In a global environment marked by economic uncertainty, international trade shifts, and political tensions, the list of Mexico’s richest individuals in 2025 offers more than just impressive numbers. It reflects the country’s economic structure, its dominant industries, and the challenges faced even by those at the financial summit.
According to Forbes México, the combined wealth of the top 10 richest Mexicans reached $148.3 billion USD this year, representing a 15% decrease compared to 2024. This decline highlights the pressure faced by major capital holders, particularly in Latin America.
Diversification and Resilience: The Key to Mexican Billionaires’ Success
A common thread among these billionaires is the diversification of their business portfolios. Rather than relying on a single industry, their empires span mining, telecommunications, energy, entertainment, banking, real estate, and even fashion. This strategy has been crucial in withstanding an increasingly volatile world.
Carlos Slim Helú, for example, remains the richest man in both Mexico and Latin America. Although his fortune dropped by 19.1% from the previous year, his investments in telecommunications, infrastructure, and retail—through América Móvil, Grupo Carso, and Sanborns—remain pillars of the national economy. His decision to invest over $800 million USD in 2025 reflects ongoing confidence in the country’s future.
Germán Larrea, head of Grupo México, exemplifies the continued strength of the mining sector. His business also includes transportation and infrastructure. Despite a drop in net profit due to higher taxes, the company plans capital investments exceeding $15 billion USD over this decade in Mexico and Peru.
Female Leadership and Modern Business Strategies
One standout figure this year is María Asunción Aramburuzabala, who rose from fifth to third place on the list, thanks to a more than 40% increase in her wealth. As chair of Tresalia Capital, she has built a modern investment portfolio that includes technology, banking, real estate, and venture capital.
She is not only Mexico’s richest woman but also a model for how legacy businesses can evolve into innovation platforms. Her involvement in high-end real estate projects and global investment initiatives underscores the critical role women are playing in business leadership.
Transitions, Controversies, and a New Generation of Tycoons
2025 has also been a year of notable transitions within Mexico’s financial elite. Alejandro Baillères, head of Grupo BAL, increased his wealth through investments in mining (Peñoles), insurance, retail, and even oil. His department store chain, El Palacio de Hierro, reported strong consumer recovery, with revenues rising across several segments.
Ricardo Salinas Pliego had a much rougher year. His fortune dropped by more than 60%, pushing him down two spots in Mexico’s ranking and nearly 600 globally. Legal battles over tax debts, the delisting of Elektra from the Mexican Stock Exchange, and his outspoken social media presence have kept him in the public eye.
Another figure is Carlos Hank Rhon, whose fortune also declined. Nevertheless, his influence remains solid thanks to stakes in Banorte—Mexico’s second-largest bank—and the Hermes industrial conglomerate.
More Than Wealth: What These Figures Say About Modern Mexico
These billionaire names are not just figures on a chart; they also represent economic power structures in Mexico. Most are deeply entrenched in strategic sectors like telecommunications, banking, energy, and mining. Many also maintain close ties with political leaders, which provides them an advantage in adapting to policy shifts.
The overall decline in wealth this year reflects the fragility of even the largest fortunes in today’s global economy, but it also shows that Mexico continues to be fertile ground for those who diversify, innovate, and invest for the long term.
With renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and the world, and the return of Donald Trump to office, Mexican business leaders face a complex international environment—alongside increased scrutiny from domestic regulatory and fiscal authorities.
The wealth of these individuals should not be viewed solely in terms of financial success, but as part of a broader narrative about Mexico’s economic transformation. The decisions these tycoons make—regarding investment, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility—will deeply shape the country’s future.
In a world where global power is being redefined and younger generations are more critical of wealth concentration, Mexican billionaires must do more than protect their riches: they must redefine their role in society.
