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Decline In The Number Of Brazilian Billionaires Reflects Economic Challenges, While Vicky Safra Continues To Be The Richest Woman In The Country!
The number of women billionaires in the world is growing, albeit slowly. In 2025, they represent 13.4% of the annual billionaire list from Forbes, totaling 406 women among the 3,028 billionaires.
This progress is modest compared to the 13.3% from the previous year.
Decline In The Number Of Brazilian Billionaires
Among female billionaires, nine are Brazilian, a significant drop from the 14 from last year. However, this number is still higher than the 6 listed in 2023.
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Labor shortages are prompting Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Canada to open up opportunities for foreigners in 2026, with salaries ranging from 920 euros in Portugal to 50,700 euros per year in Germany.
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The government is considering a temporary subsidy for cooking gas following the spike in oil prices due to the war in Iran and warns about the impact of 20% of imports on the prices paid by families.
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The lack of truck drivers in the country is already halting shipments and threatening deadlines: 88% of transport companies are unable to hire, with an average of eight trucks idle, and the port complex of Itajaí is now feeling the impact.
Additionally, the total number of Brazilians on the Forbes list has also decreased, going from 69 to 56 in 2025.
The depreciation of the Brazilian currency, which reached 27% against the dollar, may have contributed to this reduction, as the ranking considers only fortunes above US$ 1 billion (around R$ 6 billion at current exchange rates).
Vicky Safra Leads The Ranking
The richest among Brazilians continues to be Vicky Safra, widow of banker Joseph Safra.
With an estimated net worth of US$ 20.7 billion (approximately R$ 125.4 billion), she ranks 2nd among the wealthiest billionaires in Brazil, second only to Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, who has a fortune of US$ 34.5 billion (about R$ 209 billion).
Vicky, who was born in Greece, inherited her husband’s fortune, who was considered for many years the richest banker in the world.
She leads the Vicky and Joseph Safra Philanthropic Foundation, which supports projects in health, education, and the arts, reflecting her commitment to philanthropy and social impact.
Billionaires Who Inherited Fortunes
The majority of Brazilian billionaires listed in Forbes inherited their wealth. Among them are:
1st Ana Lucia de Mattos Barretto Villela, aged 51, with a net worth of US$ 1.5 billion from Itaú Unibanco. She is one of the largest individual shareholders of Itaúsa and vice-chair of the board of directors of the group. Ana Lucia plays an active role in philanthropy, supporting various social causes through her work at the Instituto Alana, which focuses on children’s rights.
2nd Mariana Voigt Schwartz Gomes, also aged 51, has a net worth of US$ 1.5 billion and is one of the principal shareholders of WEG, the largest manufacturer of electric motors in Latin America. The company, co-founded by her grandfather, has been expanding globally, with a presence in over 10 countries and a strong commitment to sustainability.
3rd Neide Helena de Moraes, aged 70, is an heir to a stake in the Votorantim Group, with a net worth of US$ 1.3 billion. The group is known for its operations in sectors such as cement, energy, and metals, demonstrating the diversification and impact of the conglomerate on the Brazilian economy.
4th Vera Rechulski Santo Domingo, aged 76, controls about 11% of the Santo Domingo family’s holding, with an estimated net worth of US$ 1.3 billion. The family is known for its investments in various industries, including beverages and wines, owning one of the world’s most renowned wineries.
The Self-Made Fortune Of Cristina Junqueira
The only Brazilian billionaire who independently amassed her fortune is Cristina Junqueira, co-founder of Nubank.
With a net worth of US$ 1.4 billion, she is considered the richest self-made woman in Brazil. Cristina rose in the ranking after a significant appreciation of Nubank’s shares, which surged 166% between 2023 and 2024.
Before co-founding Nubank in 2013, Cristina worked in Itaú’s largest credit card division.
Her journey is remarkable as she became the first woman to reach billionaire status through a fintech in Brazil.
Nubank, which revolutionized the banking sector in the country, continues to expand its operations in Latin America, challenging traditional financial institutions.
Young Billionaires
The sisters Lívia Voigt, aged 20, and Dora Voigt de Assis, aged 27, are among the youngest billionaires in the world, each with a net worth of US$ 1.2 billion, coming from WEG.
Both are individual shareholders of the company, which was co-founded by their grandfather. Lívia debuted on the Forbes list as the youngest billionaire in the world in 2024 and, although surpassed in 2025, remains an influential figure in the ranking.
Lucia Maggi And The Agro Industry
Lucia Maggi, aged 92, is one of the few Brazilian billionaires who did not inherit her fortune. She is a co-founder of the André Maggi Group, one of the largest producers in the Brazilian agribusiness sector, with a net worth also reaching US$ 1 billion.
Amaggi has been fundamental in transforming Brazil into one of the world’s leading grain exporters, significantly contributing to the country’s economy.
Changes In The Billionaires List
No new Brazilian women debuted on the list in 2025. Moreover, some who were on the ranking the previous year, such as Anne Werninghaus, heir of WEG, and Dulce Pugliese de Godoy Bueno, co-founder of Amil, are no longer present this year.
The exit of some billionaires is indicative of fluctuations in the market and the currency depreciation.
Mention of last year’s newcomers, such as Maria Consuelo Dias Branco, president of M. Dias Branco, and Maria Cristina Frias, who inherited a portion of Folha de São Paulo, has also been excluded.
With these changes, the landscape of Brazilian billionaires on the Forbes list reflects not only the economic dynamics of the country but also the difficulties faced in an environment of uncertainty and volatility.
The 2025 list brings to light the resilience of the women who remain in the ranking, as well as the challenges still to be overcome for more women to reach billionaire status in Brazil.
The Role Of Billionaires In The Brazilian Economy
Brazilian billionaires not only accumulate wealth but also play an essential role in the country’s economy.
Many of them are involved in philanthropic and social initiatives, contributing to the development of projects aimed at improving the lives of millions of Brazilians.
Their influence extends beyond the financial and productive sectors; they are also active voices on social and environmental issues, promoting changes that can benefit society as a whole.
Additionally, the presence of women billionaires in Brazil can inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. Cristina Junqueira’s story, for example, is a testament to the potential of women in the business world, challenging norms and creating new opportunities in sectors previously dominated by men.
This phenomenon may help change the perception of women’s roles in the economy and encourage more women to lead and innovate.
As the economy of Brazil and the world advance, monitoring the evolution of Brazilian billionaires becomes essential not only to understand the economic dynamics but also to assess how women are shaping the future of the country.
SOURCE: FORBES
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