Microsoft founder Bill Gates tops Forbes billionaire ranking
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has cemented his position as the richest person in the world after topping Forbes magazine’s billionaire ranking for the 16th time.
Gates has relinquished the top spot just four times in the past 20 years and has actually seen his wealth increase despite retiring from the software giant which made his name and becoming a high profile philanthropist.
In the year to February Gates saw his bank balance swell by over $3bn to $79bn, putting him at the head of an exclusive club of 1,826 global billionaires.
Hot on his heels is Mexican Caarlos Slim however, who has an estimated worth of $77.1bn amassed from his array of telecoms and construction interests, enough to edge him ahead of renowned investor Warren Buffet – who must eke a living from a mere $72.7bn bank balance.
Forbes 2015 top ten richest:
1. Bill Gates $79.2bn (Microsoft)
2. Carlos Slim Helu $77.1bn (Phones and construction in Mexico)
3. Warren Buffett $72.7bn (Global investor)
4. Amancio Ortega $64.5bn (Zara and other fashion chains)
5. Larry Ellison $54.3bn (Oracle data storage technology)
6. Charles Koch $42.9bn (Industrialist)
7. David Koch $42.9bn (Industrialist)
8. Christy Walton $41.7bn (Walmart retail giant)
9. Jim Walton $40.6bn (Walmart retail giant)
10. Liliane Bettencourt $40.1bn (L'Oreal cosmetics firm)