Meet The Richest Man Alive, Worth $69 Billion Dollars

This man right here is known as Carlos Slim Helu and according to Forbes, the Mexican man is currently the richest alive (2012). He is worth USD$69 billion dollars and now USD$8 billion richer than Bill Gate, the former richest man in the world who is currently holding the number two position.
Circumstances which contributed to the astonishing increase in his wealth
A 19% rise in the Mexican stock market, a stronger peso, and successful mining and real estate spinoffs from conglomerate Grupo Carso all contributed to the astonishing increase.

He also merged his fixed-line telecom company into America Movil, Latin America's largest wireless carrier; the Slim family stake in that holding accounts for 62% of his net worth.

He has other holdings in retailer Saks and the New York Times. Recently opened a new building for his Soumaya Museum, which houses his vast art collection. It is open to the public for free.