Barbados may be a small island, but it has produced some big fortunes. In 2026, the wealthiest Barbadians range from global icons like Rihanna, who is the island’s only billionaire, to influential business leaders, property developers, and entrepreneurs whose fortunes sit in the millions.
Based on the most recent data, Rihanna is the richest person in Barbados with an estimated US$1 billion net worth. At the second position is industrialist Sir Kyffin Simpson with an estimated net worth of around US$400 million. Beyond these two, the rankings include real estate moguls, musicians, athletes, and local business pioneers whose success stories show the diversity of wealth on the island.
In this article, we present the 10 richest people in Barbados in 2026, based on the current net worth estimates, along with profiles of their backgrounds, major holdings, and how they built their wealth.
Key Takeaways
Rihanna is not just Barbados’s most famous export, she is its richest resident. Born in Saint Michael, she rose to global stardom with chart-topping hits before pivoting into business. Her biggest financial windfall came from co-founding Fenty Beauty with LVMH in 2017.
By 2021, the brand was valued at over US$2.8 billion, securing Rihanna’s billionaire status. She also holds equity in Savage X Fenty, her lingerie brand, and continues to earn royalties from her extensive music catalog.
Beyond business, Rihanna has invested in philanthropy through the Clara Lionel Foundation, funding global health and education initiatives. She is widely regarded as a role model for entrepreneurs worldwide—proof that cultural influence and strategic business moves can create generational wealth.
Sir Kyffin Simpson is a business magnate whose influence spans across the Caribbean. Founder of Simpson Motors, he transformed the automotive sector in Barbados, introducing brands like Suzuki to the region. His wealth further expanded through energy and real estate ventures.
Knighted for his contributions to business, Simpson’s wealth is conservatively estimated at US$400 million, making him one of the most significant figures in the Barbadian economy. His business empire provides employment across the island and demonstrates the impact of visionary entrepreneurship in small island nations.
Bjorn Bjerkhamn is a construction mogul and industrialist who has played a crucial role in shaping Barbados’s infrastructure. His company, Jada Group, is behind some of the island’s most prominent construction and development projects.
While his net worth, at an estimated US$15 million, is modest compared to global standards, in Barbados’s context it places him among the elite. His work in building luxury properties and commercial projects ties directly into the island’s tourism-driven economy.
Peter Odle is a respected name in Barbados’s tourism and hospitality industry. Owner of Mango Bay Hotel, he has decades of experience in managing properties that cater to the island’s thriving visitor economy.
Odle also holds positions in various tourism organizations and has been an outspoken advocate for the sector’s development. His net worth of US$5.1 million underscores the profitability of Barbados’s most vital industry.
Gabriel Abed is widely recognized as a pioneer of blockchain technology in the Caribbean. He co-founded Bitt Inc., a fintech company that developed digital currency solutions and worked with regional central banks on blockchain adoption.
Abed’s innovative work positioned Barbados at the forefront of digital finance in the Caribbean. His estimated net worth of US$4.5 million reflects the value of his ventures, equity stakes, and global advisory roles.
Shontelle Layne is a Barbadian singer-songwriter best known for hits like T-Shirt and for co-writing Rihanna’s global smash Man Down. Beyond performing, her career has been sustained by songwriting royalties and collaborations with international artists.
Her net worth of US$4 million is primarily derived from publishing and performance royalties, and she remains one of the most recognizable Barbadian musicians after Rihanna.
Mark Maloney is a property developer who has played a major role in shaping modern Barbados. His company, Preconco Limited, has been involved in large-scale housing and infrastructure projects, as well as luxury developments.
Though not widely covered in international financial media, his local impact is undeniable. His estimated net worth of US$3 million places him within the island’s wealthiest class.
Zane Maloney is one of Barbados’s rising stars in international motorsport. Competing in Formula 2 and serving as a Formula 1 reserve driver, he has attracted sponsorships and contracts that make him one of the island’s wealthiest young athletes.
His estimated net worth of US$2 million comes primarily from racing contracts, endorsements, and performance bonuses.
Ron Karp has been a staple of Barbados’s real estate market since the 1980s, when he founded Ron Karp Realty. His agency has managed property sales, rentals, and developments for both locals and international buyers.
While his net worth is modest by global standards—estimated at US$1.5 million—his contributions to real estate make him a respected figure in Barbados’s business community.
Ralph “Bizzy” Williams is an industrialist and entrepreneur who founded Williams Industries, a group of companies involved in manufacturing, construction, and energy. His businesses have provided jobs and supported the island’s economic growth for decades.
With an estimated net worth of US$1 million, Williams remains an influential figure whose legacy is defined not just by wealth, but by his role in building Barbados’s industrial capacity.
The richest person in Barbados in 2026 is Rihanna. She has an estimated net worth of US$1 billion, according to latest data by Forbes. Her fortune is driven primarily by her beauty and fashion brands, Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, along with royalties from her music career.
Again, the answer is Rihanna. She is not just the richest woman in Barbados, but the richest individual overall, making her a trailblazer in both entertainment and business.
At only 21 years old, Zane Maloney is the youngest richest person in Barbados with an estimated net worth of around $2 million.
Barbados may not have dozens of billionaires, but the stories of its wealthiest citizens show how diverse industries; music and beauty to real estate, tourism, and fintech can generate fortunes. While Rihanna’s global empire stands far above the rest, the other nine are also rich and they demonstrate that persistence, vision, and innovation can carve paths to financial success, even in small island economies.
I am Eddah, a professional blogger specializing in wealth analysis and financial insights. As a contributor to Fineducke.com, I explore the world’s richest individuals, their net worth, and financial moves shaping economies. With a keen eye for detail, I turn complex data into engaging, easy-to-read content that informs and inspires
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