Top 10 Most Influential and Richest Families in the World (2025 Update)

The wealthiest families in the world do more than just accumulate fortunes—they influence industries, drive economies, and shape the future.

From massive retail giants to luxury fashion empires and oil dynasties, these families have built lasting legacies.

In 2025, their wealth continues to grow, impacting everything from global business to culture.

This article takes a closer look at the top 10 most influential and richest families, highlighting their remarkable achievements and the far-reaching effects of their wealth.

1. Walton Family

• Total Net Worth: $247 billion
• Industry: Retail
• Company: Walmart
• Founder: Sam Walton
• Revenue: Walmart’s revenue in 2023 was approximately $611 billion.
• Number of Employees: Over 2.1 million employees worldwide.

Wealth & Influence

• The Walton family holds around 45% of Walmart’s stock, which gives them control over the world’s largest retailer.
• Dividend Income: Walmart generates more than $700 million annually in dividends for the Walton family.

Philanthropy and Influence

• The Walton family has played a significant role in education, primarily through the Walton Family Foundation, which has invested heavily in charter schools across the U.S.
• Their philanthropic endeavors also include environmental conservation and community development projects.

Real Estate & Investments

• The family owns vast tracts of land and several luxurious estates, including ranches in Arkansas, Texas, and Colorado.
• They also invest heavily in commercial real estate, particularly in areas near Walmart stores.

Controversies

• Walmart has been criticized for its labor practices, including accusations of low wages, poor working conditions, and its impact on small businesses.
• The company has also faced backlash for its domination of local markets, which critics argue has led to the decline of small-town America.

Notable Members

• Jim Walton, Rob Walton, and Alice Walton are the heirs to the Walmart fortune, each holding a significant stake in the company.
• Sam Walton, the patriarch, revolutionized retail with the founding of Walmart in 1962.

2. Al Nahyan Family

• Total Net Worth: $305 billion
• Industry: Oil, Government
• Country: United Arab Emirates
• Key Figures: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (current leader)

Wealth & Influence

• The Al Nahyan family controls vast oil reserves in Abu Dhabi, making them central to the UAE’s wealth.
• They are also behind the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally, with assets estimated to exceed $800 billion.

Real Estate & Investments

• The family holds significant investments in luxury real estate across the world, including iconic properties in London, Paris, and other major cities.
• Their business interests span multiple sectors, including finance, technology, and hospitality.

Political Power

• The family has maintained a strong grip on political power within the UAE, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as the ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE since 2022.
• They also wield considerable influence in the Middle East, shaping regional policies and geopolitics.

Controversies

• The family’s vast wealth and influence have drawn criticism for human rights abuses and lack of political freedoms within the UAE.
• The UAE’s role in conflicts in Yemen and Libya, supported by the Al Nahyan family, has also sparked international condemnation.

Notable Members

• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late founding father of the UAE, helped propel the family’s fortune through strategic investments in oil during the 20th century.
• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the previous President of the UAE, oversaw the family’s rise in global influence before being succeeded by his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

3. Hermès Family

• Total Net Worth: $151 billion
• Industry: Luxury Fashion
• Company: Hermès
• Key Figures: Axel Dumas (Executive Director), Pierre-Alexis Dumas (Artistic Executive Vice President)

Wealth & Influence

 

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• The Hermès family’s wealth stems from the luxury fashion brand founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, which is renowned for its high-quality leather goods, including the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags.
• Hermès maintains a stronghold in the luxury market, with annual revenues exceeding $10 billion in 2023.

Real Estate & Investments

• The family owns luxurious real estate throughout Europe, particularly in Paris, where the Hermès flagship store is located.
• They also have investments in various artworks, including pieces from impressionist and modern artists, further solidifying their wealth and influence in high society.

Family Control & Succession

• Hermès is primarily family-owned, with the family holding over 70% of the company’s shares, ensuring control of the brand’s direction and legacy.
• Generational succession is an important aspect of Hermès, with Axel and Pierre-Alexis Dumas playing key roles in preserving the company’s heritage and evolving its modern offerings, such as the Hermès Apple Watch.

Controversies

• Despite its reputation for exclusivity and high craftsmanship, Hermès has faced scrutiny over labor practices, particularly regarding the sourcing of materials for its products.
• The brand has also been involved in legal disputes regarding its trademarking of the term “Birkin”, which sparked debates about ownership and intellectual property in the luxury goods sector.

Notable Members

• Thierry Hermès, the founder, set the foundation for the family’s luxury empire.
• The Dumas family members, particularly Axel Dumas, who serves as executive director, continue to steer Hermès through global fashion challenges while retaining its legacy of high exclusivity.

4. Mars Family

• Total Net Worth: $141 billion
• Industry: Confectionery, Petcare
• Company: Mars Inc.
• Key Figures: Jacqueline Mars, John Mars, Forrest Mars Jr. (deceased)

Wealth & Influence

• Mars Inc. is one of the largest candy companies in the world, with iconic brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, and Mars Bars. The family’s wealth is estimated to be over $141 billion.
• The company has diversified into pet care through the acquisition of VCA Inc. in 2017, and now operates a broad portfolio that includes Pedigree pet food and other household brands.

Real Estate & Investments

• The Mars family owns vast estates in the United States, particularly in Virginia, and has investments in a wide array of industries, from real estate to healthcare.
• They have maintained control over Mars Inc., keeping it privately held, ensuring that the family continues to directly influence the company’s strategic direction.

Business Operations & Succession

• Mars Inc. operates on a private, family-run model, with family members actively involved in the management of the company.
• Generational succession remains a key part of the family’s strategy, with Jacqueline and John Mars continuing to manage the company and lead it into its future.

Controversies

• While Mars Inc. remains highly successful, its business practices have drawn criticism, particularly in relation to the environmental and health impacts of some of its products, including high-sugar content in its candies.
• The family has also faced legal battles over employee rights and business ethics, with accusations of unfair labor practices in the global supply chain.

Notable Members

• Frank Mars, the company’s founder, built the family empire in 1911, and his descendants continue to lead the company.
• Jacqueline Mars and John Mars, both of whom hold significant stakes in Mars Inc. and are actively involved in its day-to-day operations, are two of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

5. Koch Family

• Total Net Worth: $127.3 billion
• Industry: Diversified
• Company: Koch Industries
• Key Figures: Charles Koch, Julia Koch (widow of David Koch)

Wealth & Influence

• Koch Industries is one of the largest privately held companies in the world, with a diverse portfolio that spans industries such as oil, chemicals, and finance. The company generates over $115 billion in annual revenues.
• Charles Koch, the family patriarch, is one of the wealthiest individuals globally, with an estimated net worth of $67.5 billion as of 2023.

Real Estate & Investments

• The Koch family owns extensive real estate across the United States, including in areas such as Kansas, where Koch Industries is headquartered.
• They have significant investments in various sectors, including media, energy, and technology, often influencing national policies through their political activism and lobbying efforts.

Political Influence & Philanthropy

• The Koch family is known for its libertarian political involvement, with substantial donations to conservative think tanks and political candidates who align with their views on limited government and free-market capitalism.
• Through the Koch Foundation, they have contributed billions to causes ranging from education and public health to criminal justice reform.

Controversies

• Koch Industries has faced severe criticism for its environmental record, with multiple fines for violations of environmental regulations related to its refining, chemical, and pipeline operations.
• The family’s political involvement has also been controversial, with the Koch brothers—Charles and David—accused of manipulating politics to serve their business interests, fueling debates over the influence of wealth in democracy.

Notable Members

• Charles Koch, CEO of Koch Industries, has significantly shaped the company and its policies over decades.
• Julia Koch inherited a substantial stake in Koch Industries after the passing of her husband, David Koch, and has continued the family’s legacy in both business and philanthropy.

6. Al Thani Family

• Total Net Worth: $133 billion
• Industry: Oil, Gas, Finance
• Country: Qatar
• Key Figures: Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Wealth & Influence

• The Al Thani family is the ruling family of Qatar, with a vast fortune derived from the country’s massive natural gas and oil reserves.
• They control the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), a sovereign wealth fund with assets estimated to be around $400 billion. This fund invests in major global companies, including Volkswagen, Sainsbury’s, and Barclays.

Real Estate & Investments

• The family owns luxurious real estate in key international cities, including in London, Paris, and New York, as well as holding a stake in iconic landmarks such as The Shard in London.
• The family has significant interests in sports, notably owning Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club and hosting major events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Political Power & Global Influence

• Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became Emir of Qatar in 2013, following his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Under their leadership, Qatar has become a powerful player in global geopolitics, using its wealth to influence international relations.
• The family’s political and business ties span the Middle East and beyond, often acting as mediators in regional conflicts.

Controversies

• The Al Thani family has faced criticism for human rights abuses, including worker exploitation related to the construction of the World Cup infrastructure in Qatar.
• There have also been allegations of corruption within the family’s political dealings, with accusations of using the country’s wealth to gain influence and power across the globe.

Notable Members

• Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was instrumental in transforming the nation into a major oil and gas power.
• Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir, continues the family’s legacy in both governance and global business influence.

7. Ambani Family

• Total Net Worth: $116 billion
• Industry: Energy, Telecommunications, Retail
• Company: Reliance Industries
• Key Figures: Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani

Wealth & Influence

• Reliance Industries, founded by Dhirubhai Ambani in 1957, is India’s largest conglomerate, with interests in oil, gas, telecommunications, and retail. The family’s wealth is primarily derived from its massive stake in Reliance, which has a market value of over $200 billion.
• Mukesh Ambani, the current chairman of Reliance Industries, is one of the wealthiest individuals in Asia, with a net worth of approximately $119.5 billion.

Real Estate & Investments

• The Ambani family owns Antilia, a 27-story skyscraper in Mumbai, which is one of the most expensive private residences in the world.
• Reliance has expanded beyond energy, with major investments in telecommunications (through Jio), retail (Reliance Retail), and media, positioning the Ambani family as a dominant force in India’s economy.

Political Influence & Philanthropy

• The Ambanis maintain close ties with Indian politics and have been involved in numerous philanthropic ventures, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
• Mukesh Ambani is a key figure in Indian business and is often seen as a symbol of the country’s growing economic influence.

Controversies

• The Ambani family has faced accusations of monopolistic practices within India’s telecom and retail sectors, particularly related to the rapid rise of Reliance Jio, which disrupted the country’s telecom industry.
• There have been concerns over wealth disparity in India, with critics arguing that the Ambani family’s vast fortune highlights the growing gap between the rich and poor.

Notable Members

• Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, laid the foundation for the family’s wealth.
• Mukesh Ambani, the eldest son, continues to lead the conglomerate, while his brother Anil Ambani once held significant wealth but has faced financial setbacks in recent years.

8. Wertheimer Family

• Total Net Worth: $89.6 billion
• Industry: Luxury Fashion
• Company: Chanel
• Key Figures: Alain Wertheimer, Gérard Wertheimer

Wealth & Influence

• The Wertheimer family controls Chanel, the iconic French luxury brand known for its timeless fashion, perfumes, and accessories. The company has been family-owned for decades and is valued at over $60 billion.
• Chanel’s dominance in the luxury fashion market is unparalleled, with its No. 5 perfume and little black dress becoming global symbols of elegance.

Real Estate & Investments

• The Wertheimer family owns a collection of high-value real estate across Europe, including prime properties in Paris and Geneva.
• The family’s wealth also extends into the art world, where they have significant holdings in art collections, reinforcing their status in elite circles.

Business Strategy & Legacy

• Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, the current co-owners of Chanel, have maintained strict control over the company to preserve its exclusive nature and high standards of craftsmanship.
• Chanel remains one of the most exclusive luxury brands in the world, with the Wertheimer family carefully curating its global image and maintaining its independence from public stock markets.

Controversies

• While Chanel is lauded for its quality and exclusivity, the company has been criticized for its lack of diversity and limited accessibility, making it a symbol of elitism in the fashion industry.
• The family has faced legal challenges over their ownership rights and the company’s refusal to go public, fueling debates about private family control versus public corporate governance.

Notable Members

• Alain Wertheimer and Gérard Wertheimer are the key figures in the family’s management of Chanel, with both brothers focusing on preserving the brand’s legacy while steering it toward modern growth.

9. Thomson Family

• Total Net Worth: $71.1 billion
• Industry: Media
• Company: Thomson Reuters
• Key Figures: David Thomson

Wealth & Influence

• The Thomson family controls Thomson Reuters, a leading global information company known for its services in media, financial markets, and legal sectors. The company is valued at $40 billion.

• The family’s wealth was built by Roy Thomson, who founded the company in the 1930s by acquiring radio stations and later newspapers. The company has since expanded into financial information and technology services, solidifying its influence in the media industry.

Real Estate & Investments

• The family has substantial real estate holdings, particularly in Canada and the U.S., where they own both commercial and residential properties.
• The family’s investment strategy has diversified beyond media, with interests in various industries, including energy, mining, and technology.

Political Influence & Philanthropy

• David Thomson, the current head of the family, holds significant philanthropic influence, particularly in Canada, where he has contributed to cultural and scientific causes.
• The family has been involved in Canadian political affairs, often supporting initiatives related to education and public health.

Controversies

• While the Thomson family has maintained a strong reputation in the business world, Thomson Reuters has been involved in controversies related to data privacy, especially concerning the use of sensitive financial information.

• The family’s wealth and influence have raised concerns about media control and the concentration of information power in the hands of a few.

Notable Members

• David Thomson, the current chairman of Thomson Reuters, continues to lead the family’s business operations, holding one of the largest media fortunes globally.

10. Helu Family

• Total Net Worth: $90 billion
• Industry: Telecommunications, Diversified Conglomerates
• Company: América Móvil
• Key Figures: Carlos Slim Helú, Carlos Slim Domit

Wealth & Influence

• The Helu family is one of the wealthiest families in Latin America, with its fortune stemming primarily from América Móvil, the largest telecommunications company in Latin America.
• Carlos Slim Helú, the family patriarch, has been one of the richest individuals in the world for many years, with an estimated net worth of $90 billion. He also owns Telmex, the leading telecommunications company in Mexico.

Real Estate & Investments

• The family has significant real estate holdings across Mexico and other parts of the world, including commercial properties in New York, Paris, and other major cities.
• Beyond telecommunications, the family has investments in various sectors, including construction, retail, media, and finance through their conglomerate, Grupo Carso.

Political Influence & Philanthropy

• Carlos Slim Helú has been a major influence in Mexican politics, often supporting political candidates and initiatives that align with his business interests.
• The family is also known for its philanthropy, particularly in healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects in Mexico through the Carlos Slim Foundation.

Controversies

• The Helu family has been criticized for its dominance in the telecommunications sector, with accusations of monopolistic practices and excessive pricing for customers in Latin America.

• The family has also faced scrutiny over its influence in Mexican politics, with some critics arguing that their business dealings shape governmental decisions.

Notable Members

• Carlos Slim Helú, often referred to as the richest man in Mexico, has made strategic investments that have allowed the family to amass substantial wealth across multiple industries.
• Carlos Slim Domit, his son, has taken a leading role in the family’s business operations, ensuring the continuation of their legacy.

FAQs

Who is the richest man in the world?

As of 2025, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is the richest man in the world, with a net worth exceeding $230 billion.

How did the Walton family make their fortune?

The Walton family’s fortune comes from Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, which was founded by Sam Walton in 1962. The family controls around 50% of Walmart’s stock, generating substantial income through dividends.

Which family is the wealthiest in the Middle East?

The Al Nahyan family of the United Arab Emirates holds the largest fortune in the Middle East, with an estimated net worth of $305 billion, derived mainly from oil reserves in Abu Dhabi and investments in global financial markets.

What industries do the wealthiest families dominate?

The wealthiest families have significant influence in a variety of industries, including retail, luxury fashion, oil and gas, telecommunications, and media. For example, the Walton family dominates retail through Walmart, while the Hermès family leads luxury fashion.

What is the impact of these families on global economies?

These families influence global economies through their control of massive companies and investments in key sectors like energy, technology, retail, and luxury goods. Their business decisions can affect stock markets, employment, and local economies, making them integral players in shaping economic landscapes worldwide.

The Bottom Line

The wealthiest families in the world have immense power. They dominate industries and hold major influence over economies and politics.

While their fortunes continue to grow, they face criticism for their practices and influence.

These families shape markets, but their grip on wealth and power raises real concerns about fairness and ethics.