6. Thomas Peterffy (Net Worth: $15.3 billion)
Millions traders who log into Interactive Brokers Group company’s website every day should know who this man is. Thomas Peterffy is not just the owner of the company, but also the mind behind it. Back when he was still a broker, he built trading models not just for him, but also for other brokers at Wall Street.
Thomas was indeed one of the first to pioneer electronic trading. And he did not just stop right there. He continued his success on founding Timber Hill, a market-maker company. Then he started his brokerage business when the trading world turned faster in the millennial era.
If we look back to where he was before all of these, it would be clear to see that Thomas is living the American dream. He came to the United States as a refugee from Hungary during Russian bombing raid. He did not even know how to speak English.
Decades later, he does not just speak English well, but he also speaks another universal language: money. Today, Thomas is worth around $15.3 billion.
