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The drop in the number of Brazilian billionaires reflects economic challenges, while Vicky Safra remains the richest woman in the country!
The number of female billionaires in the world is growing, albeit slowly. In 2025, they represent 13,4% from the annual list of billionaires Forbes, totalizing 406 women between the 3.028 billionaires.
This advance is timid in comparison to the 13,3% from the previous year.
Drop in the number of Brazilian billionaires
Among female billionaires, nine are Brazilian, a significant drop compared to 14 last year. However, this amount is still higher than the 6 listed in 2023.
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Furthermore, the total number of Brazilians on the list Forbes also decreased, going from 69 to 56 em 2025.
The devaluation of the Brazilian currency, which reached 27% in relation to the dollar, may have contributed to this reduction, since the ranking only considers fortunes above $1 billion (about $ 6 billion at the current quote).
Vicky Safra leads the ranking
The richest Brazilian woman continues to be Vicky Safra, widow of banker Joseph Safra.
With an estimated net worth of US $ 20,7 billion (about $ 125,4 billion), it occupies the 2nd place among the biggest billionaires in Brazil, behind only Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, who has a fortune of US $ 34,5 billion (about $ 209 billion).
Vicky, who was born in Greece, inherited her fortune from her husband, 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 the areas of health, education and the arts, reflecting its commitment to philanthropy and social impact.
Billionaires who inherited fortunes
Most of the Brazilian billionaires listed on the Forbes inherited his riches. Among them, the following stand out:
1 º Ana Lucia de Mattos Barretto Villela, 51 years, with a net worth of $1,5 billion coming from Itaú Unibanco. She is one of Itaúsa's largest individual shareholders and vice-chair of the group's board of directors. Ana Lucia plays an active role in philanthropy, supporting several social causes through her work at the Alana Institute, which focuses on children's rights.
2 º Mariana Voigt Schwartz Gomes, also with 51 years, has a heritage of $1,5 billion and is one of the main shareholders of WEG, the largest manufacturer of electric motors in Latin America. The company, co-founded by his grandfather, has expanded globally, with a presence in more than 10 countries and a strong commitment to sustainability.
3 º Neide Helena de Moraes, 70 years, is heir to a stake in Votorantim Group, with a heritage of $1,3 billion. The group is known for its operations in sectors such as cement, energy and metals, demonstrating the conglomerate's diversification and impact on the Brazilian economy.
4 º Vera Rechulski Santo Domingo, 76 years, controls about 11% of the Santo Domingo family holding company, with an estimated net worth of $1,3 billion. The family is known for its investments in various industries, including beverages and wines, owning one of the most renowned wineries in the world.
The self-fortune of Cristina Junqueira
The only Brazilian billionaire who earned her fortune independently is Cristina Junqueira, co-founder of Nubank.
With a heritage of $1,4 billion, she is considered the richest self-made woman in Brazil. Cristina stood out in the ranking after a significant appreciation of Nubank shares, which grew 166% between 2023 e 2024.
Before co-founding Nubank in 2013, Cristina worked in Itaú's largest credit card division.
Her trajectory is remarkable, as she became the first woman to achieve 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 Livia Voigt, 20 years, and Dora Voigt de Assis, 27 years, are among the youngest billionaires in the world, with a net worth of $1,2 billion each one, coming from the WEG.
Both are individual shareholders in the company, which was co-founded by their grandfather. Lívia debuted on the list Forbes as the youngest billionaire in the world in 2024 and although it was surpassed in 2025, it remains an influential figure in the ranking.
Lucia Maggi and the agro industry
lucia maggi, 92 years, is one of the few Brazilian billionaires who did not inherit her fortune. She is the co-founder of Andre Maggi Group, one of the largest producers in the Brazilian agricultural sector, with assets that also amount to $1 billion.
Amaggi was fundamental in transforming Brazil into one of the main grain exporters in the world, contributing significantly to the country's economy.
Changes to the Billionaires List
No new Brazilian debuted on the list in 2025. In addition, some that appeared in the ranking in the previous year, such as Anne Werninghaus, heiress of WEG, and Sweet Pugliese by Godoy Bueno, co-founder of Amil, do not appear again this year.
The departure of some billionaires is an indication of market fluctuations and currency devaluation.
Mentions of last year's newcomers, such as Maria Consuelo Dias Branco, president of M. Dias Branco, and Maria Cristina Frias, who inherited a part of the Folha de São Paulo, were also excluded.
With these changes, the panorama of Brazilian billionaires on the list Forbes reflects not only the country's economic dynamics, but also the difficulties faced in an environment of uncertainty and volatility.
The list of 2025 highlights the resilience of the women who remain in the ranking, as well as the challenges that still need to be overcome so that more women can achieve 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 that aim to improve the lives of millions of Brazilians.
Their influence extends beyond the financial and manufacturing sectors; they are also active voices on social and environmental issues, promoting changes that can benefit society as a whole.
Furthermore, the presence of female billionaires in Brazil can inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. The story of Cristina Junqueira, 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 can help change perceptions about the role of women in the economy and encourage more women to become entrepreneurs and leaders.
As the economy of Brazil and the world advances, monitoring the evolution of Brazilian female billionaires becomes essential not only to understand economic dynamics, but also to assess how women are shaping the future of the country.
SOURCE: FORBES
