The wealthiest families in the world have created vast empires that play pivotal roles in global commerce and culture.
Their influence spans numerous industries and continents, shaping the modern economic landscape.
According to Investopedia, below are the top 10 richest families in the world in 2024, per ranking.
1. Al Nahyan Family
- Net Worth: $305 billion
- Industry: Industrial, Diversified Investments
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- Overview: The Al Nahyan family is the ruling royal family of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. Their immense wealth is derived from extensive investments in oil, real estate, and finance. The family also controls the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds.
2. Walton Family
- Net Worth: $259.7 billion
- Industry: Consumer Retail (Walmart)
- Country: United States
- Overview: Heirs to the Walmart retail empire, the Walton family has maintained significant wealth through global retail operations. Walmart, founded by Sam Walton, is the world’s largest retailer, with thousands of stores worldwide and a substantial online presence.
3. Hermès Family
- Net Worth: $150.9 billion
- Industry: Luxury Fashion
- Country: France
- Overview: The Hermès family owns the luxury fashion brand Hermès, renowned for its high-end fashion, leather goods, and accessories. Hermès is known for its prestigious and timeless products, including the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags.
4. Mars Family
- Net Worth: $141.9 billion
- Industry: Confectionery, Pet Care
- Country: United States
- Overview: The Mars family controls Mars Inc., one of the largest confectionery companies in the world. The company’s brands include M&M’s, Snickers, and Pedigree. The family has also diversified into pet care and other sectors.
5. Al Thani Family
- Net Worth: $133 billion
- Industry: Industrial, Diversified Investments
- Country: Qatar
- Overview: The Al Thani family is the ruling family of Qatar. Their wealth is largely derived from Qatar’s vast oil and natural gas reserves. They also have substantial investments in finance, real estate, and infrastructure through entities like Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).
6. Koch Family
- Net Worth: $127.3 billion
- Industry: Diversified Industrial
- Country: United States
- Overview: The Koch family owns Koch Industries, one of the largest privately-owned companies in the world. Their business interests include refining, chemicals, biofuels, and more. Koch Industries is known for its extensive and diverse industrial operations.
7. Al Saud Family
- Net Worth: $112 billion
- Industry: Industrial
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Overview: The Al Saud family is the ruling family of Saudi Arabia. Their wealth comes from the country’s vast oil reserves, with investments in various sectors including real estate, finance, and healthcare. The family’s influence extends across many aspects of Saudi Arabian life.
8. Ambani Family
- Net Worth: $104.3 billion
- Industry: Diversified Industrial (Reliance Industries)
- Country: India
- Overview: The Ambani family controls Reliance Industries, a conglomerate with interests in telecommunications, retail, petrochemicals, and digital services. Mukesh Ambani, the family’s head, has expanded the company’s reach significantly in recent years.
9. Wertheimer Family
- Net Worth: $89.6 billion
- Industry: Luxury Fashion (Chanel)
- Country: France
- Overview: The Wertheimer family owns Chanel, the luxury fashion brand famous for its haute couture, perfumes, and accessories. The family has played a key role in maintaining Chanel’s position as a leading global fashion house.
10. Thomson Family
- Net Worth: $71.1 billion
- Industry: Media (Thomson Reuters)
- Country: Canada
- Overview: The Thomson family’s wealth comes from their ownership of Thomson Reuters, a major media and financial market information company. Thomson Reuters provides news, data, and analysis to businesses and individuals worldwide.