Chairman Wang Jianlin breaks into top 20 on Forbes global rich list, becoming wealthiest Chinese
03.03.2016
Forbes published its latest list of the world’s richest people on March 1, 2016. In addition to becoming the world’s wealthiest Chinese, Wanda Group Chairman Wang Jianlin broke into the top 20, landing at No. 18 with a US$28.7 billion fortune. This was the highest ever ranking achieved by a mainland Chinese billionaire.
Bill Gates held on to the top spot for the third consecutive year on the strength of his US$75 billion personal fortune.
The average wealth on the 2016 list decreased in tandem with the number of billionaires for the first time since 2009, as per press reports. Volatile stock markets, falling oil prices and a stronger dollar were blamed for the decline in the average wealth.
The combined wealth of the world's richest 20 people shrank by over US$70 billion to US$827 billion, hit by volatility in global financial markets.
Chairman Wang’s fortune grew remarkably, showing good momentum of growth at Wanda Group. Last year, Wang Jianlin was No. 29 with US$24.2 billion.