Bloomberg’s latest ranking of the world’s wealthiest families offers a snapshot of how inherited empires and modern business giants continue to shape global
fortunes. From oil-rich royal households to retail, luxury, and media dynasties, the list highlights the power of scale, legacy ownership, and diversification. The world’s 25 richest families are $358.7 billion wealthier than a year ago, with their combined fortunes now totalling $2.9 trillion, as per the report. Their gains reflect rising stock markets and strong demand for products ranging from metals to pet food, as well as the influence and expertise these dynasties have built over decades. Notably, just one Indian family, the Ambanis, features among the top 10, standing alongside some of the most influential names in global business. Below is a closer look at the families that dominate the list and the industries driving their staggering wealth. The Retail Titans At The Top The Walton family once again claims the top spot, with a combined net worth of $513.4 billion. As the majority owners of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, the Waltons have crossed the half-trillion-dollar threshold for the first time. Walmart’s vast footprint, over 10,700 stores worldwide and hundreds of millions of weekly customers, remains the engine behind the family’s unmatched fortune. Oil Royals And State Powerhouses Energy wealth continues to play a decisive role. The Al Nahyan family of Abu Dhabi ranks among the world’s richest dynasties, with an estimated net worth of $335.9 billion. As custodians of a large share of the UAE’s oil resources, the family has also broadened its reach into technology, artificial intelligence, and digital assets under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Saudi Arabia’s ruling Al Saud family similarly draws much of its wealth from oil, primarily through Saudi Aramco. While the royal family is extensive, a significant portion of the fortune is concentrated among senior royals, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflecting how state-linked energy assets continue to underpin royal wealth in the region. Luxury, Industry, And Consumer Giants European luxury has a strong presence on the list. The Hermès family, worth $184.5 billion, has safeguarded its fortune across six generations. Known for ultra-premium products like the Birkin handbag, Hermès thrives on craftsmanship, limited supply, and firm family control. The Wertheimer family, owners of Chanel, has also benefited from the global appetite for high-end fashion, keeping the iconic brand private and tightly managed. In the US, the Koch family controls Koch Industries, a sprawling conglomerate spanning energy, chemicals, paper, and agriculture, with a net worth of $150.5 billion. The Mars family, valued at $143.4 billion, has built its fortune on household-name chocolates such as M&M’s and Snickers, while also expanding aggressively into pet care. India’s Lone Flag-Bearer The Ambani family stands out as the only Indian name on the list, with a net worth of $105.6 billion. Led by Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries operates across oil refining, telecom, retail, and energy. The group’s journey, from founder Dhirubhai Ambani’s humble beginnings in the 1950s to a global conglomerate, highlights the rise of modern Indian enterprise on the world stage. Media Empires Owner Rounding out the list is Canada’s Thomson family, worth $82.1 billion. Through control of Thomson Reuters, the family has transformed a small media investment made in the 1930s into a global information and financial data powerhouse. The top 10 richest families around the globe, as per the Bloomberg list of the world’s richest families.
- Walton family, Walmart
- Al Nahyan Family
- Al Saud Family
- Al Thani Family
- Hermes Family, Hermes
- Koch Family, Koch Inc
- Mars Family, Mars Inc
- Ambani Family, Reliance Industries
- Wertheimer Family, Chanel
- Thomson Family, Thomson Reuters
