Forbes magazine released its latest list of Asia's 50 richest families from 10 Asian countries last week. South Korea's Lee (Byung-Chull) family, owner of Samsung, emerged as the richest family with a net worth $26.6 billion.

 

To qualify, a family's wealth and participation in building its fortune has to extend at least three generations. Some of the region's biggest patriarchal positions, such as the one originated by Hong Kong's Li Ka-shing, are absent in this inaugural ranking. Though Li's sons are active in business, no grandchildren have taken on any serious roles.

 

Let's take a look at Asia's top 10 richest families.

 

No 1 Lee (Byung-Chull) family

Net worth: $26.6 billion

Source of wealth: Samsung

Location: South Korea

 

No 2 Lee (Shau-kee) family

Net worth: $24.1 billion

Source of wealth: Henderson Development

Location: China's Hong Kong

 

No 3 Ambani family

Net worth: $21.5 billion

Source of wealth: Reliance Group

Location: India

 

No 4 Chearavanont family

Net worth: $19.9 billion

Source of wealth: Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group

Location: Thailand

 

No 5 Kwok family

Net worth: $19.5 billion

Source of wealth: Sun Hung Kai & Co

Location: China's Taiwan

 

No 6 Kwek / Quek family

Net worth: $18.9 billion

Source of wealth: Hong Leong Group

Members: Kwek Leng Beng, Quek Leng Chan

 

No 7 Premji family

Net worth: $17 billion

Source of wealth: Wipro

Location: India

 

No 8 Tsai (Wan-Tsai) family

Net worth: $15.1 billion

Source of wealth: Cathay Financial

Location: China's Taiwan

 

No 9 Hinduja family

Net worth: $15 billion

Source of wealth: Hinduja Group

Location: United Kingdom

 

No 10 Mistry family

Net worth: $14.9 billion

Source of wealth: Shapoorji Pallonji Group

Location: India