Read the screenplay: FANNIEGATE — $7 trillion. 17 years. The biggest fraud in American capital markets.
Li Ka-shing
#47Top 50 Richest People in the World

Li Ka-shing Net Worth

$27B

2026 estimate · Source: CK Hutchison · Hong Kong

Net Worth

$27B

Global Rank

#47

Source

CK Hutchison

Country

Hong Kong

$How Li Ka-shing Built Their Fortune

Li Ka-shing is the founder and former chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings, one of the largest conglomerates in the world, and one of the most influential business leaders in Asian history. Known as 'Superman' in Hong Kong for his extraordinary business acumen, Li built a vast empire spanning ports, telecommunications, retail, energy, infrastructure, and real estate across more than 50 countries. His journey from a refugee who fled mainland China as a child to becoming the richest person in Asia for decades is one of the most inspiring business stories ever told.

Li's genius lies in his ability to see opportunity where others see obstacles and to think decades ahead. He was among the first to invest heavily in Hong Kong real estate in the 1960s, recognizing the city's potential before most others. He later built Hutchison Whampoa into a global infrastructure and telecommunications company, with landmark investments including the development of Europe's 3G mobile networks and the world's largest private port operator. His investment timing — buying undervalued assets and selling at peak — has become legendary.

Even in retirement, Li Ka-shing remains deeply engaged through the Li Ka Shing Foundation, which he considers his 'third son.' The foundation has donated over $3 billion to education, healthcare, and community causes. His support for Shantou University and the Technion-Guangdong Institute of Technology has created world-class educational opportunities in his native Guangdong province. His story of perseverance, vision, and generosity continues to inspire entrepreneurs across Asia and around the world.

vs$27B in Perspective

To put Li Ka-shing's $27B fortune into context, here's what that wealth could buy:

454,667

Median U.S. household incomes

At $59,384/year

64,285

Median U.S. homes

At $420,000 each

692,485

Tesla Model 3s

At $38,990 each

250,000

Four-year college degrees

At $108,000 average

5

NFL franchises

At $4.7B average

1,800

Private islands

At $15,000,000 each

Key Wealth Milestones

1950

Founded Cheung Kong Industries, a plastics manufacturing company, at the age of 22, taking his first step toward building a global business empire from nothing.

1979

Acquired Hutchison Whampoa from HSBC, gaining control of a major British hong and beginning the transformation of a colonial trading house into a modern global conglomerate.

2000

Invested aggressively in European 3G mobile telecommunications, spending over $30 billion on spectrum licenses and network buildout in a bold bet on the future of mobile communication.

2013

Began restructuring his business empire, merging Cheung Kong and Hutchison Whampoa into CK Hutchison to create a more streamlined and globally competitive organization.

2018

Officially retired from active business at age 89 and dedicated himself fully to the Li Ka Shing Foundation, expanding its mission in education and healthcare across Asia.

Where Li Ka-shing Ranks

Global Rank#47

Top 72% of the world's wealthiest · 167 tracked

Nearest by Rank

Richest People in Hong Kong

Li Ka-shing on Wealth & Success

In times of prosperity, be prudent. In adversity, be bold.
Knowledge changes fate. I missed out on formal education, so I value it above everything else.
A business must create value for society, or it has no right to exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Li Ka-shing's net worth in 2026?
Li Ka-shing's estimated net worth is $27B as of 2026, making them the #47 richest person in the world.
How did Li Ka-shing make their money?
Li Ka-shing built their fortune through CK Hutchison. Founded Cheung Kong Industries, a plastics manufacturing company, at the age of 22, taking his first step toward building a global business empire from nothing.
Where does Li Ka-shing rank among the world's richest?
Li Ka-shing is ranked #47 on the global billionaires list, placing them in the top 50 richest people in the world.
What country is Li Ka-shing from?
Li Ka-shing is from Hong Kong.
How does Li Ka-shing's wealth compare to everyday life?
Li Ka-shing's $27B could buy approximately 64,285 median U.S. homes or fund 250,000 four-year college degrees.

Get Glen's Musings

Occasional thoughts on AI, Claude, investing, and building things. Free. No spam.

Unsubscribe anytime. I respect your inbox more than Congress respects property rights.

Keep Exploring

AI-Generated ContentThis profile was created using AI and publicly available sources. While we strive for accuracy, details may contain errors or be outdated. Quotes may be paraphrased or taken out of context. Achievements and figures are based on public reporting and may not be precise. This profile does not imply endorsement by the individual featured. Not financial advice.