2025, several billionaires have experienced a remarkable surge in their fortunes, largely driven by gains in technology, luxury goods, finance, and real estate. The most significant increase was observed among those with stake in longstanding investment conglomerates, booming consumer tech companies, and quantitative trading firms. One trend this year that stood apart is the renewed investor confidence in traditional sectors like telecommunications and manufacturing. Collectively, the top-10 billionaires on the list added billions to their net worth, reinforcing their position in the upper ranks of the global wealth hierarchy.
No 1. Warren Buffett | Global Rank: 4 | Net worth: $166.9B | YTD gain: $24.9 billion) | The Legendary investor has added $24.9 billion to his fortune in 2025, fuelled by strong gains in Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio. His wealth surge has solidified his position among the world’s top five richest individuals.
No 2. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers | Global Rank: 19 | Net Worth: $91.4 Billion | YTD Gain: $16.9 billion | L’Oréal heiress Bettencourt Meyers saw her net worth climb by $16.9 billion this year, making her the wealthiest woman globally. Her family’s beauty empire has benefited from a continued boom in global luxury and skincare markets.
No 3. Zhang Yiming | Global Rank: 24 | Net Worth: $57.5B | YTD Gain: $13.6 billion | TikTok founder Zhang Yiming has gained $13.6 billion so far in 2025, driven by ByteDance’s strong performance and potential IPO speculation. His ascent reaffirms the dominance of tech entrepreneurs in wealth creation
No 4. Jeff Yass | Global Rank: 23 | Net Worth: $58.8B | YTD Gain: $12.9 billion | Quant trading billionaire Jeff Yass has seen a $12.9 billion increase in wealth, powered by the success of Susquehanna International Group. His savvy investments in tech and betting platforms continue to pay off handsomely
No 5. Carlos Slim: Global Rank: 18 | Net Worth: $92.3B | YTD Gain: $12.8 billion | Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim added $12.8 billion to his fortune, benefiting from a resurgence in telecom and infrastructure sectors. His diverse holdings have helped him maintain a strong position among Latin America’s richest.
No 6. Giovanni Ferrero and Family: Global Rank: 29 | Net Worth: $46.7B | YTD Gain: $10.9B) | Head of the Ferrero confectionery empire, Giovanni Ferrero has seen his wealth grow by $10.9 billion in 2025. The maker of Nutella and Kinder continues to expand globally, fuelling his rising fortune
No 7. Mukesh Ambani | Global Rank: 16 | Net Worth: $101.0B | YTD Gain: $10.4B | The Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani has gained $10.4 billion this year amid strong performance in digital, retail, and energy segments. He remains Asia’s wealthiest individual, crossing the $100 billion mark again.
No 8. Lei Jun | Global Rank: 37 | Net Worth: $39.8B | YTD Gain: $10.1 billion | Xiaomi founder Lei Jun has added $10.1 billion to his net worth thanks to surging demand for the company’s new smartphone and EV lines. His wealth rebound signals a strong year for Chinese tech.(Image: Reuters)
No 9. Hussain Sajwani | Global Rank: 185 | Net Worth: $13.1B | YTD Gain: $9.8 Billion) | The Dubai property mogul Hussain Sajwani has experienced a $9.8 billion jump in wealth, reflecting a booming real estate market in the UAE. His company, DAMAC Properties, has capitalised on rising luxury housing demand. (Image: Reuters)
No 10. Wang Ning | Global Rank: 134 | Net Worth: $16.4B | YTD Gain: $8.8 billion | Pop Mart founder Wang Ning saw his fortune rise by $8.8 billion, fuelled by the company’s global expansion and merchandising success. His gains highlight the rising appeal of designer toys and collectibles.
