10 Richest Women in the World in 2026

Based on the Forbes 2026 World’s Billionaires List and Bloomberg Billionaires Index

Global wealth continues to grow, and several women remain among the most powerful financial figures on the planet. The 2026 rankings of the richest women highlight a mix of inherited fortunes, strategic business leadership, and self-made success stories across industries such as retail, beauty, finance, shipping, mining, and technology.

Here are the 10 richest women in the world in 2026.

1. Alice Walton — ~$134 billion

Source of Wealth: Walmart (Retail)
Nationality: American

Alice Walton has retained her position as the world’s richest woman for the third consecutive year. The daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, she holds a substantial stake in the global retail giant.

Although she has never taken an operational role in the company, Walton’s fortune reflects Walmart’s decades-long growth and global dominance. Beyond business, she is widely known for her philanthropy and support for the arts, notably founding the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas. Her wealth illustrates the extraordinary long-term value created by the Walmart empire.

2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers — ~$90 billion

Source of Wealth: L'Oréal (Cosmetics)
Nationality: French

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the heir to the L'Oréal fortune, originally built by her grandfather in 1909. She inherited the business empire from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who was once the world’s richest woman.

Although Bettencourt Meyers stepped down from L'Oréal’s board in 2025, her family remains the company’s largest shareholder, with roughly a 35% stake. In addition to business, she is also an author who has written books on religion and mythology.

3. Julia Koch — ~$81 billion

Source of Wealth: Koch Industries (Energy & Manufacturing)
Nationality: American

Julia Koch and her children inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries after the death of her husband, David Koch, in 2019. Koch Industries is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, with interests spanning oil refining, agriculture, chemicals, and manufacturing.

Beyond the family business, Koch has expanded investments into sports and entertainment, including a stake in BSE Global, owner of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty.

4. Jacqueline Mars — ~$40–42 billion

Source of Wealth: Mars, Inc. (Confectionery & Pet Food)
Nationality: American

Jacqueline Mars owns about one-third of Mars Inc., one of the world’s largest privately held companies. The firm produces globally recognised brands such as M&M's, Snickers, Twix, and pet food brands like Pedigree.

Mars previously served as president of the company’s food product group before stepping back from management. Today, she focuses on philanthropy and cultural initiatives through the Mars Foundation.

5. Abigail Johnson — ~$35–43 billion

Source of Wealth: Fidelity Investments (Finance)
Nationality: American

Abigail Johnson is one of the few women on the list who actively leads the company behind her wealth. As CEO of Fidelity Investments since 2014, she has transformed the firm into a major fintech player.

Her leadership saw the launch of Fidelity Digital Assets in 2018, one of the first cryptocurrency platforms operated by a major financial institution. Fidelity now manages trillions of dollars in assets globally.

6. Miriam Adelson — ~$37–38 billion

Source of Wealth: Las Vegas Sands (Casinos & Hospitality)
Nationality: Israeli-American

Miriam Adelson inherited her fortune from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, founder of Las Vegas Sands. The company owns major casino resorts, including Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and The Venetian Macao.

A trained physician, Adelson is also known for her philanthropic efforts focused on medical research and drug addiction treatment.

7. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant — ~$35–39 billion

Source of Wealth: Mediterranean Shipping Company (Shipping)
Nationality: Italian-Swiss

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is one of the few self-made billionaires on the list. She co-founded Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with her husband in 1970 using a modest loan.

Today, MSC is the world’s largest shipping line, operating hundreds of vessels across global trade routes. The company also runs MSC Cruises, expanding its influence in the travel industry.

8. Savitri Jindal — ~$29–35 billion

Source of Wealth: Jindal Group (Steel & Energy)
Nationality: Indian

Savitri Jindal became head of the Jindal Group after the death of her husband, O. P. Jindal, in 2005. The conglomerate operates across steel, power, infrastructure, and cement.

Under her leadership and that of her sons, the company expanded significantly, making her the richest woman in India.

9. Gina Rinehart — ~$30–35 billion

Source of Wealth: Hancock Prospecting (Mining)
Nationality: Australian

Gina Rinehart inherited Hancock Prospecting from her father, Lang Hancock, but transformed it into a major global mining company.

Her investments in iron ore fuelled massive growth during China’s infrastructure boom. More recently, she has expanded into lithium and rare earth minerals as the global demand for clean energy resources rises.

10. MacKenzie Scott — ~$34 billion

Source of Wealth: Amazon (Technology)
Nationality: American

MacKenzie Scott gained her fortune following her divorce from Jeff Bezos, receiving a significant stake in Amazon.

She has since become one of the most influential philanthropists in the world, donating billions to education, community development, and social justice causes while still maintaining immense wealth.