1 / 11Forbes’ most recent list of the world’s most powerful women highlights influential figures in international politics, finance, technology, and philanthropy. The December 2025 report indicates that prominent banking executives and political leaders make up the majority of the world’s most powerful women, with Ursula von der Leyen at the top of the list for her leadership of the European Union. (Images Reuters) The following are the Top 10 most powerful women in the world, according to the latest Forbes ranking.
2 / 11Ursula von der Leyen – President, European Commission | Appointed president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen tops the list of the 10 most powerful women in the world. She controls policy decisions that impact over 450 million people across the EU, and plays an important role in international diplomacy, economic strategy, and environmental policy. (CNBCTV18.com file)
3 / 11Christine Lagarde – President, European Central Bank | Christine Lagarde came in second by becoming the first woman to head the European Central Bank on November 1, 2019. She has been at the core of significant monetary choices that have an impact on the eurozone, especially during times of economic instability and inflation. (Image Reuters)
4 / 11Sanae Takaichi – Prime Minister of Japan | Third place goes to Sanae Takaichi, the prime minister of Japan. She has drawn attention from all around the world for her role in influencing Japan’s security and economic policies as the first female leader of the third-largest economy in the world. (Image Reuters)
5 / 11Giorgia Meloni – Prime Minister of Italy | Taking the fourth position, Giorgia Meloni became the first female prime minister in Italian history when she assumed office on October 22, 2022. Meloni has solidified her political power since taking office and has pursued a political agenda centred on social conservatism, immigration control, and protectionist economic policies. (Image Reuters)
6 / 11Claudia Sheinbaum – President of Mexico | Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum stands fifth on the list. Claudia made history by winning a landslide election to become the first female president of Mexico in June 2024. Her leadership has played a crucial role in determining North America’s manufacturing transition and economic strategy through nearshoring initiatives. (Image Reuters)
7 / 11Julie Sweet – Chair and CEO, Accenture | Sixth place goes to Julie Sweet, who took over as CEO of the multinational services firm Accenture in September 2019. She is in charge of a tech giant that is advancing AI adoption and digital transformation for big businesses all over the world. Sweet is also a member of the board of directors of Catalyst, the Business Roundtable, and the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum. (Image Reuters)
8 / 11Mary Barra – CEO, General Motors | The long-time leader of General Motors, Mary Barra, comes in at number seven. Barra is the first female head of one of the three major American manufacturers. She has spearheaded the company’s transition to electric cars and self-driving vehicles. (Image Reuters)
9 / 11Jane Fraser – CEO, Citigroup | Longtime Citigroup executive-turned-CEO Jane Fraser ranks eighth. She is an important player in the world’s financial markets and made history as the first female head of a major Wall Street bank. Fraser succeeded CEO Michael Corbat in 2020 and officially assumed the role in March 2021.
10 / 11Abigail Johnson – Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Investments | Abigail Johnson is the head of Fidelity Investments, a financial behemoth that manages trillions of dollars. She is one of the most influential executives in the world due to her impact on financial markets and investment management. As of March 2025, the company manages $5.9 trillion in discretionary assets, and Abigail owns an estimated 29% of it.
11 / 11Lisa Su – CEO, AMD | Rounding out the top 10 is Lisa Su, CEO of semiconductor company AMD. Under her direction, the business has grown to be a significant force in the worldwide race for AI chips and advanced computing. Revenues for ADM reached $25.8 billion in 2024, up 14% and 370% since Su took over as CEO in 2014. (Image Reuters)
