Vincent Viola Net Worth

Net Worth Details

Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Viola is an American businessman and U.S. Army veteran who has a net worth of $3.2 billion. He earned his fortune as the founder of Virtu Financial and as the former Chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

Biography

What is Vincent Viola known for?

Vincent Viola is widely known for his successful career in the financial services industry, particularly in electronic trading. He is also notable for being former President Donald Trump’s one-time nominee for Secretary of the Army.

Early life and education

Vincent Viola grew up in New York. His father was an immigrant from Italy who worked as a truck driver to support his family. Vincent attended Brooklyn Tech High School before enrolling in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1977 and went on to complete the U.S. Army Airborne, Infantry, and Ranger Schools. He served in the 101st Airborne Division before pursuing further education at the New York Law School.

Career

Viola started his career on the trading floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). He quickly rose through the ranks and became Vice Chairman (1993-1996) and later Chairman (2001-2004) of NYMEX.

Throughout his career, Viola launched several successful businesses, including Virtu Financial and a regional banking group in Texas, now listed on NASDAQ as IBTX. Currently, he serves as the Executive Chairman of Virtu Financial, a reputable market maker and liquidity provider operating globally across various financial markets.

Aside from his financial ventures, Viola played a significant role in founding the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point shortly after the devastating September 11th attacks in 2001. He has also made investments in the horseracing industry, owning St. Elias Stable and Teresa Viola Racing. Their prized horse, Always Dreaming, won the prestigious Kentucky Derby in 2017.

Real Estate

Vincent Viola and his wife, Teresa Viola, have made substantial real estate investments throughout their lives. In 2005, they acquired a remarkable 20,000 square-foot mansion on the Upper East Side of New York City for $20 million. The six-level home with seven bedrooms underwent extensive renovations that included the addition of a swimming pool, a movie theater, and even a panic room.
In March 2021, the Violas sold this prestigious property for $59 million, following several attempts to sell it for a higher price.
In addition to their Manhattan mansion, the couple owned a home in Brooklyn Heights, which they sold for $25.5 million in January 2021, setting a record for townhouse sale price in the area. Furthermore, in 2017, Vincent Viola purchased another property in Brooklyn Heights for $105 million, intending to convert it into luxury condominiums.

Personal Life

Vincent and Teresa Viola have three sons and share a strong passion for horse racing and breeding. They have been actively involved in the industry and achieved great success with their racing stable. Their love for horses extends beyond racing, as they have also invested in thoroughbred horse breeding.

Achievements

• Vincent Viola is recognized for his entrepreneurial prowess in founding Virtu Financial, a leading market maker in electronic trading.
• His contributions to the finance industry were also evident during his tenure as Chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).
• Viola’s dedication to the United States Army was demonstrated through his service in the 101st Airborne Division and his involvement in the creation of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point.
• As a horse racing enthusiast and investor, Viola celebrated a significant achievement when his horse, Always Dreaming, won the 2017 Kentucky Derby.

The achievements and successes of Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Viola have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in both the financial industry and the world of horseracing. With his notable net worth and compelling career trajectory, Viola remains an inspirational figure for aspiring entrepreneurs.