The founder of a fashion and cosmetics empire tops the list, which also includes 16 of the richest in the Philippines.

Forbes has released its annual World’s Billionaires List, and there are a total of 2,781 billionaires all in all. According to Forbes itself, this number is record-breaking as it is 26 billionaires more than the record set in 2021. 813 of these billionaires are from the United States, while China and Hong Kong combine for 473 billionaires. India rounds up the top three with a total of 200 billionaires. The list also includes 16 billionaires who are the richest in the Philippines.

Together, the world’s richest billionaires are worth $14.2 trillion (approximately PHP 804 trillion) in aggregate. The billionaire who came on top of the list has a net worth of $233 billion (approximately PHP 13 trillion) on his own. 

Who Topped the Forbes World’s Billionaires List? 

The richest billionaire in the world for 2024 is none other than Bernard Arnault, who is listed along with his family. Bernard Arnault is the founder, CEO, and chairman of LVMH. Specializing in luxury goods, the conglomerate’s portfolio includes Louis Vuitton, Moët Hennessy, Bulgari, and Tiffany & Co. 

Coming in at number two on the list is Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Musk, who is worth $195 billion (approximately PHP 11 trillion) is also the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter. He was named the world’s richest billionaire in 2023. 

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ranks third with a net worth of $194 billion (approximately PHP 10.98 trillion), while Facebook co-founder, chairman, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg sits at fourth place with a net worth of $177 billion (approximately PHP 10.02 trillion). Completing the top five is Oracle Corporation co-founder Larry Ellison. 

16 Richest in the Philippines Make It to the List 

Among the 2,781 billionaires on this year’s richest list, 16 of them are from the Philippines. With a net worth of $11 billion (approximately PHP 622 billion), former senator Manuel “Manny” Villar leads the list of Filipino billionaires on the list, landing in 190th place.

Enrique Razon Jr., who Forbes says is worth $10 billion (approximately PHP 566 billion), is the second richest in the Philippines. Ramon Ang sits in third place with a net worth of $3.5 billion (approximately PHP 198 billion). 

Below is the complete list of the billionaires who are the richest in the Philippines for 2024: 

1. Manuel Villar ($11 billion / approximately PHP 622 billion)
2. Enrique Razon Jr. ($10 billion / approximately PHP 566 billion)
3. Ramon Ang ($3.5 billion / approximately PHP 198 billion) 
4. Hans Sy ($2.6 billion / approximately PHP 147 billion)
5. Henry Sy Jr. ($2.5 billion / approximately PHP 141 billion)
6. Herbert Sy ($2.5 billion / approximately PHP 141 billion)
7. Lucio Tan ($2.5 billion / approximately PHP 141 billion)
8. Harley Sy ($2.4 billion / approximately PHP 135 billion)
9. Teresita Sy-Coson ($2.3 billion / approximately PHP 130 billion)
10. Elizabeth Sy ($2.1 billion / approximately PHP 118 billion)
11. Andrew Tan ($2 billion / approximately PHP 113 billion)
12. Tony Tan Caktiong ($1.4 billion / approximately PHP 79 billion)
13. Lucio Co ($1.2 billion / approximately PHP 67 billion) 
14. Susan Co ($1.1 billion / approximately PHP 62 billion)
15. Lance Gokongwei ($1.1 billion / approximately PHP 62 billion)
16. William Belo ($1 billion / approximately PHP 56 billion)