Forbes has been tracking the real-time wealth of the wealthiest individuals on Earth for many decades. We are all familiar with business tycoons like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos. However, what’s lesser-known are the richest families in the world.
So who are they, and how did they make their fortune? That’s going to be the focus of this article. After all, there is strength in numbers.
You might not know their names, but chances are you’ve heard about the companies they built or own.
So without further ado, here are the richest families in the world, according to Bloomberg’s latest rankings:
Not even multi-billionaire families have been immune to today’s soaring inflation and economic instability. Nevertheless, the Walton family continues to keep its strong position at the top of the list of the richest families in the world.
Their fortune dates back to Sam Walton’s founding of Walmart in 1962 which has become the largest retailer in the world.
The Waltons have also grown their fortune with other investments. They are now one of the largest private landowners in the United States.
While the family has been criticized for their business practices, there is no denying their incredible wealth. The Waltons are a true American success story, one of hard work and determination. Thanks to their success, the Waltons can enjoy a life of luxury that most people only dream of.
The second world’s richest family is the Mars family, with a net worth of $160 billion. The family’s wealth comes from their ownership of Mars Inc., one of the largest food companies in the world.
Frank Mars founded the company in 1911, and today it produces some of the most popular candy and pet food staples. They have launched popular brands, including M&M’s, Snickers, and Pedigree.
Jacqueline Mars has grown Mars Inc. tremendously during her time at the company, from 1982 to 2001. As a result, she’s one of the wealthiest women in the world.
The Mars family has long been known for their philanthropy, donating billions of dollars to causes such as education and medical research. The family also owns a significant amount of real estate, including several iconic properties in New York City.
The Koch family is the world’s third wealthiest family, with a net worth of $128.8 billion.
The Koch brothers, Charles and David, own 84% of Koch Industries, based in the US. This massive conglomerate operates a wide range of industries, from oil and gas to chemical manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, finance, and investment.
The company employs over 120,000 people in 60 countries and boasts an annual revenue of about $100 billion.
Considering their vast holdings, the Koch brothers’ known political influence is not surprising.
They have recently poured billions of dollars into conservative causes and candidates, making them influential people in American politics.
According to Bloomberg, with a net worth of over $100 billion, the Saudi royal family is the fourth richest family in the world.
The Saudis control one of the world’s largest oil-producing countries, Saudi Arabia, and have a significant stake in global commodities markets.
Their wealth comes from many sources, but Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, is their most valuable asset. In addition, their portfolio of investments includes companies such as Citigroup, News Corporation, and Twitter.
The entire royal family has whopping 15 000 family members. They claim their combined estimated wealth to be $1.4 trillion.
They also have a huge private jet fleet and enjoy a lavish lifestyle. In short, the Al Saud Family is the richest royal family in the world. And they’re not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
With a $94.6 billion fortune, the Dumas family is the fifth wealthiest family in the world for the sixth generation. The family owns Hermes, the renowned French luxury fashion brand.
Hermes was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes, a leathercraft expert who initially made leather goods such as harnesses and bridles exclusively for royals and nobles.
Accessories, clothing, perfume, and similar lines followed in the succeeding decades, with a special mention of the iconic Birkin bag for which Hermes is most known.
Though the company is publicly traded, 75% of its controlling shares are still in the hands of the Dumas/Hermes family. Hermes’ chairman is Axel Dumas, while his cousin Pierre-Alexis Dumas is the co-chairman and creative director.
The Ambani family is one of the richest families in the world, with a net worth of $84.6 billion.
The family’s story began in 1957 when Dhirubhai Ambani founded Reliance Textiles, eventually becoming one of India’s largest conglomerates. Over the next several decades, the company diversified into other sectors and became one of India’s most successful businesses.
Mukesh Ambani is currently the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, which has interests in a wide range of sectors, including standard oil and gas, petrochemicals, textiles, retail, and telecommunications.
The Ambani family owns a controlling stake in the Indian Premier League cricket team, Mumbai Indians.
Today, billionaire Mukesh Ambani is India’s richest man, and his brother Anil Ambani is among the world’s wealthiest people.
With a net worth of $79 billion, the Wertheimer family is among the top 10 richest families in the world.
The family has a long history in the fashion industry. Their fortune comes from ownership of the iconic luxury brand Chanel for over 100 years.
Their current chairman, Alain Wertheimer, is considered one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry.
The Wertheimers is a philanthropic family that has donated millions of dollars to charities worldwide. They are also major art collectors, and their collection includes some of the world’s most valuable paintings.
Number 8 on the list goes to the Cargill and Macmillan family, with a net worth of $65.2 billion.
The Cargill family made their fortunes from their company Cargill, which started as a commodities business with a grain storage warehouse in 1865.
Cargill is the largest privately held company in the United States, with interests in agriculture, food, and commodities trading.
The company is controlled by the descendants of William W. Cargill and his son-in-law, John H. MacMillan.
At number nine, we have the Thomson family from Canada, with a net worth of $53.9 billion.
Roy Thomson built his fortune in the media industry by starting a small radio station in Ontario in 1931 and later transitioned into newspapers.
His grandson, David, is now the chairman of Thomson Reuters and Woodbridge, the family’s holding companies.
They have also used their wealth to give back to the community.
Thomson family donated most of their art collection of more than 2,000 pieces of Canadian and European art to the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. The collection includes Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpiece, “The Massacre of the Innocents.”
It’s said that money can’t buy happiness, but it sure can buy many other things. Just ask the Hoffmann-Oeri family, with a net worth of $45.1 billion. The fortune that has been preserved for five generations.
Their wealth is inherited from the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, founded by Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche in 1896.
The company employs over 90,000 people worldwide and produces drugs that treat a range of diseases, such as cancer, malaria, and hepatitis C, amongst many others.
The blockbuster oncology drugs and COVID-19 tests have boosted them to the top 10 richest families in the world.
The family has created at least 12 billionaires among them through their multiple business ventures.
The Albrecht family has a net worth of $41.4 billion. The family owns the German discount supermarket chain Aldi and Trader Joe’s US grocery chain.
The family story is fascinating. The brothers who founded the businesses were born into a low-income family of bakers in Germany. They started by selling cigarettes and other goods from their parent’s grocery store, eventually building their empire.
Today, the Aldi chain has over 6000 stores in 11 countries – Australia, Austria, China, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, the USA, and the UK. The Trader Joe’s chain has over 400 stores in the US.
The Johnson’s $40.2 billion fortune is derived from their ownership of Fidelity Investments, one of the largest asset management firms in the world.
The Johnson family has a long history in the financial industry, with Ned Johnson, founder of Fidelity Investments, in 1946.
Today, his daughter, Abigail Johnson, runs this Boston mutual fund. Under her leadership, Fidelity has become one of the most successful asset managers in the world, with over $9 trillion in assets under administration.
The Ferrero family has built a vast empire through their iconic sweet products, such as Kinder and Nutella, sold in more than 170 countries.
Founded by brothers Pietro and Giovanni Ferrero in 1946, the company started its chocolate confectionery business in the small Italian town of Alba.
Since then, the Ferrero brand has grown to become one of the world’s most recognizable names in chocolate production. This is largely due to its innovative products, such as Nutella and Tic Tac.
The Ferrero family’s success has made them one of the wealthiest families in Europe, with a fortune estimated at $37.1 billion.
The Boehringer and von Baumbach families are two of the richest families in the world, with a net worth of $36.6 billion.
Albert Boehringer founded a German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim in 1855. Now, they are in charge of that company along with the von Baumbach.
The company specializes in animal healthcare and offers a wide range of medicine for respiratory diseases.
Their success shows that cooperation, hard work, and dedication can lead to great results and enormous wealth.
The Hartono family from Indonesia is one of the wealthiest families in Asia. The success and wealth of this family are associated with the Djarum Group, founded by Oei Wie Gwan in 1951.
The company manufactures cigarettes.
The Hartonos sons expanded their interest beyond cigarette manufacturing into the banking sector, agribusiness, electronics, and real estate. These investments helped to further their wealth and influence. Their net worth is estimated at $36.3 billion.
Ultra-rich families have accumulated their riches by engaging in a wide range of businesses (e.g., retail, finance, pharmaceuticals, and energy) all over Earth. Their wealth has been sustained through generations, and all families listed here are still thriving.
Their success stories inspire those of us interested in personal finance who seek to build our own wealth.
According to Bloomberg, the richest family in the world is the Walton family, with a net worth of over two hundred billion dollars. Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, established a strong family legacy for his three children and their families.
During the 19th century, the Rothschild family possessed the largest private fortune in the world. Although the family’s net worth declined over the 20th century, there is no doubt that they continue to be one of the most powerful and influential families of our time. The Rothschild family is a dynasty of bankers, investors, and business tycoons.
Many believe that the Rothschilds are one of the wealthiest families in the world, with a fortune estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
The family’s wealth is derived from several sources, including financial services, real estate, mining, energy, agriculture, and winemaking.
While there’s no conclusive proof of such a claim, the Saudi royal family says their combined estimated net worth is $1.4 trillion. We can’t say with certainty there’s a trillionaire family out there.
The three richest families in America are the Walton family, the Mars family, and the Koch family. The Walton family is the wealthiest family in the US due to their inheritance of Walmart from Sam Walton.
The Mars family is one of the world’s largest candy and pet food makers, with famous brands like M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, and Pedigree.
Finally, The Koch family has built a fortune through businesses in the energy, real estate, and other industries.
The richest man in the world is Bernard Arnault, the chief executive of LVMH. The conglomerate owns luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Tiffany. Elon Musk is the second richest man in the world.
This post originally appeared on Savoteur.
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So who are they, and how did they make their fortune? That’s going to be the focus of this article. After all, there is strength in numbers.
You might not know their names, but chances are you’ve heard about the companies they built or own.
So without further ado, here are the richest families in the world, according to Bloomberg’s latest rankings:
1. Walton Family – $224.5 billion
Not even multi-billionaire families have been immune to today’s soaring inflation and economic instability. Nevertheless, the Walton family continues to keep its strong position at the top of the list of the richest families in the world.
Their fortune dates back to Sam Walton’s founding of Walmart in 1962 which has become the largest retailer in the world.
The Waltons have also grown their fortune with other investments. They are now one of the largest private landowners in the United States.
While the family has been criticized for their business practices, there is no denying their incredible wealth. The Waltons are a true American success story, one of hard work and determination. Thanks to their success, the Waltons can enjoy a life of luxury that most people only dream of.
2. Mars Family – $160 billion
The second world’s richest family is the Mars family, with a net worth of $160 billion. The family’s wealth comes from their ownership of Mars Inc., one of the largest food companies in the world.
Frank Mars founded the company in 1911, and today it produces some of the most popular candy and pet food staples. They have launched popular brands, including M&M’s, Snickers, and Pedigree.
Jacqueline Mars has grown Mars Inc. tremendously during her time at the company, from 1982 to 2001. As a result, she’s one of the wealthiest women in the world.
The Mars family has long been known for their philanthropy, donating billions of dollars to causes such as education and medical research. The family also owns a significant amount of real estate, including several iconic properties in New York City.
3. Koch Family – $128.8 billion
The Koch family is the world’s third wealthiest family, with a net worth of $128.8 billion.
The Koch brothers, Charles and David, own 84% of Koch Industries, based in the US. This massive conglomerate operates a wide range of industries, from oil and gas to chemical manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, finance, and investment.
The company employs over 120,000 people in 60 countries and boasts an annual revenue of about $100 billion.
Considering their vast holdings, the Koch brothers’ known political influence is not surprising.
They have recently poured billions of dollars into conservative causes and candidates, making them influential people in American politics.
4. Saudi Royal Family – $105.5 billion
According to Bloomberg, with a net worth of over $100 billion, the Saudi royal family is the fourth richest family in the world.
The Saudis control one of the world’s largest oil-producing countries, Saudi Arabia, and have a significant stake in global commodities markets.
Their wealth comes from many sources, but Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, is their most valuable asset. In addition, their portfolio of investments includes companies such as Citigroup, News Corporation, and Twitter.
The entire royal family has whopping 15 000 family members. They claim their combined estimated wealth to be $1.4 trillion.
They also have a huge private jet fleet and enjoy a lavish lifestyle. In short, the Al Saud Family is the richest royal family in the world. And they’re not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
5. Hermès-Dumas Family – $94.6 billion
With a $94.6 billion fortune, the Dumas family is the fifth wealthiest family in the world for the sixth generation. The family owns Hermes, the renowned French luxury fashion brand.
Hermes was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes, a leathercraft expert who initially made leather goods such as harnesses and bridles exclusively for royals and nobles.
Accessories, clothing, perfume, and similar lines followed in the succeeding decades, with a special mention of the iconic Birkin bag for which Hermes is most known.
Though the company is publicly traded, 75% of its controlling shares are still in the hands of the Dumas/Hermes family. Hermes’ chairman is Axel Dumas, while his cousin Pierre-Alexis Dumas is the co-chairman and creative director.
6. Ambani Family – 84.6 billion
The Ambani family is one of the richest families in the world, with a net worth of $84.6 billion.
The family’s story began in 1957 when Dhirubhai Ambani founded Reliance Textiles, eventually becoming one of India’s largest conglomerates. Over the next several decades, the company diversified into other sectors and became one of India’s most successful businesses.
Mukesh Ambani is currently the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, which has interests in a wide range of sectors, including standard oil and gas, petrochemicals, textiles, retail, and telecommunications.
The Ambani family owns a controlling stake in the Indian Premier League cricket team, Mumbai Indians.
Today, billionaire Mukesh Ambani is India’s richest man, and his brother Anil Ambani is among the world’s wealthiest people.
7. Wertheimer Family – $79 billion
With a net worth of $79 billion, the Wertheimer family is among the top 10 richest families in the world.
The family has a long history in the fashion industry. Their fortune comes from ownership of the iconic luxury brand Chanel for over 100 years.
Their current chairman, Alain Wertheimer, is considered one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry.
The Wertheimers is a philanthropic family that has donated millions of dollars to charities worldwide. They are also major art collectors, and their collection includes some of the world’s most valuable paintings.
8. Cargill, McMillan – $65.2 billion
Number 8 on the list goes to the Cargill and Macmillan family, with a net worth of $65.2 billion.
The Cargill family made their fortunes from their company Cargill, which started as a commodities business with a grain storage warehouse in 1865.
Cargill is the largest privately held company in the United States, with interests in agriculture, food, and commodities trading.
The company is controlled by the descendants of William W. Cargill and his son-in-law, John H. MacMillan.
9. Thomson Family – $53.9 billion
At number nine, we have the Thomson family from Canada, with a net worth of $53.9 billion.
Roy Thomson built his fortune in the media industry by starting a small radio station in Ontario in 1931 and later transitioned into newspapers.
His grandson, David, is now the chairman of Thomson Reuters and Woodbridge, the family’s holding companies.
They have also used their wealth to give back to the community.
Thomson family donated most of their art collection of more than 2,000 pieces of Canadian and European art to the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. The collection includes Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpiece, “The Massacre of the Innocents.”
10. Hoffman-Oeri Family – $45.1 billion
It’s said that money can’t buy happiness, but it sure can buy many other things. Just ask the Hoffmann-Oeri family, with a net worth of $45.1 billion. The fortune that has been preserved for five generations.
Their wealth is inherited from the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, founded by Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche in 1896.
The company employs over 90,000 people worldwide and produces drugs that treat a range of diseases, such as cancer, malaria, and hepatitis C, amongst many others.
The blockbuster oncology drugs and COVID-19 tests have boosted them to the top 10 richest families in the world.
The family has created at least 12 billionaires among them through their multiple business ventures.
11. Albrecht Family – $41.4 billion
The Albrecht family has a net worth of $41.4 billion. The family owns the German discount supermarket chain Aldi and Trader Joe’s US grocery chain.
The family story is fascinating. The brothers who founded the businesses were born into a low-income family of bakers in Germany. They started by selling cigarettes and other goods from their parent’s grocery store, eventually building their empire.
Today, the Aldi chain has over 6000 stores in 11 countries – Australia, Austria, China, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, the USA, and the UK. The Trader Joe’s chain has over 400 stores in the US.
12. Johnson Family – $40.2 billion
The Johnson’s $40.2 billion fortune is derived from their ownership of Fidelity Investments, one of the largest asset management firms in the world.
The Johnson family has a long history in the financial industry, with Ned Johnson, founder of Fidelity Investments, in 1946.
Today, his daughter, Abigail Johnson, runs this Boston mutual fund. Under her leadership, Fidelity has become one of the most successful asset managers in the world, with over $9 trillion in assets under administration.
13. Ferrero Family – $37.1 billion
The Ferrero family has built a vast empire through their iconic sweet products, such as Kinder and Nutella, sold in more than 170 countries.
Founded by brothers Pietro and Giovanni Ferrero in 1946, the company started its chocolate confectionery business in the small Italian town of Alba.
Since then, the Ferrero brand has grown to become one of the world’s most recognizable names in chocolate production. This is largely due to its innovative products, such as Nutella and Tic Tac.
The Ferrero family’s success has made them one of the wealthiest families in Europe, with a fortune estimated at $37.1 billion.
14. Boehringer, von Baumbach Families – $36.6 billion
The Boehringer and von Baumbach families are two of the richest families in the world, with a net worth of $36.6 billion.
Albert Boehringer founded a German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim in 1855. Now, they are in charge of that company along with the von Baumbach.
The company specializes in animal healthcare and offers a wide range of medicine for respiratory diseases.
Their success shows that cooperation, hard work, and dedication can lead to great results and enormous wealth.
15. Hartono – $36.3 billion
The Hartono family from Indonesia is one of the wealthiest families in Asia. The success and wealth of this family are associated with the Djarum Group, founded by Oei Wie Gwan in 1951.
The company manufactures cigarettes.
The Hartonos sons expanded their interest beyond cigarette manufacturing into the banking sector, agribusiness, electronics, and real estate. These investments helped to further their wealth and influence. Their net worth is estimated at $36.3 billion.
Ultra-rich families have accumulated their riches by engaging in a wide range of businesses (e.g., retail, finance, pharmaceuticals, and energy) all over Earth. Their wealth has been sustained through generations, and all families listed here are still thriving.
Their success stories inspire those of us interested in personal finance who seek to build our own wealth.
Richest Family in the World FAQ
Who is the Richest Family in the World?
According to Bloomberg, the richest family in the world is the Walton family, with a net worth of over two hundred billion dollars. Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, established a strong family legacy for his three children and their families.
Are the Rothschilds the Richest Family in the World?
During the 19th century, the Rothschild family possessed the largest private fortune in the world. Although the family’s net worth declined over the 20th century, there is no doubt that they continue to be one of the most powerful and influential families of our time. The Rothschild family is a dynasty of bankers, investors, and business tycoons.
Many believe that the Rothschilds are one of the wealthiest families in the world, with a fortune estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
The family’s wealth is derived from several sources, including financial services, real estate, mining, energy, agriculture, and winemaking.
Is There a Trillionaire Family in the World?
While there’s no conclusive proof of such a claim, the Saudi royal family says their combined estimated net worth is $1.4 trillion. We can’t say with certainty there’s a trillionaire family out there.
Who are the three richest families in America?
The three richest families in America are the Walton family, the Mars family, and the Koch family. The Walton family is the wealthiest family in the US due to their inheritance of Walmart from Sam Walton.
The Mars family is one of the world’s largest candy and pet food makers, with famous brands like M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, and Pedigree.
Finally, The Koch family has built a fortune through businesses in the energy, real estate, and other industries.
Who is the richest person in the world?
The richest man in the world is Bernard Arnault, the chief executive of LVMH. The conglomerate owns luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Tiffany. Elon Musk is the second richest man in the world.
This post originally appeared on Savoteur.
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