes from her divorce settlement from Bill Gates, French Gates has focused on empowering women, global health, and educational causes. She is a recognized leader in global development work.
Why She’s Wealthy: Her net worth reflects both investments from her settlement and strategic asset holdings diversified across enterprises supporting social change.
8. MacKenzie Scott – Amazon Co-Founder & Philanthropist
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $34 billion (est.)
MacKenzie Scott rose to prominence after her divorce from Jeff Bezos when she received a substantial Amazon share settlement.
What She Does
Scott has gained recognition not for corporate leadership, but for transformational philanthropy—donating billions to educational, social justice, and community organizations. Her approach emphasizes unrestricted funding to trusted institutions.
Why She’s Wealthy: Despite donating large portions of her wealth, she retains a sizeable asset base, keeping her among the world’s richest women.
9. Miriam Adelson & Family – Casino Empire
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $32+ billion
Miriam Adelson inherited much of her fortune from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, the founder of Las Vegas Sands, a global casino and resort empire.
What She Does
Adelson and her family control significant shares in Las Vegas Sands, which operates major properties in the U.S. and Asia. Their wealth stems from gaming, luxury hospitality, and entertainment revenue.
Why She’s Wealthy: Las Vegas Sands remains iconic in global gaming and leisure, supporting high revenue from visitors and luxury tourism.
10. Marilyn Simons & Family – Hedge Funds and Investments
Estimated Net Worth (2026): Approx. $30+ billion
Rounding out the list is Marilyn Simons, widow of hedge fund pioneer Jim Simons, who built one of the most successful quantitative trading firms, Renaissance Technologies.
What She Does
While Simons herself is not a public trader, her family’s holdings in Hedge Fund and investment assets from Renaissance Technologies drive her wealth.
Why She’s Wealthy: Hedge funds and advanced investment strategies have produced returns that sustain multibillion-dollar fortunes across market cycles.
Key Trends Among the World’s Wealthiest Women in 2026
1. Inherited Wealth Still Dominates
Many of the richest women on the planet inherited their fortunes through family businesses—especially in retail, cosmetics, and industry sectors (e.g., Walmart, L’Oréal, Mars).
2. Self-Made Success is Rising
Figures like Rafaela Aponte-Diamant and Abigail Johnson show that leadership in shipping and financial services can produce immense wealth without inheritance.
3. Philanthropy is Central
Women like MacKenzie Scott and Melinda French Gates use their wealth not just for business, but to address global challenges through major philanthropic initiatives.
4. Wealth is Dynamic
Net worth estimates for all these women change with stock market performance, company valuations, and personal investment decisions, meaning rankings shift from year to year.
The wealthiest women in 2026 represent a blend of legacy and innovation. From traditional retail and cosmetics empires to self-made shipping magnates and philanthropic powerhouses, these women show how diverse paths can lead to extraordinary wealth. Their influence extends far beyond their net worths—shaping industries, philanthropy, and global economic narratives