The richest people in the world in 2026

Billions, global corporations and an influence that goes far beyond money: the richest people in the world shape the economy, technology and society. While some have achieved their monetary wealth through technological success and innovation, other riches are the result of investments or luxury goods.

But how exactly did the world's richest people in terms of assets in US dollars achieve their wealth? Get a timeless overview of the super-rich of our time.

Notice: The ranking is based on the Bloomberg „Billionaires Index“ (Status: 01.01.2026.)

The most important in a nutshell

The richest person in the world is Elon Musk with a fortune totaling 619 billion US dollars
Nine out of ten of the world's richest people come from the United States
The largest assets result in particular from the technology, finance, luxury goods and industry sectors

1. Elon Musk (619 billion US dollars)

The richest person in the world is Elon Musk with a fortune of 619 billion US dollars. The entrepreneur and visionary has made a name for himself through companies such as Tesla (ISIN: US88160R1014) and SpaceX, which have achieved technological innovations in the electromobility, space and software sectors. The Tesla CEO is not least regarded as polarizing with ambitious visions for the future.

Tesla, Inc

Line chart showing Tesla's monthly share price from 2018 to early 2026, with prices fluctuating and reaching over 400 $ in 2026.

2. Larry Page (269 billion US dollars)

The second richest person and far behind is Larry Page (269 billion US dollars). Page is a co-founder of Google (Alphabet ISIN: US02079K3059) and played a central role in the development of the search engine of the same name.

Alphabet Inc (Google)

3. Jeff Bezos (253 billion US dollars)

In third place in the ranking of the richest people in the world is Jeff Bezos (253 billion US dollars). With Amazon (US02079K3059), the founder has transformed an online bookstore into one of the largest technology and logistics companies in the world and has permanently changed global trade.

Amazon.com Inc.

4. Sergey Brin (250 billion US dollars)

Sergey Brin is the fourth richest person in the world with a fortune totaling 250 billion. Together with Larry Page, Brin founded Google (Alphabet ISIN: US02079K3059) and made a significant contribution to the company's technological direction.

Alphabet Inc (Google)

5. Larry Ellison (247 billion US dollars)

With 247 billion US dollars Larry Ellison the fifth richest person in the world, just behind Sergey Brin (250 billion US dollars). Ellison is co-founder of the software company Oracle (ISIN: US68389X1054).

Oracle Corporation

6. Mark Zuckerberg (233 billion US dollars)

Mark Zuckerberg comes in sixth place (233 billion US dollars). The Facebook co-founder (Meta ISIN: US30303M1027) has played a key role in shaping the development of social media and digital ecosystems to this day.

Meta Platforms, Inc.

7. Bernard Arnault (208 billion US dollars)

With Bernard Arnault (France/208 billion US dollars) is the first person outside the United States to be ranked among the richest people in the world. Arnault is the brains behind the luxury goods group LVMH (ISIN: FR0000121014), which owns numerous globally renowned brands. The Frenchman is considered one of the most important managers in the fashion and luxury industry.

LVMH - Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton

A candlestick chart showing LVMH share prices from 2017 to early 2026, with recent prices close to 754.50 and moderate fluctuations over time.

8. Steve Ballmer (168 billion US dollars)

Steve Ballmer comes in eighth place (168 billion US dollars). The wealth of the former CEO of Microsoft (ISIN: US5949181045) is based not least on early investments and long-term ties to the company. Ballmer can also call himself the owner of the LA Clippers basketball team.

Microsoft Corporation

A candlestick chart shows the monthly share price of Microsoft Corp (MSFT) from 2017 to the beginning of 2026 and illustrates the fluctuations and the current value of almost USD 473 - a sign that the company is one of the richest people in the world.

9. Jensen Huang (154 billion US dollars)

Co-founder and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is valued at 154 billion US dollars, which corresponds to ninth place. NVIDIA (ISIN: US67066G1040) is one of the most important companies in the field of graphics processors and AI technologies. The increasing importance of gaming chips, data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled NVIDIA to profit exceptionally well in recent years.

NVIDIA Corporation

10. Warren Buffett (151 billion US dollars)

Warren Buffett rounds off the ranking with assets of 151 billion US dollars. Buffett is considered one of the best-known investors around the globe, who stands for long-term and value-oriented investing.

The investment legend was long CEO of the investment company Berkshire Hathaway (ISIN: US0846707026), which has holdings in various sectors ranging from insurance to consumer goods.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc

Table: The richest people in the world in 2026

Platz	Name	Assets in billions of US dollars	Herkunftsland	Industry
1	Elon Musk	619	United States	Electromobility/space travel
2	Larry Page	269	United States	Search engine service
3	Jeff Bezos	253	United States	Retail (e-commerce)
4	Sergey Brin	250	United States	Search engine service
5	Larry Ellison	247	United States	Software
6	Mark Zuckerberg	233	United States	Social Media
7	Bernard Arnault	208	France	Luxury goods
8	Steve Ballmer	168	United States	Software
9	Jensen Huang	154	United States	Chip manufacturer
10	Warren Buffett	151	United States	Investment

Worth knowing: Common myths and misunderstandings

Many ideas about the richest people in the world are often based on simplified myths. A widespread misconception is that the super-rich have almost exclusively inherited their wealth.

According to information from Statista most billionaires around the world earned their wealth themselves in 2023. Of a total of 3,232 billionaires, 1,888 made their fortune independently, while 314 billionaires inherited their wealth.

The wealth of the super-rich often only exists on paper

It should also be noted that the ranking of the richest people in the world should not be regarded as stable, as stock market prices, economic developments and political conditions can change at any time. For example, the richest person in the world, Elon Musk, owns around 12 percent of all Tesla shares, 42 percent in the aerospace company SpaceX and 53 percent in xAI Holdings. The assets of the wealthy are often not held in the respective accounts or do not exist as cash in vaults, but are tied up in shares or other illiquid assets, for example.

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Summary: Innovation and entrepreneurship as the engine of global wealth

The richest people in the world combine impressive wealth, global influence and entrepreneurial success. Even though their rankings have changed regularly in the recent past, it is noticeable that the greatest fortunes come from the areas of technology, finance, luxury goods and industry in particular. Some of the super-rich have built up their fortunes through their own companies, investments or the consistent further development of existing groups.

It should be noted that, despite volatile markets, the wealth of the world's richest people is predominantly the result of innovation, courageous entrepreneurship and foresight. In this context, the ranking of the richest people in the world also shows long-term trends in economic terms.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Who is the richest person in the world?

The richest person in the world is Elon Musk with a fortune of 619 billion US dollars. The entrepreneur and visionary is known for companies such as Tesla and SpaceX, which have achieved technological innovations in the fields of electromobility, space travel and software. Musk himself is not least regarded as polarizing with ambitious visions of the future.

Which countries are represented by the ten richest people in the world?

Nine out of ten of the richest people in the world come from the United States and one person (Bernard Arnault) from France.

Which industries do the ten richest people in the world come from?

Even though their rankings have changed regularly in the recent past, it is noticeable that the largest fortunes come from the technology, finance, luxury goods and industrial sectors in particular. Some of the super-rich have built up their fortunes through their own companies, investments or the consistent further development of existing groups.

Which place does investment legend Warren Buffett take?

Investment legend Warren Buffett rounds off the ranking with assets of 151 billion US dollars. Buffet is considered one of the best-known investors around the globe, who stands for long-term and value-oriented investing.

What could the ranking of the richest people in the world show beyond the horizon?

What are the common misconceptions and myths about the super-rich?

Many ideas about the richest people in the world are often based on simplified myths. A widespread misconception is that the super-rich have almost exclusively inherited their wealth.

Timo Emden

Timo Emden holds a B.A. in Business Administration, is a market analyst and a certified blockchain expert from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. He has been following the global financial markets for over 14 years, with a focus on crypto assets. His assessments are based on chart technology and sentiment - he nevertheless considers important fundamental events to be significant. As a market expert, Mr. Emden is a valued contact for TV, press and radio.

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