Table of Contents
The World’s Richest Families 2024 list highlights the staggering wealth amassed by global dynasties. The Walton family, owners of Walmart, reclaimed the top position with an astounding fortune of $432.4 billion. Let’s dive into the top five families and notable mentions, including India’s Ambanis and Mistrys, who made it to the elite list.
World’s Richest Families 2024
The Bloomberg list of the world’s richest families for 2024 highlights the staggering wealth disparities among the global elite. Topping the list is the Walton family, the owners of Walmart, whose fortune surpasses even that of Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual. Other notable entries include families from the UAE, Qatar, France, and India, reflecting the diverse origins of global wealth.
Key Findings of Bloomberg’s 2024 Richest Families List
1. Waltons of Walmart
- Wealth: $432.4 billion
- Stake: 46% in Walmart, the global retail giant with over 10,600 stores worldwide.
- Increase in Wealth: An 80% rise in Walmart shares during 2024 added $172.7 billion to their fortune.
- Daily Wealth Increase: $473.2 million per day, or $328,577 per minute.
- Generations: Three generations maintain strong control over Walmart’s operations.
2. Al Nahyan Family (UAE)
- Wealth: $323.9 billion
- Sources of Wealth: Oil revenues and investments across various sectors.
- Generations: Three generations, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as the UAE’s president.
- Economic Influence: Family-linked companies account for over 65% of the Abu Dhabi stock index.
3. Al Thani Family (Qatar)
- Wealth: $172.9 billion
- Sources of Wealth: Oil and offshore gas fields.
- Generations: Eight generations with historical influence dating back to the Ottoman and British empires.
- Economic Power: Dominates Qatar’s energy resources and wealth generation.
4. Hermès Family (France)
- Wealth: $170.6 billion
- Business: Luxury goods empire (Hermès brand), spanning six generations.
- Key Members: Axel Dumas (Executive Chairman) and Pierre-Alexis Dumas (Artistic Director).
- Industry Influence: Continues to lead the global luxury market.
5. Koch Family (USA)
- Wealth: $148.5 billion
- Sources of Wealth: Diversified interests in oil, petrochemicals, and more.
- Generations: Three generations at the helm of Koch Industries.
Indian Families Among the World’s Richest
Ambanis (India)
- Wealth: $99.6 billion
- Business: Reliance Industries, a conglomerate with interests in energy, petrochemicals, retail, and telecommunications.
- Generations: Three generations, led by Mukesh Ambani.
- Global Position: Ranked 8th, reflecting Reliance’s growing influence in the global market.
Mistrys (India)
- Wealth: $41.4 billion
- Business: Shapoorji Pallonji Group, spanning construction, real estate, and other sectors.
- Generations: Five generations of leadership.
- Global Position: Ranked 23rd, highlighting their significant presence in the Indian and global construction industries.
Other Notable Families in the Top 15
Al Saud Family (Saudi Arabia)
- Wealth: $140 billion
Mars Family (USA)
- Wealth: $133.8 billion
- Business: Mars Inc., a global candy company.
Wertheimer Family (France)
- Wealth: $88 billion
- Business: Luxury brand Chanel.
Thomson Family (Canada)
- Wealth: $87.1 billion
- Business: Media giant Thomson Reuters.
Johnson Family (USA)
- Wealth: $72.4 billion
- Business: Fidelity Investments.
Summary Table: World’s Richest Families 2024
Rank | Family | Wealth (Billion USD) | Primary Source |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Waltons (Walmart) | 432.4 | Retail |
2 | Al Nahyan (UAE) | 323.9 | Oil & Investments |
3 | Al Thani (Qatar) | 172.9 | Oil & Gas |
4 | Hermès (France) | 170.6 | Luxury Goods |
5 | Koch (USA) | 148.5 | Oil & Petrochemicals |
6 | Al Saud (Saudi Arabia) | 140.0 | Oil & Investments |
7 | Mars (USA) | 133.8 | Confectionery |
8 | Ambanis (India) | 99.6 | Conglomerate |
9 | Wertheimer (France) | 88.0 | Luxury Goods |
10 | Thomson (Canada) | 87.1 | Media |
11 | Johnson (USA) | 72.4 | Finance |
12 | Albrecht (Germany) | 60.2 | Retail |
13 | Pritzker (USA) | 59.4 | Hospitality |
14 | Cargill, MacMillan (USA) | 56.0 | Agriculture |
15 | Ofer (Israel) | 55.6 | Shipping |
Why This Matters
The 2024 list underscores the vast wealth gaps and the role of family legacies in sustaining and growing fortunes. From retail giants like Walmart to oil dynasties in the Middle East, the diversity of wealth sources showcases the shifting dynamics of the global economy. Indian families like the Ambanis and Mistrys making it to the top 25 reflects India’s increasing influence on the global wealth stage.