When people talk about the wealthiest and richest women in the world, a common assumption is that many inherited their fortunes through divorce or family wealth. While some did inherit wealth, others are self-made billionaires who built empires in tech, cosmetics, and investments.
Here’s a look at the top 10 richest women in the world and how they made their money—whether through inheritance, entrepreneurship, or strategic investments.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers – $99.1 Billion (Richest Women)
Source: L’Oréal (Inheritance)
Françoise is the granddaughter of L’Oréal’s founder and the richest woman in the world. She inherited her fortune from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, and owns about 33% of L’Oréal. Unlike some heirs, she has actively managed the company’s board and written books on Greek mythology.
Key Takeaway: While she inherited wealth, she has grown it through smart investments and corporate leadership.
2. Alice Walton – $72.3 Billion (Richest Women)
Source: Walmart (Inheritance)
The daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice Walton inherited her wealth but has focused on philanthropy and art. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art rather than taking an active role in Walmart’s operations.
Key Takeaway: Some heirs use wealth to pursue passions outside of business.
3. Julia Koch & Family – $64.3 Billion (Richest Women)
Source: Koch Industries (Inheritance)
Julia Koch inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries after her husband, David Koch, passed away in 2019. The conglomerate spans oil, chemicals, and manufacturing.
Key Takeaway: Inheritance plays a major role in wealth accumulation for some of the richest women.
4. MacKenzie Scott – $35.6 Billion (Richest Women)
Source: Amazon (Divorce)
MacKenzie Scott became one of the richest women after her divorce from Jeff Bezos, receiving 4% of Amazon stock. Unlike others, she has given away over $16 billion to charities, focusing on equity and education.
Key Takeaway: Divorce can lead to massive wealth transfers, but Scott has used hers for philanthropy.
5. Jacqueline Mars – $38.3 Billion
Source: Mars Inc. (Inheritance)
Jacqueline Mars inherited her stake in Mars, the candy giant (M&M’s, Snickers). She was actively involved in the company before retiring in 2016.
Key Takeaway: Family businesses can create generational wealth.
6. Miriam Adelson – $35 Billion
Source: Casinos & Investments (Inheritance + Marriage)
Miriam Adelson inherited her wealth from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson (Las Vegas Sands Casino). She’s also a physician and has invested heavily in Republican politics and medical research.
Key Takeaway: Marriage to a billionaire can lead to massive wealth, but she also has her own career.
7. Gina Rinehart – $30.2 Billion
Source: Mining (Self-Made + Inheritance)
Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart, expanded her father’s mining company into a multibillion-dollar empire. She’s a rare example of a woman who massively grew inherited wealth.
Key Takeaway: Some women take family businesses to the next level.
8. Abigail Johnson – $29.5 Billion
Source: Fidelity Investments (Inheritance)
Abigail Johnson runs Fidelity Investments, which her grandfather founded. She has been CEO since 2014, proving that some heirs actively manage their empires.
Key Takeaway: Inherited wealth doesn’t always mean passive ownership.
9. Savitri Jindal – $24 Billion
Source: Steel & Power (Inheritance)
After her husband’s death, Savitri Jindal took over OP Jindal Group, a steel and power conglomerate in India. She later entered politics but remains a major shareholder.
Key Takeaway: Widowhood can lead to sudden wealth transitions in family businesses.
10. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant – $20.9 Billion
Source: Shipping (Self-Made)
Rafaela co-founded Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with her husband. Unlike most women on this list, she built her fortune from scratch, proving self-made female billionaires exist.
Key Takeaway: Not all wealthy women inherit—some build empires alongside their spouses.
Conclusion: Divorce vs. Inheritance vs. Self-Made (Richest Women)
- Inheritance is the most common source (Bettencourt Meyers, Walton, Koch).
- Divorce played a role for MacKenzie Scott.
- Self-made billionaires like Gina Rinehart and Rafaela Aponte-Diamant show that women can build empires too.
While some women gained wealth through marriage or divorce, others inherited and expanded family businesses or created their own. The narrative that all rich women got their money from divorce is a myth—many are savvy business leaders in their own right.
