Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2933

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Alfredo Harp Helu & family

CEO, Grupo Financiero Banamex-Accival (Banacci)

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.1B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Banking, investments

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Alfredo Harp Helú, born in 1944, is a prominent Mexican businessman of Lebanese origin, renowned for his substantial contributions to the finance and investment sectors. With a net worth of $1.1 billion as of February 1, 2024, Harp Helú has made significant strides in the business world. His career includes founding Acciones y Valores de México, which later merged with Banamex to form Grupo Financiero Banamex-Accival (Banacci), where he served as chairman. He also made significant contributions to philanthropy, with his foundations supporting various initiatives in education, culture, health, and sports, particularly in Oaxaca, Mexico. As of 2025, he is ranked #2933 on Forbes' Billionaires list.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Alfredo Harp Helú was born on March 11, 1944, in Mexico City, Mexico. He is of Lebanese descent. He studied accounting at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Rise to Success

Harp Helú's career began in the financial sector. He co-founded the brokerage firm Acciones y Valores de México (Accival) in 1971. In 1991, Accival merged with Banco Nacional de México (Banamex), forming Grupo Financiero Banamex-Accival (Banacci), where he became chairman. In 2001, Citigroup acquired Grupo Financiero Banamex-Accival. He also owns a minority stake in Internacional de Ceramica.

Key Business Strategies

Key business strategies included founding Accival, acquiring Banamex, and later, after the sale of Banamex, he invested in various sectors. He also invested in the telecommunications company Avantel.

Philanthropy

Alfredo Harp Helú is known for his philanthropic work through several charitable foundations, including the Fundación Alfredo Harp Helú and Fundación Alfredo Harp Helú Oaxaca, which focus on education, health, culture, and conservation. The Alfredo Harp Helú Foundation has assets of $400 million USD and, in 2006, gave more than $20 million to 261 different organizations.

Career Milestones

1971

Founded Acciones y Valores de México (Accival)

Co-founded the brokerage firm, which later merged with Banamex.

1991

Acquired Banco Nacional de México (Banamex)

Acquired Banamex with a group of investors.

2001

Sold Banamex to Citigroup

Sold Banamex to Citigroup for $12 billion.

2008

Acquired control of Grupo Martí

Acquired control of the company dedicated to the sale of sports items and operation of fitness centers.

2012

Part of San Diego Padres ownership group

Became part of the MLB San Diego Padres ownership group

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Culture, Education, Health, Sports

Fundación Alfredo Harp Helú

$400M

Supports initiatives in education, culture, health, and sports.

Culture, Education, Health, Conservation

Fundación Alfredo Harp Helú Oaxaca

$20M+

Focuses on education, health, culture, and conservation in the state of Oaxaca.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“la mejor inversión está en México” (the best investment is in Mexico)"

"“En la vida no hay retiro a tiempo, debemos permanecer en el campo de juego hasta que llegue el final” (In life, there is no retirement on time, we must remain on the playing field until the end)"

Controversies & Challenges

1994

Kidnapping

Harp was kidnapped for 106 days and released after a ransom payment of approximately $30 million.

2025

Diablos Rojos Celebration Ticket Controversy

Controversy over the Diablos Rojos del México team charging for tickets to a championship celebration.