As of 2026, Chile is home to 6 billionaires, most tied to the capital Santiago. How many billionaires are in Chile, and who is the richest? The wealthiest is Iris Fontbona and family, worth about $52.6 billion from metals and mining through a controlling stake in copper producer Antofagasta. This guide profiles the nation's wealthiest and where they live.
Chile, with its capital Santiago as the center of wealth, is home to 6 billionaires who have built their fortunes in industries like Metals & Mining, Finance, Banking, and Forestry. The country’s richest, Iris Fontbona & family, exemplify the significant role of the Metals & Mining sector in shaping the profiles of Chile’s ultra-wealthy.
How many billionaires are in Chile?
As of 2026, Chile is home to 6 billionaires, most of them based in or tied to the capital city of Santiago. The country’s economy continues to be anchored by copper mining, retail, banking, and forestry, while drawing investment into emerging sectors like technology and renewable energy.
Top 5 Billionaires in Chile 2026
Who has the highest net worth in Chile?
1. Iris Fontbona & family
Iris Fontbona, born in 1943, is a female billionaire and the widow of Andronico Luksic Abaroa. As of 2026, she is ranked 35th worldwide with a net worth of approximately 52.6 billion US dollars. She is not self-made; her wealth derives from the Metals & Mining industry through the family’s controlling stake in Antofagasta plc, a Santiago-based copper producer. She is based in Santiago, Chile.
2. Jean Salata
Jean Salata, born in 1965, is a self-made billionaire of Chilean and Hong Kong nationality. As of 2026, his net worth is approximately 8.4 billion US dollars, ranking him 422nd in the world. His wealth comes from Finance & Investments as the founder of Baring Private Equity Asia, now part of EQT AB, where he serves as chairperson of the board. He is based in Hong Kong.
3. Julio Ponce Lerou
Julio Ponce Lerou, born in 1945, is a self-made male billionaire. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at approximately 3.9 billion US dollars, ranking him 1,108th in the world. His main source of wealth is Metals & Mining, specifically his stake in fertilizer and lithium producer Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM). He is based in Santiago, Chile.
4. Luis Enrique Yarur Rey
Luis Enrique Yarur Rey, born in 1951, is a male billionaire. As of 2026, his net worth is approximately 2.5 billion US dollars, ranking him 1,676th in the world. His wealth comes from Banking through his controlling interest in Banco de Credito e Inversiones (BCI), one of Chile’s largest private banks. He is based in Santiago, Chile.
5. Roberto Angelini Rossi
Roberto Angelini Rossi, born in 1948, is a male non-self-made billionaire. As of 2026, his net worth is approximately 2 billion US dollars, ranking him 2,052nd in the world. His wealth is sourced from the forestry, energy, and fishing interests of Grupo Angelini, including Empresas Copec. He is based in Santiago, Chile.
Sources:
Forbes Billionaires List 2026
List of Chileans by net worth (Forbes 2026, retrieved March 2026)
Last updated: June 19, 2026
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