It’s human nature to be fascinated by extreme wealth. Whether it’s curiosity, admiration, or even a touch of envy, tracking the fortunes of the ultra-rich is undeniably captivating. Perhaps more appealing than managing your own finances, learning about the world’s wealthiest families offers a glimpse into a different realm of existence, one where business empires span generations and fortunes reach astronomical figures.
Our culture often fixates on wealth, turning business titans into celebrities. The families who control vast empires are under constant scrutiny, their successes and failures endlessly discussed and analyzed. This list delves into those families whose wealth originated from entrepreneurial ventures, acknowledging that while some current generations may simply inherit, the foundation was built through business acumen.
Key Highlights:
- The Walton family, founders of Walmart, reigns supreme as the world’s richest family, boasting a staggering net worth exceeding $430 billion.
- The Hermès family, synonymous with luxury through their iconic scarves, handbags, and perfumes, secures the fourth position with a fortune of over $170 billion.
- Royal families from Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia feature prominently near the top, their immense wealth fueled by their nations’ abundant oil reserves.
- The Mars family, now in its fourth generation of leadership, continues to dominate the candy industry with Mars Incorporated, a fortune valued at over $133 billion.
- It’s important to note that this ranking focuses exclusively on family wealth, excluding individual billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, who, while incredibly rich, represent individual rather than dynastic wealth.
Walton Family
Estimated Fortune: $432.4 Billion
Primary Business: Walmart
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The Walton dynasty, founders of the retail giant Walmart, once again claims the title of the world’s richest family, reclaiming the top spot from the Al Nahyan family in 2023. At the helm of this colossal empire are Jim, Rob, and Alice Walton, each individually holding fortunes around $75 billion, placing them among the top 25 billionaires globally according to Forbes.
Walmart, a name synonymous with discount retail, was established by Sam Walton in Arkansas in 1962. It has since grown into the world’s largest company by revenue, reporting an astounding $648 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employing over 2.1 million associates worldwide.
With a global footprint of over 10,600 retail locations, including 5,206 stores in the U.S. as of February 2025, Walmart’s dominance is undeniable. Famed for its sprawling “big-box” stores in suburban and rural areas across America, Walmart is lauded for its commitment to low prices but also faces scrutiny regarding its labor practices. Interestingly, unlike competitor Target, Walmart has struggled to replicate its big-box model’s success within the densely populated urban landscape of New York City.
Al Nahyan Family
Estimated Fortune: $323.9 Billion
Primary Business: Abu Dhabi Royal Family, Oil and Gas
The Al Nahyan family, the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, holds the position of the second wealthiest family globally. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current head of the family, serves as both the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE’s economic transformation, and consequently the vast wealth of its ruling families, is intrinsically linked to the country’s massive oil reserves. Abu Dhabi stands out as one of the most oil-rich emirates within the UAE.
Sheikh Mohamed ascended to power in 2022, succeeding his brother, Sheikh Khalifa, who led the nation from 2004 to 2022. Before them, their father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was the founding President of the UAE, guiding the country from its inception in 1971 until 2004.
The Al Nahyan family’s immense wealth stems from their ownership of substantial oil reserves, measured in billions of barrels, coupled with highly lucrative sovereign wealth funds that manage these resources and diversify their investments.
Al Thani Family
Estimated Fortune: $172.9 Billion
Primary Business: Royal Family of Qatar, Natural Gas and Oil
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The Al Thani family has governed Qatar since the mid-19th century, navigating the nation through its modern formation, periods of conflict, and even coup attempts.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani played a pivotal role in elevating Qatar to a significant global power during his 18-year reign. He assumed complete control in 1995 through a bloodless coup, deposing his father and strategically freezing his assets to prevent counter-actions.
Qatar’s natural gas production experienced exponential growth under his leadership, driven by the development of offshore gas fields and the discovery of previously untapped oil reserves. By 2010, the nation boasted an average annual income of $86,440 per person.
Beyond oil and gas revenues, Sheikh Hamad diversified Qatar’s wealth by investing billions in prominent international businesses, including Volkswagen, Total, Sainsbury’s, and Barclays bank. In 2018, he abdicated the throne in favor of his fourth son, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al Thani, who continues to lead Qatar today.
Hermès Family
Estimated Fortune: $170.6 Billion
Primary Business: Hermès, Luxury Goods
The French luxury fashion house Hermès has captivated the world with its exquisite and highly sought-after products, including signature silk scarves, elegant neckties, and iconic fragrances. Their Kelly and Birkin handbags, in particular, have reached near-mythical status in the fashion world. Dating back to the 19th century, Thierry Hermès originally catered to the aristocracy, crafting high-quality riding apparel.
Today, Hermès extends its appeal to contemporary icons, even dressing basketball legend LeBron James. Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, Hermès has also ventured into collaborations like the Hermès Apple Watch, priced at $1,249 and upwards. Currently, Axel Dumas serves as the company’s executive director, while Pierre-Alexis Dumas holds the position of artistic executive vice president, ensuring the family legacy continues.
Koch Family
Estimated Fortune: $148.5 Billion
Primary Business: Koch Industries, Diversified Industries
Charles Koch’s vast fortune originates from an oil business established by his father. However, he is now widely recognized for his significant influence in American politics. He has channeled substantial personal funds into supporting conservative candidates and libertarian think tanks, funding university professorships, and actively lobbying for policy changes aligned with a conservative agenda.
Charles Koch partnered with his brother David until David’s passing in 2019. Charles’ individual net worth is estimated at $58.5 billion, ranking him among the top 30 billionaires globally. David’s widow, Julia Koch, and her family are also among the wealthiest, holding the 23rd position with a net worth around $64.3 billion. Koch Industries has diversified significantly beyond oil, becoming a conglomerate involved in various sectors including chemicals, polymers, and fibers, further solidifying the family’s financial empire.
Al Saud Family
Estimated Fortune: $140 Billion
Primary Business: Saudi Royal Family, Oil and Gas
The House of Saud, the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia, boasts a monarchical lineage spanning almost a century. Their immense wealth, estimated at $140 billion, has accumulated over decades through payments from the Royal Diwan, the king’s executive office, which manages the kingdom’s finances.
Their close ties to Saudi Aramco, one of the most profitable companies globally and a dominant force in the oil industry, guarantee the Saudi royal family’s continued accumulation of wealth. Accurately assessing the total wealth of the House of Saud is challenging due to its sheer size, encompassing as many as 15,000 extended members, many of whom have established their own businesses, secured government contracts, and contributed to the family’s overall financial network.
Mars Family
Estimated Fortune: $133.8 Billion
Primary Business: Mars Incorporated, Confectionery and Pet Care
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Mars Incorporated holds a position in the candy industry comparable to Walmart’s dominance in retail – a multigenerational family business that is both ubiquitous and immensely popular. While initially known for the Mars bar, the company is now arguably more famous for M&M’s and a vast portfolio of confectionery brands. Expanding beyond sweets, Mars diversified significantly in 2017 with the $9.1 billion acquisition of VCA, a major player in the pet care industry.
Siblings Jacqueline and John Mars, grandchildren of company founder Frank Mars, each possess a net worth of approximately $38.5 billion, placing them among the world’s top billionaires. The fourth generation of Mars family members is now actively involved in leading the company, ensuring the family legacy continues into the future.
2,781
In 2024, the world reached a record high of 2,781 billionaires, highlighting the increasing concentration of extreme wealth globally.
Ambani Family
Estimated Fortune: $99.6 Billion
Primary Business: Reliance Industries, Diversified Conglomerate
Reliance Industries, an Indian industrial conglomerate, is the sole Asian company featured in this list and may be less familiar to a Western audience. Nevertheless, it represents a massive family fortune.
CEO Mukesh Ambani, son of the company’s founder (established in 1957), ranks among the top 10 wealthiest individuals globally. His net worth is estimated around $90.3 billion. He oversees Reliance’s diverse operations spanning refining, petrochemicals, oil and gas exploration, and textiles. His brother, Anil Ambani, manages other parts of the conglomerate, including telecommunications, asset management, entertainment, and power generation, although Mukesh remains the dominant figure in the family’s business empire.
Wertheimer Family
Estimated Fortune: $88 Billion
Primary Business: Chanel, Luxury Fashion
The French high-fashion house Chanel is iconic for its timeless designs, most notably the “little black dress,” the legendary No.5 perfume, and the indelible influence of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld.
Brothers Alain and Gerhard Wertheimer are the current co-owners of Chanel, inheriting the business their grandfather established with founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Both brothers are consistently ranked among the world’s wealthiest individuals, each holding a net worth around $36.8 billion. They maintain a discreet profile, allowing the Chanel brand to remain the primary focus of public attention.
Thomson Family
Estimated Fortune: $87.1 Billion
Primary Business: Thomson Reuters, Media and Information
The Thomson family’s wealth is rooted in Thomson Reuters, a multinational media and information company. The family’s journey began in the 1930s when Roy Thomson launched a radio station in Ontario, Canada, later expanding into newspapers.
Roy Thomson’s grandson, David Thomson, currently chairs Thomson Reuters. He is consistently ranked among the world’s wealthiest individuals, holding a net worth around $67.8 billion. Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of business information services, serving professionals in the legal, financial, and media sectors worldwide.
What is the Richest Family on Earth?
The Walton family definitively holds the title of the richest family in the world, with a combined net worth exceeding $432 billion. Their wealth, built upon the foundation of Walmart, continues to grow, solidifying their position at the apex of global family fortunes.
Which 10 Families Are the Wealthiest?
The top 10 wealthiest families in 2025, ranked by estimated fortune, are:
- Walton family: $432 billion
- Al Nahyan family: $323 billion
- Al Thani family of Qatar: $172 billion
- Hermès family: $170.6 billion
- Koch family: $148.5 billion
- Saudi Royal Family: $140 billion
- Mars family: $133.8 billion
- Ambani family: $99.6 billion
- Wertheimer family: $88 billion
- Thomson family: $87.1 billion
Who Are the Wealthiest People in the World?
As of February 15, 2025, the top three wealthiest individuals globally are Elon Musk (Tesla CEO), Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder), and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder). It’s important to remember this list focuses on family wealth, separate from individual billionaires.
How Rich is the British Royal Family?
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The British Royal Family, while a source of immense public fascination, presents a challenge when attempting to quantify their exact wealth. The Windsor dynasty has accumulated numerous properties, historical jewels, and significant art collections over centuries of rule. However, precisely assessing their total net worth remains elusive due to the vast and diverse nature of their holdings, the historical and often inestimable value of many assets, and a long-standing tradition of financial secrecy surrounding the monarchy. Estimates vary widely, and much of their wealth is tied to assets held in trust, making a definitive figure difficult to ascertain.
The Bottom Line
This exploration of wealthy families highlights those who have built their empires through family businesses. Some, like Walmart, have evolved into publicly traded corporations, while others, such as Mars Incorporated and Koch Industries, remain privately held family enterprises.
While lists of this nature may be interpreted as celebrating wealth during a period of increasing global inequality, they also offer insight into the enduring power of family businesses and the concentration of capital in the modern world. It is crucial to consider this information within the broader context of global economics and social trends. Furthermore, it is worth reiterating that focusing on family wealth excludes the immense fortunes of the world’s richest individuals, who represent a different facet of wealth accumulation in the 21st century.
