On April 1, 2025, the annual Forbes billionaires list revealed a notable shift in the ranks of Brazil's wealthiest individuals. The number of Brazilians on the list decreased from 69 in 2024 to 55 in 2025, a decline attributed largely to the 27% devaluation of the Brazilian real against the dollar. This currency drop significantly impacts the fortunes of those listed, as only wealth exceeding US$ 1 billion (approximately R$ 5.7 billion) qualifies for inclusion.
Despite this decline in numbers, the combined wealth of the top ten Brazilian billionaires increased, surpassing US$ 121 billion (R$ 694 billion), compared to US$ 118.1 billion the previous year. The Forbes US list, which considered asset valuations and exchange rates up to March 7, 2025, noted that 47 of the billionaires are based in Brazil, while others reside in financial hubs like Switzerland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong.
At the top of the list is Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, who retains his title as the richest Brazilian for the second consecutive year. Saverin, now residing in Singapore, boasts a net worth of US$ 34.5 billion (R$ 196.6 billion), placing him 51st globally. Saverin's fortune primarily stems from his early stake in Facebook, which he co-founded with Mark Zuckerberg in 2004.
Following Saverin is Vicky Safra, who ranks second among Brazilians with a fortune of US$ 20.7 billion (R$ 119.44 billion). Vicky, the widow of Joseph Safra, inherited the family wealth after his passing in December 2020. She is also recognized as the richest woman in Brazil, holding the 98th position on the global list.
Jorge Paulo Lemann, the third richest Brazilian, has an estimated net worth of US$ 17 billion (R$ 96.9 billion). Lemann, 85, is a prominent figure in the investment world, known for his role in 3G Capital and as a major shareholder in Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewery. He ranks 119th in the global standings.
In fourth place is David Vélez, co-founder and CEO of Nubank, who, despite being Colombian, is recognized by Forbes as a Brazilian billionaire due to his wealth amassed in Brazil. Vélez has a net worth of US$ 10.7 billion (R$ 61.74 billion), ranking him 236th overall.
Completing the top five is Carlos Alberto Sicupira, with a fortune of US$ 7.6 billion (R$ 43.77 billion). Sicupira, a partner in 3G Capital, holds about 3% of AB InBev. His wealth has been built through various business ventures, including investments in the food and beverage sector.
This year also marks the debut of Mário Araripe on the Forbes list. Araripe, the founder of Casa dos Ventos, Brazil's largest renewable energy producer, has an estimated fortune of US$ 3 billion (R$ 17.31 billion). His recent success includes selling 34% of his energy generation portfolio to TotalEnergies in a joint venture valued at over US$ 2 billion.
The financial sector remains the most represented among Brazil's billionaires, with 12 individuals, including heirs of traditional banks like Safra and Itaú, as well as founders of fintechs like Nubank and XP. The overall 2025 Forbes list features a record 3,028 billionaires, collectively holding a staggering US$ 16.1 trillion (R$ 91.8 trillion), marking a US$ 2 trillion increase from the previous year.
Elon Musk tops the global list as the richest person with an estimated net worth of US$ 342 billion (R$ 1.95 trillion). The significant changes in the Brazilian billionaire landscape reflect broader economic trends and currency fluctuations that continue to shape wealth distribution in the country.
As the world watches the dynamics of wealth and investment evolve, the Brazilian billionaires' list serves as a barometer of economic health and entrepreneurial success in the region. The resilience of these individuals amidst currency challenges and global economic shifts highlights the ongoing importance of innovation and investment in shaping Brazil's financial future.
