1. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers
Francoise Bettencourt Meyers is the richest woman in the world as of the latest Forbes real-time billionaires list, with a net worth of around $74 billion. She inherited her stake in L'Oreal and continues to serve on the board of the cosmetics giant, which remains the primary driver of her wealth. Her fortune is largely held through family trusts and direct L'Oreal shares, making her the top woman by net worth globally.
Bettencourt Meyers is the granddaughter of L'Oreal founder Eugene Schueller and the daughter of Liliane Bettencourt, who previously held the top spot. She has maintained a low public profile while overseeing significant philanthropic activity through the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, which funds research in biology, health, and cultural projects. Her position at the top of the richest women ranking reflects L'Oreal's sustained market value and dividends over decades.
2. Alice Walton
Alice Walton is the second richest woman in the world, with a net worth of around $70 billion according to the latest Forbes real-time billionaires data. She is an heir to the Walmart fortune and remains a major shareholder in Walmart, the world's largest retailer by revenue. Her wealth has grown as Walmart's market capitalization expanded, driven by e-commerce growth and international expansion.
Walton founded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, and has invested heavily in arts, education, and economic development through the Walton Family Foundation. She also played a role in launching Walmart's online grocery and delivery initiatives, which helped the company compete with Amazon in digital retail. Her ranking among the top 3 richest women is closely tied to Walmart's performance on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker WMT.
3. MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott is the third richest woman in the world, with a net worth of around $36 billion based on the latest Forbes real-time billionaires list. She received a large stake in Amazon after her divorce from Jeff Bezos and has since diversified her holdings while maintaining a significant Amazon position. Amazon's growth in cloud computing, advertising, and e-commerce continues to be the core driver of her wealth.
Scott is widely known for her philanthropic giving, having donated billions to universities, nonprofits, and community organizations since 2020. She does not attach conditions to her gifts and often supports organizations led by women and marginalized groups. Her placement in the top 3 richest women ranking reflects both her Amazon shareholding and the company's continued market dominance, as reported on its investor relations page and SEC filings.