6. Wu Bingjian (1769-1843)

Occupation: Trader

Source of wealth: Import/export, money-lending

Assets: Millions of silver dollars

Claim to fame: Richest businessman in the world in his time

Howqua’s father was one of a handful of Chinese merchants permitted to trade silk and porcelain with foreigners. Howqua’s family accepted payment only in silver; they didn’t see any foreign goods they wanted. In 1789, Howqua took over the business from his father. He lent enormous sums to foreign traders (up to a million silver dollars at a time) in exchange for a share of the shipments. He was also a public benefactor, donating 1.1 million silver dollars toward reparations after the First Opium War. Howqua was so widely known in his time that his portrait still hangs in several Salem, Mass., and Newport, R.I., mansions built by American merchants who traded with him.

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