1. Carlos Slim

Despite his net worth falling US$5 billion since last year, Mexican telecoms magnate Carlos Slim holds onto the top spot for a third year running with a fortune US$69 billion. His company's shares have fallen this year, and they were fined US$1 billion by Mexican regulators for supposed monopolistic practices, a decision which they are appealing. The 72-year-old has decided to devote more time to developing his philanthropic work.