Top 10 Richest Men In The United Kingdom According To Forbes (2025)

When most people think of billionaires, their minds drift to Silicon Valley tech titans, oil magnates from the Middle East, or real estate moguls from Hong Kong. But the United Kingdom has its own league of extraordinary wealthy individuals — a mix of self-made entrepreneurs, hedge fund masters, manufacturing pioneers, and real estate tycoons. According to the latest Forbes data, the richest men in Britain aren’t just sitting on inherited fortunes; many have built their empires from the ground up, riding waves of innovation, finance, and strategic investments.

Let’s take a detailed look at the top 10 richest men in the UK — their net worth, business empires, and the industries that made them billionaires.

1. Michael Platt – $18.8 Billion

• Age: 57

• Source: Hedge Funds

• Industry: Finance & Investments

Michael Platt is the co-founder and CEO of BlueCrest Capital Management, one of the most successful hedge funds in the world. Known for his razor-sharp trading instincts and risk management strategies, Platt has built a reputation as one of the most skilled hedge fund managers in modern finance.

BlueCrest started in 2000 as a multi-strategy hedge fund and transitioned into a private investment partnership in 2015, focusing solely on managing Platt’s and his partners’ money. This shift removed regulatory restrictions, allowing greater freedom in trading strategies — a move that has significantly boosted his wealth.

Platt’s dominance in the finance world is a reminder of how high-level expertise, coupled with disciplined execution, can yield astronomical results in the investment arena.

2. James Ratcliffe – $16 Billion

• Age: 72

• Source: Chemicals (INEOS)

• Industry: Manufacturing

James Ratcliffe is the founder, chairman, and majority owner of INEOS, a multinational chemicals company. What makes Ratcliffe’s story impressive is his entrepreneurial grit — starting INEOS in 1998 and transforming it into one of the largest chemical companies globally.

Beyond chemicals, Ratcliffe is known for his investments in sports. He owns French football club OGC Nice and has a significant stake in Manchester United. His ability to diversify across industries while maintaining focus on his core business shows strategic adaptability.

Ratcliffe’s empire stands as proof that traditional industries like manufacturing can still produce mega-billionaires in a tech-dominated world.

3. James Dyson – $14.6 Billion

• Age: 77

• Source: Vacuums (Dyson Ltd.)

• Industry: Manufacturing

Sir James Dyson is the inventor and founder behind the global household brand Dyson, famous for its innovative vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, and hair styling products. His story is one of perseverance — Dyson famously built over 5,000 prototypes before perfecting his first vacuum cleaner.

Dyson’s business success rests on a core principle: solving real-world problems through engineering innovation. His company has expanded into electric vehicle research and other futuristic technologies, proving that constant reinvention keeps a brand ahead of the curve.

4. David Reuben – $12.8 Billion

• Age: 86

• Source: Investments, Real Estate

• Industry: Real Estate

David Reuben, alongside his brother Simon, built one of the largest property empires in the UK. The Reuben brothers’ wealth comes primarily from real estate investments, particularly in prime London properties, as well as diversified holdings in technology, finance, and hospitality.

Their strategy is simple yet powerful — acquire undervalued assets, improve them, and hold for long-term gains. Even in a volatile property market, their empire has consistently appreciated in value.

5. Simon Reuben – $12.8 Billion

• Age: 83

• Source: Real Estate, Investments

• Industry: Diversified

Simon Reuben shares both the fortune and the business ventures with his brother David. The Reuben brothers’ combined influence in the UK’s property market is immense, with holdings that include office spaces, luxury hotels, and residential projects.

Their success illustrates how a long-term, patient approach to investing can build generational wealth.

6. Christopher Hohn – $9.2 Billion

• Age: 58

• Source: Hedge Funds (TCI Fund Management)

• Industry: Finance & Investments

Sir Christopher Hohn is the founder of The Children’s Investment Fund Management (TCI), a London-based hedge fund known for its activist investment approach. Hohn often takes large positions in companies and pushes for strategic changes to improve shareholder value.

His financial acumen has made him one of the most powerful voices in global investment circles. Interestingly, Hohn is also one of the most generous philanthropists in Britain, donating billions to causes like climate change and global health.

7. Anthony Bamford & Family – $9.1 Billion

• Age: 79

• Source: Construction Equipment (JCB)

• Industry: Construction & Engineering

Anthony Bamford inherited and expanded JCB, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and agricultural equipment. Under his leadership, JCB has remained a privately-owned business but has expanded globally, producing thousands of machines each year.

Bamford’s long-term focus on quality manufacturing and global market penetration has ensured the brand’s continued dominance in the industry.

8. Nik Storonsky – $7.9 Billion

• Age: 40

• Source: Fintech (Revolut)

• Industry: Finance & Investments

Nik Storonsky is the youngest billionaire on this list and represents the new wave of digital finance entrepreneurs. He co-founded Revolut, a financial technology company offering banking services without the overhead of traditional banks.

Revolut’s rapid growth has made it one of the UK’s most valuable fintech companies, disrupting the banking sector with innovative products like cryptocurrency trading and global spending without fees.

9. Denise Coates – $7.3 Billion

• Age: 57

• Source: Online Gambling (Bet365)

• Industry: Gambling & Casinos

Denise Coates is the co-CEO of Bet365, one of the world’s largest online gambling companies. While she is the only woman in the UK’s top 10 billionaires list, her story is extraordinary. She transformed a small chain of betting shops into a global online powerhouse.

Bet365’s success lies in its early move into online sports betting, intuitive platform design, and relentless marketing strategy.

10. Alexander Gerko – $7.2 Billion

• Age: 45

• Source: Trading (XTX Markets)

• Industry: Finance & Investments

Alexander Gerko is the founder of XTX Markets, a leading algorithmic trading company. Using complex mathematical models and high-speed computing, XTX has become a major player in the global financial markets.

Gerko’s story is a testament to how technology and finance intersect to create massive wealth in the 21st century.

Economic Perspective: What This List Reveals

The UK’s richest men come from a surprisingly diverse range of industries:

• Finance & Investments: Hedge funds, trading, and fintech dominate the top positions.

• Manufacturing: Traditional industries like chemicals and machinery still produce billionaires.

• Real Estate: A consistent wealth builder, especially in London’s lucrative market.

• Tech & Digital Services: Fintech and online platforms are climbing the ranks fast.

Interestingly, while tech billionaires dominate the US and China, the UK’s list shows a balance between old-economy industries and the new digital economy. This reflects the UK’s mixed-market structure and its position as both a financial hub and a center for innovation.

Final Thoughts

The top 10 richest men in the UK represent more than just vast fortunes — they are symbols of different eras and sectors of the economy. From Michael Platt’s hedge fund empire to Nik Storonsky’s fintech disruption, these billionaires have shaped industries, influenced markets, and left a lasting mark on Britain’s economic landscape.

The variety in their sources of wealth — from chemicals to online gambling — is a reminder that in the UK, wealth can be built in almost any sector, provided there’s vision, resilience, and a willingness to innovate.