Top 6 Richest People In Chile According To Forbes 2025

In the sprawling economic landscape of Latin America, Chile shines as one of the continent's most stable and progressive economies. Known for its rich mineral resources, strong financial infrastructure, and expanding innovation sectors, Chile has also produced a set of billionaires whose influence stretches far beyond national borders. According to Forbes’ 2025 billionaire rankings, six Chileans have secured their spots among the world’s wealthiest. In this post, we delve into the lives, fortunes, and business empires of the top 6 richest people in Chile.

1. Iris Fontbona & Family – Net Worth: $28.1 Billion

Age: 82
Source of Wealth: Mining
Industry: Metals & Mining

At the very top of Chile’s billionaire list is Iris Fontbona, the matriarch of the Luksic family, one of the wealthiest families in Latin America. Iris inherited her fortune from her late husband, Andrés Luksic, who founded Antofagasta PLC, a major mining company. Today, the family controls one of the largest copper mining empires in the world, operating across Chile and other parts of Latin America.

Beyond mining, the Luksic family has diversified interests in banking (Banco de Chile), beverages (ownership in CCU, one of the largest breweries in the region), and logistics. Iris, along with her sons Jean-Paul and Andrés Jr., manages the expansive empire, maintaining a low profile while commanding significant economic power.

2. Jean Salata – Net Worth: $7.5 Billion

Age: 59
Source of Wealth: Finance
Industry: Finance & Investments

Jean Salata might not be a household name in Chile, but he's a major player in the global investment world. Originally born in Chile and of Chinese heritage, Salata is the founder of Baring Private Equity Asia, one of the largest and most successful private equity firms in Asia.

Salata's journey from being a Goldman Sachs analyst to building a multi-billion-dollar investment empire is nothing short of remarkable. He later sold BPEA to EQT, a Swedish investment firm, in a multi-billion-dollar deal that significantly boosted his net worth. His success highlights Chile’s global diaspora and their increasing influence in international finance.

3. Julio Ponce Lerou – Net Worth: $2.3 Billion

Age: 79
Source of Wealth: Fertilizer
Industry: Metals & Mining

Julio Ponce Lerou is one of the most controversial and powerful businessmen in Chile. Once the son-in-law of dictator Augusto Pinochet, Ponce Lerou became immensely wealthy through his control of SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile), a global leader in the production of lithium, iodine, and potassium nitrate.

While his business acumen is acknowledged, Ponce has faced several allegations and regulatory issues over the years. Despite controversies, he remains a central figure in Chile’s mining industry, especially with the growing demand for lithium in electric vehicle batteries.

4. Roberto Angelini Rossi – Net Worth: $1.9 Billion

Age: 76
Source of Wealth: Forestry, Mining
Industry: Diversified

A scion of the powerful Angelini family, Roberto Angelini Rossi controls the Empresas Copec conglomerate, which has significant interests in forestry (Celulosa Arauco), fuel distribution, and mining. The Angelini group has long been one of the pillars of Chile’s industrial economy.

Copec’s success in exporting pulp and forest products to markets like the U.S., Europe, and Asia has been a strong revenue generator, especially in the last decade. Roberto is known for running a tight ship, emphasizing sustainability and corporate responsibility while growing a billion-dollar business.

5. Patricia Angelini Rossi – Net Worth: $1.5 Billion

Age: 70
Source of Wealth: Forestry, Mining
Industry: Diversified

Patricia Angelini Rossi, a cousin of Roberto, also holds significant shares in Empresas Copec and related ventures. Her wealth is closely tied to the Angelini Group’s diversified operations in mining, fuel distribution, and forestry.

Patricia is an example of how family-run conglomerates continue to dominate the Chilean economic landscape. While she keeps a relatively low public profile, her stake in Chile’s industrial machinery places her firmly among the nation’s elite.

6. Luis Enrique Yarur Rey – Net Worth: $1.3 Billion

Age: 74
Source of Wealth: Banking
Industry: Finance & Investments

Rounding out the top 6 is Luis Enrique Yarur Rey, the chairman of Banco BCI (Banco de Crédito e Inversiones), one of Chile’s largest private banks. With roots tracing back to Palestinian immigration, the Yarur family has been a prominent player in Chilean finance for generations.

Luis Enrique has been pivotal in modernizing BCI and expanding its services domestically and internationally. His leadership has ensured consistent profitability and adaptation to digital banking trends, securing his position among Chile’s financial elite.

Final Thoughts: A Billionaire Landscape Defined by Resources and Resilience

Chile's richest individuals in 2025 showcase a country whose wealth continues to be deeply intertwined with its natural resources — mining, forestry, and energy remain dominant sectors. However, there’s also a growing influence from finance, investment, and technology, signaling a gradual diversification of the economy.

Most notably, many of these billionaires are members of powerful family dynasties, with deep-rooted legacies in their respective industries. From Iris Fontbona’s mining empire to the Angelini family's industrial dominance and Luis Enrique Yarur’s banking clout, wealth in Chile is as much about strategic inheritance as it is about shrewd business decisions.

These six individuals not only reflect personal success but also embody the structure of Chile’s elite economy—where resources, tradition, and global investment converge.

As Chile continues to modernize and face global challenges like climate change, renewable energy transition, and digital transformation, it will be interesting to see how these billionaires adapt, evolve, and influence the next phase of the country’s economic story.