Which family was named the world’s richest family by Forbes in 2016?

The Walton family was named the world’s richest family by Forbes in 2016.

The family’s fortune came primarily from Walmart, the retail corporation founded by Sam Walton in 1962. Forbes estimated the combined wealth of Walton family members at about $149 billion in the 2016 family-fortunes ranking.

Walmart grew from Sam Walton’s discount-store strategy into one of the world’s largest retailers. His heirs, including Rob, Jim, and Alice Walton, held substantial interests in the company through family investment structures. Their wealth therefore reflected ownership of a major public corporation rather than one individual salary.

Family-wealth rankings combine the assets of relatives who share a common business origin. They are different from Forbes’ billionaire list, which ranks individuals. Estimates can vary because public-company shares change value, private holdings are difficult to price, and family members may own different percentages.