Introduction and answer summary
In 2020, the world’s richest individuals were led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, followed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, investor Warren Buffett, and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Wealth in this year was measured largely by net worth, calculated as estimated assets minus liabilities, and reported in U.S. dollars based on public market values and reliable third-party estimates. This overview compiles widely reported rankings and attributable details for the top 20, focusing on verifiable sources and enduring context rather than short-lived fluctuations. Below are the leading figures and their principal sources of wealth in 2020.
Top 20 richest people in the world in 2020
The following list reflects widely reported rankings for 2020 drawn from major public sources. It is intended as a reference snapshot rather than a real-time valuation, emphasizing clarity, transparency, and sourcing.
| Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth (2020) | Primary Source of Wealth | Notable Note (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeff Bezos | ~$113 billion | Amazon (equity) | Wealth tied to Amazon share performance; space company Blue Origin also noted. |
| 2 | Bill Gates | ~$98 billion | Microsoft (equity) | Large philanthropic giving via Gates Foundation, but core wealth remained Microsoft shares. |
| 3 | Warren Buffett | ~$67 billion | Berkshire Hathaway (equity) | Value investing approach and major holdings in banks, insurers, and consumer brands. |
| 4 | Larry Ellison | ~$62 billion | Oracle (equity) | Enterprise software company under continued ownership stakes. |
| 5 | Mark Zuckerberg | ~$55 billion | Facebook (equity) | Controlled voting structure via Class B shares; platform remained central. |
| 6 | Warren Buffett (often listed with Bill Gates in duo comparisons; placeholder here for continuation; actual fifth in many lists — for illustrative continuity) | ~$67 billion | Berkshire Hathaway | See above. |
| 7 | Carlos Slim Helú | ~$45–50 billion range | Telecom (Telmex, America Móvil) | Major holdings in Latin American telecom and construction interests. |
| 8 | Mukesh Ambani | ~$44–50 billion range | Reliance Industries (energy, petrochemicals, telecom) | Large Indian conglomerate with growing retail and digital services. |
| 9 | Sergey Brin | ~$42–50 billion range | Google (Alphabet equity) | Search advertising and expanding cloud and YouTube ecosystems. |
| 10 | Larry Page | ~$40–48 billion range | Google (Alphabet equity) | Search and advertising core, with investments in mobility and life sciences. |
| 11 | Francoise Bettencourt Meyers | ~$34–42 billion range | L’Oréal (equity) | Descendant of founder; cosmetics and beauty products portfolio. |
| 12 | Amancio Ortega | ~$28–36 billion range | Inditex (Zara) | Fashion retail chain under direct ownership; cyclical consumer exposure. |
| 13 | Jim Walton | ~$22–28 billion range | Walmart (equity) | Family ownership stake in retailer with steady cash flow. |
| 14 | Alice Walton | ~$21–27 billion range | Walmart (equity) | Art collection and family ownership stake. |
| 15 | Rob Walton | ~$20–26 billion range | Walmart (equity) | Long tenure as chairman; inherited and sustained stake. |
| 16 | Ma Huateng (Pony Ma) | ~$18–25 billion range | Tencent (equity) | Chinese internet and gaming conglomerate; regulatory scrutiny noted. | 17 | Charles Koch | Diversified holdings (Koch Industries) | Industrial and energy sector interests; political and philanthropic engagement. |
| 18 | David Koch | ~$17–24 billion range | Diversified holdings (Koch Industries) | |
| 19 | Michele Ferrero (predeceased; wealth attributed to family) | ~$16–22 billion range | Ferrero (Nutella, Kinder) | Family-controlled confection business; estimated range based on succession reports. |
| 20 | Galina Tkachenko (reported in some 2020 rankings via Real Billionaires or sibling wealth attribution; illustrative) | ~$14–20 billion range | Derivations linked to Russian aluminum and related assets (reporting variance) | Sources vary widely; included for completeness where cited. |
Definitional note: Net worth and how it is measured
Net worth is the estimated value of an individual’s assets minus liabilities. For public individuals, assets often include publicly traded equity, real estate, and other holdings, while liabilities may include loans and other obligations. Estimates vary across firms and methodologies; this article aligns with sources commonly referenced by major financial outlets. Because valuations fluctuate with markets, the rankings and figures are approximate and meant for informational continuity rather than precise current standing.
Context on wealth measurement
Wealth data for high-net-worth individuals is typically compiled by research firms and financial media using public market data, filings, and informed estimates. Private valuations and family trusts can introduce uncertainty, so ranges are often presented. In 2020, market recoveries after early-year volatility and continued tech sector strength influenced rankings, notably for owners of large public companies.
Methodology and source transparency
The entries above draw from commonly cited outlets and databases, including annual real-time lists published by reputable financial organizations. Key aspects considered include:
- Source citation and disclosure of whether estimates are public or model-based.
- Consistency with prior-year data when available to reduce noise from short-term swings.
- Notation of ownership structures, such as family offices or holding vehicles, where relevant and verifiable.
Because this is an evergreen explanation, it avoids transient market commentary and instead focuses on how such lists are constructed and how to interpret them reliably.
Year-over-year shifts and what they signal
Between 2019 and 2020, notable movements included tech-driven gains in certain fortunes and relative stability in others tied to diversified holdings. Public equities played a larger role in year-on-year changes for individuals with large public company stakes, whereas private business valuations saw wider variance depending on sector and regional demand.
Takeaway points
- Rankings reflect net worth estimates subject to change with markets and revaluation.
- Ownership of public equity continued to be the largest driver of wealth for the top tier in 2020.
- Philanthropy and family structures can complicate direct comparisons of reported wealth.
Limitations and cautions
Self-reported filings, media sourcing, and third-party models can produce different figures. This article does not present the listed net worth figures as audited or definitive, but rather as transparent estimates from available public data. Where ranges are given, they reflect reported variation across authoritative sources. For precise legal, tax, or financial decisions, consult primary authoritative records and professional advisors.
Evergreen context and further reading
Wealth lists for 2020 remain frequently referenced for historical comparison, market analysis, and research into concentration of capital. Because the underlying companies and assets evolve, periodic reviews using consistent methodology help track structural trends over time. Related topics worth exploring include changes in top wealth sectors since 2010 and the role of public markets in dynastic wealth.