Richard Fairbank Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Richard Fairbank, born in 1953, began his career in the early 1980s after graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in economics. He started at First National Bank of Omaha as a management trainee, marking the beginning of his journey in the financial sector.

In 1985, Fairbank took a significant leap in his career when he joined the consumer finance division of Control Data Corporation. It was here that he first envisioned the concept of a credit card company that would focus on consumers with less-than-perfect credit, an idea that would later revolutionize the industry.

Richard Fairbank’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Richard Fairbank’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his role as the co-founder and chairman of Capital One, a leading credit card issuer and bank in the United States.

Career

Richard Fairbank’s career spans over four decades, with a notable focus on the financial services industry. He co-founded Capital One in 1988, serving as its CEO from 1988 to 2010 and as chairman since then. Under his leadership, Capital One grew from a small start-up to a Fortune 500 company.

Other Ventures

In addition to his role at Capital One, Fairbank has been involved in various other ventures. He serves on the board of directors for Amazon, a role he has held since 2005. He also co-founded and chairs the Fairbank Foundation, a private grantmaking organization focused on education and community development.

Assets

Richard Fairbank’s assets primarily consist of his stake in Capital One. As of 2025, he owns approximately 10% of the company’s shares. He also owns several properties, including a residence in McLean, Virginia, valued at around $5 million.

Annual Income

As of 2025, Richard Fairbank’s annual income is estimated to be around $12 million. This includes his salary as the chairman of Capital One, which was $12 million in 2020, according to the company’s proxy statement. His annual income also includes earnings from his investments and other ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Richard Fairbank

Frequently Asked Questions: Richard Fairbank Net Worth

1. What is Richard Fairbank’s net worth?

Richard Fairbank’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.5 billion.

2. How did Richard Fairbank make his money?

Richard Fairbank co-founded Capital One, a financial services company, in 1986. He served as the CEO until 2018 and has been the executive chairman since then. His wealth primarily comes from his stake in Capital One and the company’s success.

3. What is Richard Fairbank’s role at Capital One?

Richard Fairbank is the executive chairman of Capital One. He served as the CEO of the company from its founding in 1986 until 2018.

4. What is Richard Fairbank’s educational background?

Richard Fairbank graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He also holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

5. When was Capital One founded?

Capital One was founded in 1986 by Richard Fairbank and Nigel Morris.

6. What is Richard Fairbank’s philanthropic work?

Richard Fairbank and his wife, Deborah Fairbank, are known for their philanthropic work. They have established the Fairbank Foundation, which supports various causes including education, health, and community development.

7. What is the Fairbank Foundation’s mission?

The Fairbank Foundation’s mission is to “improve the lives of individuals and communities by supporting innovative and effective solutions to complex social problems.”

8. How many shares of Capital One does Richard Fairbank own?

As of 2021, Richard Fairbank owns approximately 1.3 million shares of Capital One, making him one of the largest individual shareholders of the company.

9. What is Richard Fairbank’s leadership style?

Richard Fairbank is known for his innovative and data-driven leadership style. He has been credited with transforming Capital One into a technology-driven financial services company.

10. What awards has Richard Fairbank received?

Richard Fairbank has received numerous awards, including the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership, and the Financial World’s CEO of the Year award.