Sitting atop a $39 billion iron ore fortune and the AFR Rich List, Gina Rinehart is a prime example of a local billionaire who is building a network of influence.

The seemingly unusual move by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart reflects a broader shift under way in global markets.

Sitting atop a $39 billion iron ore fortune and the AFR Rich List, Gina Rinehart is a prime example of a local billionaire who is building a network of influence.