World's Super-Rich Club Reaches Record 15 Members With Over $100 Billion Fortunes

Bloomberg Billionaires Index: The combined net worth of these ultra-wealthy individuals has surged by 13 per cent this year, reaching a staggering $2.2 trillion

Bloomberg Billionaires Index: Leading the pack is LVMH founder and CEO Bernard Arnault, 75, with a net worth of $222 billion, predominantly from his stake in the world’s largest luxury-goods company. ( Image Source :Getty )

Bloomberg Billionaires Index: The exclusive club of individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 billion has reached a record 15 members, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, booming luxury goods markets, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the combined net worth of these ultra-wealthy individuals has surged by 13 per cent this year, reaching a staggering $2.2 trillion. This growth outpaces both inflation and the broader stock market, with these 15 individuals now holding nearly a quarter of the total wealth of the world’s 500 richest people.

This milestone marks the first time all 15 have simultaneously held fortunes of this magnitude. Notable recent entrants include L’Oreal SA heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, Dell Technologies Inc. founder Michael Dell, and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, all of whom crossed the $100 billion threshold in the past five months.

Bettencourt Meyers became the first woman to achieve a 12-figure fortune last December after shares of the luxury cosmetics giant had their best performance since 1998. At 70, she ranks 14th on the index with a net worth of $101 billion.

Dell, 59, saw his wealth surpass $100 billion due to increased demand for AI-related technology, propelling Dell Technologies’ shares to record highs. He now holds the 11th spot on Bloomberg’s wealth index with $113 billion.

Slim, 84, the richest person in Latin America, is 13th on the list with $106 billion. His net worth climbed by $28 billion in 2023, fueled by a surge in the Mexican peso and the rising value of his diversified business empire.

The club also welcomes back Gautam Adani, 61, after recovering from a significant financial setback earlier in the year. Adani rejoined the ranks thanks to a resurgence in Adani Enterprises Ltd.’s shares as global investors turned their focus towards Indian businesses.

Leading the pack is LVMH founder and CEO Bernard Arnault, 75, with a net worth of $222 billion, predominantly from his stake in the world’s largest luxury-goods company. Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos, 60, holds the second spot with $208 billion, owing to his stake in the world's largest online retailer. Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, 52, ranks third with $187 billion, despite his wealth declining by over $40 billion this year, primarily tied to his shares in the most valuable carmaker.

This unprecedented concentration of wealth highlights the significant economic impact and influence of these billionaires in the global market.