The Obando family has a significant presence in El Salvador's construction and real estate sectors. They own a hotel chain and have developed several high-end residential and commercial projects.
The 14 Richest Families in El Salvador: Power, Wealth, and Legacy (2026 Edition)
Originally German immigrants. They built Grupo Jager , a monopoly on industrial sacks, plastic packaging, and petrochemicals. They are low-profile but essential to the country's manufacturing backbone. 14 richest families in el salvador best
: Led by the late Ricardo Poma until August 2025, the Grupo Poma conglomerate dominates automotive sales, real estate, and luxury hotels.
: Historically significant financial groups that have seen various acquisitions and restructuring over the decades. Current Wealth Landscape The Obando family has a significant presence in
The Moreno family has a strong presence in El Salvador's financial sector, with interests in banking, insurance, and other financial services. They own Banco Morenos, a leading bank in the country.
The "14 families" is more a symbolic number than a fixed list. Today, the , Simán , Poma , and Salaverría families arguably hold the most liquid wealth. Notably, President Nayib Bukele has frequently clashed with these traditional elites, accusing them of being a "mafia" that controlled the country for 30 years via the ARENA party. Conversely, critics argue Bukele has simply replaced their political power with his own, while their economic assets remain intact. They built Grupo Jager , a monopoly on
Any review of this topic must address the violence that this concentration of wealth engendered. The inflexibility of these families regarding land reform was a primary catalyst for the Salvadoran Civil War (1979–1992).