Women continuously break the glass ceiling—and the 2024 Forbes rich list is clear proof of it.
The Forbes' World Billionaires List stated that 369 out of the 2,781 declared billionaires are women. That's 13.3 percent of the world's wealthiest people. Their net worth? It's greater than ever, amounting to nearly $1.8 trillion (P101,507,400,000,000).
Here, we proudly report that three of those 369 wealthy women are Filipinas. These Pinays have been trailblazers not only in the billionaires scene but most importantly, in their respective industries.
Who are the Filipinas that made it to Forbes' World Billionaires List 2024?
3. Susan Co
Susan Co might be new to Forbes' billionaires list, but her legacy has been going on for decades already in the Philippines. She is the co-founder and co-owner of the famous retail supermarket chain Puregold. The supermarket still stands as one of the most affordable supermarket chains in the country and has become an icon in the retail industry. Forbes noted that the retail store has established 500 stores across the Philippines. She was also included in Forbes's "50 Over 50" in 2023.
Susan, together with her husband Lucio Co and family also heads Cosco Capital which has entered the industry of liquor distribution and real estate. Susan is now 61 years old and has a net worth of $1.1 billion (P62,045,500,000.00).
2. Elizabeth Sy
Elizabeth Sy is the second child of the late business tycoon, Henry Sy, who is known for establishing the biggest mall franchise in the Philippines, SM Supermalls. She has a net worth of $2.1 billion (P118,450,500,000.00).
Now 71 years old, Elizabeth is the president and chairman of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. and has been an advisor for SM Investments since 2012.
1. Teresita Sy-Coson
Joining Elizabeth in the list of Pinay billionaires is her elder sister, Teresita Sy-Coson. Teresita is currently the vice chairperson of SM Investments. Other than that, she is the chairperson of one of the largest banks in the Philippines, BDO Unibank. That makes her expertise range from retail merchandising to mall development, and also banking. Her net worth is $2.3 billion (P129,731,500,000.00).
Who are the Top 10 richest women in the world according to Forbes' World Billionaires List 2024?
L'Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers has been the world's richest woman for four *consecutive* years already. Her wealth jumped $19 billion within the past year, which totals her 2024 net worth to $99.5 billion (P5,615,481,500,000.00). Forbes noted how close she is to entering the $100 billion club!
Following Francoise is Waltermart founder Sam Walton's only daughter, Alice Walton. She was hailed to be the richest woman in the years 2018 and 2020. Now her net worth lies at $72.3 billion (P4,080,322,800,000.00)
After Alice comes Julia Koch and her family with a net worth of $64.3 billion (P3,628,834,800,000.00). Julia and her children now own a 42% stake in Koch Industries—a company founded by her late husband's family. Koch Industries is involved in different productions like oil refining, medical technology, and even paper towels. As of writing, Julia is also a recognized trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Here is the complete list of the World's Top 10 Richest Women according to Forbes' World Billionaires List 2024:
- Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & Family | Net worth: $99.5 billion
- Alice Walton | Net worth: $72.3 billion
- Julia Koch & Family | Net worth: $64.3 billion
- Jacqueline Mars | Net worth: $38.5 billion
- MacKenzie Scott | Net worth: $35.6 billion
- Savitri Jindal & Family | Net worth: $33.5 billion
- Rafaela Aponte-Diamant | Net worth: $33.1 billion
- Miriam Adelson & family | Net worth: $32 billion
- Gina Rinehart | Net worth: $30.8 billion
- Abigail Johnson | Net worth: $29 billion
