According to Forbes' annual World's Billionaires list, the past year has seen a remarkable surge in the global super-rich community. As of March 28, 2024, a record-breaking 2,781 billionaires
exist worldwide, marking an increase of 141 individuals from the previous year and surpassing the previous 2021 record by 26. Collectively, their wealth totals a staggering $14.2 trillion, representing a $2 trillion rise from the previous year. Notably, the Netherlands is home to 14 billionaires, with Heineken heiress Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken leading the Dutch contingent.
With her 24 percent stake in the beer giant Heineken, Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken remains one of the wealthiest women globally, ranking 132nd with an estimated wealth of $14.1 billion.
Following closely is Frits Goldschmeding, the second wealthiest Dutch individual, with an estimated wealth of $6.2 billion, primarily from his 32 percent ownership of the temporary employment agency Randstad Holding, placing him 469th globally. Jean-Louis van der Velde, the former CEO of crypto firm Tither and current CEO of Bitfinex, joins the list as the sole newcomer from the Netherlands, boasting a wealth of $3.9 billion and ranking 809th globally.
Among the Dutch billionaires, Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken & family lead with $14.1 B (132nd), followed by Frits Goldschmeding with $6.2 B (469th) and Jean-Louis van der Velde with $3.9 B (809th).
Forbes highlights a significant increase in individuals with wealth exceeding $100 billion, totaling 14 members globally. This elite group commands a combined wealth of $2 trillion, representing 0.5% of all billionaires worldwide yet holding 14% of the total billionaire wealth.
The United States maintains its dominance with 813 billionaires, followed by China (406), India (200), and several others. However, women remain underrepresented, constituting only 369 of the 2,781 billionaires. Françoise Bettencourt-Meyers, heiress to the L'Oréal group, tops the list of richest women, with an estimated net worth of $99.5 billion.
Moreover, the list reveals a growing proportion of self-made billionaires, comprising 66% of the total, down from 69% in the previous year. This underscores the evolving landscape of wealth creation globally.
The $100 Billion Club includes prominent figures such as Bernard Arnault & family ($233 B), Elon Musk ($195 B), and Jeff Bezos ($194 B), reflecting the extraordinary wealth amassed by a select few. Photo by Creator:Michael Marcovici, Wikimedia commons.