Number of billionaires in the world breaks record. Their joint fortune exceeds 13 billion euros, and there is a Portuguese name on the list

The year 2024 marks a historic moment for the ultra-rich around the world. According to Forbes’ annual list, the number of multimillionaires has reached an unprecedented 2,781, representing an increase of 141 individuals compared to the previous year.

This new record surpasses the previous number, set in 2021, by 26. In total, 265 new faces joined the list of billionaires.

The combined wealth of these tycoons also reached new heights, totaling an incredible 14.2 billion dollars (13.1 billion euros), which represents an increase of 2 billion dollars (1.8 billion euros).

A total of 14 billionaires have joined the restricted group of 100 billion dollars, a small group collectively owns 2 billion dollars (1.8 billion euros), which means that only 0.5% of the world’s billionaires control 14% of all wealth.

French luxury goods magnate Bernard Arnault tops the list for the second year in a row, with a fortune estimated at around 233 billion dollars (216 billion euros. In second place is Elon Musk, with 195 billion dollars (181 billion euros), followed closely by Jeff Bezos, with approximately 194 billion dollars (180 billion euros).

On the list of 2,781 billionaires there is a Portuguese name, Maria Fernanda Amorim, widow of Américo Amorim, who spent six decades in her family’s cork business, Corticeira Amorim, and invested in an energy company and banks in several countries. Her grandfather founded Corticeira Amorim in 1870 and the biggest asset is an estimated 19.5% stake in Galp Energia, which has his eldest daughter, Paula Amorim, as President of the Board of Directors.

Two-thirds of the planet’s billionaires saw their fortunes grow in the last year. Mark Zuckerberg was one of the big winners, with an increase of 116.2 billion dollars (107 billion euros) in his fortune, driven by the success of Meta’s shares.

Technology has played a significant role in increasing the wealth of billionaires, with the race in artificial intelligence driving the entry of new names into the list. The combined wealth of the tech ultra-rich has risen to around $2.6 trillion (€2.4 trillion), more than any other industry.

In addition to technology moguls, celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Dick Wolf and Magic Johnson have also seen their fortunes grow, joining the ranks of billionaires in 2024.

The Forbes Billionaires List is a comprehensive compilation of people with a net worth of $1 billion or more, based on data available as of March 8, 2024.