The great fortunes of the world come from some families that have managed to maintain and expand their wealth over generations. According to the latest Bloomberg report, the 15 richest families in the world in 2024 have consolidated their position thanks to diversified investment strategies and the efficient management of their business empires.
This company, which was in charge of sharing the list of the 15 richest families, is a leader in financial services, software, data and media, publishing in-depth reports on the world’s largest fortunes. Founded in 1981 by Michael Bloomberg, the company has become a trusted source of financial and business information.
Bloomberg publishes these reports annually, providing an up-to-date view of economic trends and family fortunes. In its 2024 report, it highlights the world’s richest families, revealing not only their assets but also the sources of their wealth.
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The 15 richest families in the world, according to Bloomberg
1. Walton Family
Estimated assets: USD 432.4 billion (1.73 trillion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Walmart.
The Walton family, founders of Walmart, leads the list of the richest families in the world in 2024. Their success is due to the growth of this company, but also to the diversification of their investments. The 80% increase in the value of the shares during 2023 was essential for the family to increase its wealth by 172.7 billion dollars in just 12 months.
2. Al Nahyan Family
Estimated assets: USD 323.9 billion (1.30 trillion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Oil and sovereign wealth funds.
The ruling family of Abu Dhabi, one of the richest emirates in the world, has amassed a fortune spanning both personal assets and sovereign funds managing around $1.5 trillion. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan He leads both the government and the private sector, mixing state and family interests.
3. Al Thani Family
Estimated assets: USD 172.9 billion (691.6 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Natural gas and luxury properties.
Since the 19th century, the Al Thani family has ruled Qatar, transforming it into an economic power by exploiting its immense natural gas fields. The family dominates the local economy and owns luxury properties such as Mayfair in London, as well as international assets such as Valentino.
4. Hermes Family
Estimated assets: USD 170.6 billion (682.4 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Fashion and luxury.
The Hermes family controls the iconic luxury business that It started out making horse harnesses and evolved to offer exclusive bags like the Birkin and the Kelly. Its more than 100 members remain involved in the management of the company, now a symbol of global elegance.
5. Familia Koch
Estimated assets: USD 148.5 billion (594 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Koch Industries.
Koch Industries, one of the largest private companies in the United States, is the source of the Koch family’s wealth. The company has interests in a wide range of industries, including energy, chemicals and manufacturing.
6. Al Saud Family
Estimated assets: USD 140,000 million (560 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Oil.
The royal family of Saudi Arabia, the Al Saud, has accumulated its fortune primarily through the exploitation of vast oil reserves. The family’s wealth is closely linked to the country’s economy and its control over the oil industry.
7. Mars Family
Estimated assets: USD 133.8 billion (523.2 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Confectionery and pet food.
The Mars family is known for its confectionery empire, which includes iconic brands such as M&M’s, Snickers and Mars. Additionally, the family has expanded its business into pet food, consolidating its position in the global market.
8. Ambani family
Estimated assets: USD 99.6 billion (398.4 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Reliance Industries.
Mukesh Ambani, leader of Reliance Industries, has a fortune of $99.6 billion. It is an Indian conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, oil refining, telecommunications and retail. The family is known for their opulent lifestyle and influence on the Indian economy.
9. Wertheimer Family
Estimated assets: USD 88,000 million (352 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Chanel.
The Wertheimer family owns Chanel, one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world. The company, founded by Coco Chanel, has maintained its exclusivity and appeal over the years, contributing significantly to the family fortune.
10. The Thomson family
Estimated assets: USD 81.7 billion (326.8 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Media and technology.
The Thomson family, via Thomson Reuters, has built an empire in the media and technology sector. The company provides global financial and news information, consolidating the family’s position on the list of the world’s richest.
11. Familia Johnson
Estimated assets: USD 72.4 billion (289.6 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Consumer products.
The Johnson family is known for their company SC Johnson, which produces a wide range of consumer products, from cleaning products to insecticides. The company has been run by the family for five generations.
12. Family Albrecht
Estimated assets: USD 60.2 billion (240.8 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Retail.
The Albrecht family owns Aldi, a discount supermarket chain that has had great success in Europe and the United States. The company has expanded rapidly, offering high quality products at low prices.
13. Pritzker Family
Estimated assets: USD 54.9 billion (219.6 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Hotels and investments.
The Pritzker family is famous for its Hyatt hotel chain and its various investments in different sectors. The family has diversified its wealth through strategic investments in technology, healthcare and real estate.
14. Familia Cargill-MacMillan
Estimated assets: USD 56 billion (224 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Agriculture and food.
The Cargill-MacMillan family controls Cargill, one of the largest private companies in the United States. The company has interests in agriculture, food production and commodity trading..
15. Sammy Ofer Family
Estimated assets: USD 55.6 billion (222.4 billion Colombian pesos)
Origin of wealth: Multiple industries.
Sammy Ofer bought a freighter in the 1950s, creating one of the largest shipping fleets in the world. After his death in 2011, His assets were divided between his sons, Eyal and Idan, who run business groups in various industries.
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The influence of the richest families on the global economy
The richest families in the world not only accumulate impressive fortunes, but also They have a significant impact on the global economy. Your investments and Business decisions can influence entire markets and shape industries.
Source: https://www.noticiascaracol.com/economia/estas-son-las-15-familias-mas-ricas-del-mundo-en-2024-segun-bloomberg-el-origen-de-sus-fortunas-so35