How much money does it take to be one of the richest people on Earth? The answer is a net worth above £100 billion. To amass such staggering wealth, most of these individuals founded technology companies known the world over. Interestingly, this list of the world's wealthiest as of January 2026, as reported by Forbes, is dominated by Americans. There are over 3,100 billionaires, according to the publication, and these are the richest of the rich and how they made their fortunes.
Net worth: £109 billion ($149 billion, down $3 billion since last month)
Source: Retired CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
Age: 95
One of the most successful investors of all time, Buffett retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, to the son of a congressman, he bought his first stock aged 13.
(Image: Getty)
Net worth: £142 billion ($195 billion, up $5 billion since last month)
Source: LVMH CEO
Age: 76
Arnault sits at the top of the luxury empire known as LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy). The French chairman and CEO, the only non-American on the list, oversees brands like Tiffany, Louis Vuitton and Sephora. All five of his children work for LVMH.
(Image: Getty)
