Zhang Yin: The world's richest self-made woman

Zhang Yin, the 49-year-old founder of paper recycler Nine Dragons, has just emerged not only as the richest entrepreneur in China, but also as the wealthiest self-made woman in the world.

"Make way for the Big Momma of the Billionaires' Club," says the Daily Express. The Big Momma in question is Zhang Yin, a 49-year-old paper recycler who has just emerged not only as the richest entrepreneur in China, but also as the wealthiest self-made woman in the world. According to the Hurun Report rich list, Zhang, despite being almost unknown in the wider world, has suddenly arrived at the top of the list with a net worth of $3.4bn. Many of China's new entrepreneurs keep a low profile, but Zhang is in a class of her own when it comes to elusiveness. "Even her name is the subject of some contention" she's known to many as Cheung Yan. Short-haired, simply dressed and slightly stocky, she was ranked 36th on last year's list, with her leap in fortune being down to the public listing of her firm, Nine Dragons Paper, in Hong Kong in March.

Zhang, who continues to hold a 72% stake, had some powerful champions who helped put her on the map, notes the FT. Three of Asia's most influential businessmen, Cheng Yu-tung, Robert Kuok and Lee Shau-kee, snapped up some $20m worth of shares, leading to a stampede of interest in Nine Dragons: the shares have since rocketed by 165%.

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