TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Some individuals are inherently wealthy, amassing astronomical figures from the enterprises built by their parents. Keeping an eye on these people is entertaining for a number of reasons. For instance, from an investor's perspective, the report of the richest families in the world brings insights to future business relations.
10 Richest Families in the World
Both Investopedia and Yahoo! Finance regarded multiple names to be included on the list of the richest families in the world. Let’s discover the wealth giants below:
10. Thomson Family - US$87.1 billion
Leaders in media production, the Thomson family has been credited with a staggering amount of wealth for decades. Toronto’s richest family launched their own establishment in the industry within the 1930s when they started a radio station in Ontario, Canada. As of the current moment, their empire oversees the production of Thomson Reuters and The Globe and Mail.
9. Wertheimer Family - US$88 billion
Fashion’s most secretive billionaires, the Wertheimer family is blessed by generational wealth from their great-grandfather Pierre Wertheimer and his brother Paul, who made a deal with Gabrielle Coco Chanel in 1952. They created a joint enterprise to establish what we know as the luxury brand, Chanel. Following their grandparents’ steps, brothers Alain and Gerhard Wertheimer now run the entire Chanel business empire.
8. Ambani Family - US$99.6 billion
Asia’s richest family, the Ambanis, built their empire from humble beginnings in the late 1950s when Dhirubhai Ambani founded Reliance Industries. Behind their remarkable success, however, lies a history of family tension, with his death in 2002 without a will leading to a high-profile rift between his sons. Today, Mukesh Ambani helms Reliance Industries, steering it across key industries such as telecom, media, retail, financial services, petrochemicals, oil, and gas.
7. Mars Family - US$133.8 billion
The Mars family generates their wealth through the candy empire overseeing iconic brands such as M&M, Snickers, Twix, and Dove. Many economic critics, including Business Insider, mentioned them among the hidden richest families in the world primarily due to their endeavor to avoid the public limelight. In recent years, the fourth generation of Mars family members have been running the company, with siblings Jacqueline and John Mars being included in Forbes’ list of billionaires.
6. Al Saud Family - US$140 billion
With as many as 15,000 extended members, it’s unsurprising to second-guess the total amount of wealth this family has earned over the years. Additionally, many members of the House of Saud, also known as the Saud royal family, currently rule numerous enterprises across key industries.
5. Koch Family - US$148.5 billion
The Koch family is among the richest families in the world, thanks to their initial giant enterprise, Koch Industries. This second-largest private company came to life after Charles and David inherited stakes from the Wood River Oil and Refining Company, which their father Fred C. Koch co-founded in 1940. The family continues to build their wealth within different industries, including chemicals, electronics, software, and paper products.
4. Hermès Family - US$170.6 billion
The Hermès family stands among the world's most influential dynasties, wielding unparalleled influence in the luxury fashion realm. With roots tracing back to the 19th century, Hermès has evolved into a powerhouse that continues to redefine elegance and prestige.
Famed for its coveted Kelly and Birkin handbags, the brand is synonymous with exclusivity, with each piece symbolizing status and craftsmanship. Today, its legacy thrives as some of the most prominent figures in the world proudly embody Hermès in their lives.
3. Al Thani Family - US$172.9 billion
The Al Thani family has ruled Qatar since the 19th century, enduring wars, coups, and the nation’s transformation into a modern state. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani elevated Qatar into a global powerhouse through its booming natural gas industry, with the country’s average income hitting US$86,440 in 2010. His billion-dollar stakes in Total, Sainsbury’s, Volkswagen, and Barclays further cemented the family’s immense fortune.
2. Al Nahyan Family - US$323.9 billion
With an estimated net worth of US$323.9 billion, their fortune is just one facet of their immense power, which spans economics, politics, and the global energy market.
As the ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stands at the helm, shaping policies and solidifying the family's influence on a global scale.
1. Walton Family - US$432.4 billion
The Walton family is the richest family in the world, with an estimated wealth recorded at jaw-dropping US$432.4 billion, thanks to the retail behemoth Walmart. Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, Walmart is best known for its low-priced products. It handles more than 10,500 stores worldwide, signifying its importance in the industry. As of 2024, Jim, Rob, and Alice Walton, along with their families, remain at the top of Forbes' billionaire rankings.
Wealth and influence continue to shape the legacies of these richest families in the world, spanning industries from retail and fashion to energy and media. While some build their empires quietly behind the scenes, others take center stage in global markets and politics.
Editor's Choice: Forbes' Top 10 Richest Persons in Asia 2025, Amassing Nearly US$95bn
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
