Decoding Warren Buffett's inheritance: Who (and how much) will inherit his billion-dollar empire?

The era of Warren Buffett is nearing its end.

Warren Buffett, the revered American investor, announced in Omaha Saturday that he would be stepping down as the chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway . The 94-year-old investor also declared that he would ask the board of Berkshire Hathaway to have Greg Abel replace him as CEO at year's end.

“Tomorrow, we’re having a board meeting of Berkshire, and we have 11 directors. Two of the directors, who are my children, Howie and Susie, know of what I’m going to talk about there. The rest of them, this will come as news to, but I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year end,” said Buffett, in the final few minutes of the meeting.

According to Forbes, as of May 3, 2025, Buffett's estimated net worth stood at US$168.2 billion, making him the fifth-richest individual in the world. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Warren Buffett's net worth is estimated at $169 billion. His wealth increased by $16.4 billion in 2025, making him the only top 10 billionaire to gain money this year despite market challenges.

However, the billionaire’s inheritance plan has attracted quite a but of attention for its departure from taking the usual course.



The Buffett inheritance plan:

Earlier this year, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the 94-year-old billionaire stated that almost all of his remaining wealth will be directed to a new charitable trust – a move that represents a shift in Buffett's philanthropic approach, with a stronger focus on family values and long-term impact.


The Buffett children:

Billionaire Buffett famously told Fortune in 1986 that he would give his children “enough money so that they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing.” Keeping up with that value, some of Buffett’s wealth will be passed down to his children in the form of gifts to their respective philanthropic organizations.


Warren Buffett’s new charitable trust will be led by his three children: Susie, Howie, and Peter Buffett. They must make decisions together about how to distribute the funds.

Although the trust will run independently, Buffett has provided his children with guidance on their focus areas. He noted, “There are eight billion people in the world, and me and my kids, we’ve been in the luckiest 100th of 1 percent or something. There are lots of ways to help people.” This experience will be important for managing the funds and continuing their family’s legacy of giving.


Closing the door on the Gates Foundation:

One significant change in Buffett’s charitable plan is that he will stop donating to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation after his death. Since 2006, Buffett has given over $39 billion to the foundation, but he made it clear that no further contributions will come after he passes away. “The Gates Foundation has no money coming after my death,” Buffett stated.


Philanthropic evolution:

Buffett's views on charity have changed a lot over the years. He originally thought it was best to hold onto his wealth and give it away later. However, in 2006, he began annual donations to the Gates Foundation and some family foundations. Although he has given away much of his fortune, plans for distributing the remaining wealth were uncertain until now. He believes his children are better equipped to handle the complex task of managing wealth in today's changing tax environment.

“I like to think I can think outside the box, but I’m not sure if I can think outside the box when it’s six feet below the surface,” he joked, emphasizing the need to hand over responsibility to the next generation.


Carrying forward the Buffett legacy:

Buffett’s son, Peter, shared that each of the children received $90,000 in Berkshire Hathaway stock when they were younger. He explained in an interview that he got his stock at 19 as his only inheritance and used it to buy recording equipment.

According to Fortune, Buffett also gave his children a few thousand dollars at Christmas.

The biggest gifts to the children have been for their organizations, which Buffett and his late wife, Susan, set up for them. In 2006, Buffett gifted each of his children $17.5 million in Class B Berkshire Hathaway shares for their charities.


On his 82nd birthday in 2012, Buffett made the largest gift yet to their organizations by doubling his previous commitment, promising 12.2 million shares of Class B stock. This will average about $100 million in annual gifts. When Buffett’s estate is fully distributed, each organization is set to receive a total of $2.5 billion.

The new trust aims to manage money while upholding the philanthropic values Buffett has advocated throughout his life. Susie Buffett, who runs the Sherwood Foundation, indicated that it is too early to define their plans, but they are committed to building on their previous work. Howie Buffett, who heads the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, echoed this sentiment by stressing their father’s vision for future charity efforts.

Buffett’s transition from individual foundations to a family trust emphasizes the importance of teamwork in making a lasting difference. His children are prepared to continue his legacy, focusing on meaningful changes in communities that need help.


Warren Buffett’s decision to move his wealth to a family trust shows his strong belief in the power of family, unlike Rupert Murdoch, and the lasting impact of philanthropy. For Susie, Howie, and Peter, their role is not just a financial responsibility; it is an honor to uphold the values of hard work, responsibility, and generosity that their father instilled in them. Buffett’s legacy reminds us that wealth should be used to help others, and true impact comes from the values passed down through generations.