Every loving parent wants to give their child the best of everything. Adults think not only about how to raise their children while alive but also about what will be left to them after their parents pass away. While the average parent might leave an apartment at best, the richest people in the world pass down entire empires.
Who Is the Richest Family in the World – The Size of Their Inheritance
Forbes has published a ranking of the twenty wealthiest people who inherited their fortunes directly from their parents. Some of these “kids” used the money to start their businesses, while others continued their parents’ legacy. Either way, the wealthy heirs managed their finances as they pleased, and now their bank accounts hold billions of dollars.
The Walton Family
The first, second, and third spots on the Forbes list go to Rob Walton, Jim Walton, and Alice Walton—heirs to the Walmart supermarket chain, founded by Sam Walton. The three Waltons, along with their two cousins, sister-in-law Christy Walton, and nephew Lukas Walton, collectively control about 45% of the retail giant’s shares. Rob, Jim, and Alice Walton’s fortunes are estimated at $110 billion, $109 billion, and $101 billion, respectively.
Mukesh Ambani
The Indian billionaire inherited the massive company Reliance Industries, which operates in energy, petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and media. Ambani inherited the conglomerate from his father and initially ran it alongside his brother, Anil. However, their relationship deteriorated, resulting in the division of the empire. After a series of failed startups by his brother, Mukesh Ambani is now recognized as the wealthiest person in India, with a fortune estimated at $92.5 billion.
Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
Another wealthy heir is Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of Eugène Schueller, who founded L’Oréal in 1909. Today, the corporation is considered a cosmetics giant, and Françoise served on the board of directors until 2025. Her fortune is estimated at $100 billion.
Julia Margaret Flesher Koch
In 1940, Fred Koch founded Koch, Inc., an oil refining company. From 1967 to 2019, it was run by his sons Charles and David Koch. After David Koch’s death, his wife, Julia Koch, and their three children inherited 42% of the company’s shares. As of 2025, Julia Koch’s fortune is estimated at $74.2 billion.
Jacqueline and John Mars
Rounding out the top five are the heirs to the Mars company. Grandchildren of Frank Mars, the founder of Mars Incorporated, John, Jacqueline, and Forrest Jr. each own one-third of the company’s shares. Interestingly, John and Forrest have served as co-presidents of the company since 1975, while Jacqueline worked there for 20 years until 2001 before joining the board of directors. According to Forbes, John and Jacqueline Mars each have an estimated fortune of $42.6 billion.
