Number of female billionaires increases sevenfold in 20 years

Asian entrepreneurs pushing numbers up to 145, but still outnumbered by the 1,202 male billionaires

The number of female billionaires worldwide has increased nearly sevenfold in the past 20 years to 145 - and it is Asian entrepreneurs who are driving this growth, according to a study.

The report found that women have outpaced men when it comes to membership of the billionaires' club, with their ranks and wealth growing at faster rates. The number compares with only 22 in 1995.