Billionaire Profile
Erik Must
Global Rank
#2614

Image: anonymous  | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Erik Must

CEO, Stock brokerage
NORWAY
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.526B
Estimated based on Stock brokerage stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.31% (24h)
Age
83
Source
stock brokerage
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
NORWAY

Biography

Erik Must, born in 1943, is a prominent Norwegian investor and stock broker with an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion. His wealth stems from his successful career in the stock brokerage industry. Must is known for founding the investment company Avanse Forvaltning and later acquiring Fondsfinans. He is a significant investor in Norwegian media and energy companies, demonstrating a strategic approach to building a diversified portfolio and is ranked #2600 on the Forbes Billionaires list.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Erik Must was born on January 26, 1943, in Trondheim, Norway. He is the son of banker Arne Bernhoft Must. Details about his early life and education are limited, but he graduated from Copenhagen Business School with a degree in Business Administration.

Rise to Success

Must began his career as a stockbroker. He partnered with Kjell Christian Ulrichsen and established the investment company Avanse Forvaltning. Later, Must acquired the brokerage firm Fondsfinans. Through savvy salesmanship and strategic investments, Must built a large private stock portfolio, dominating Norwegian capital markets. His wealth increased by leveraging profits from Fondsfinans.

Key Business Strategies

Erik Must is known for his keen eye for investment opportunities, primarily within the Norwegian market. He has demonstrated a preference for building significant stakes in various companies. He has invested in hydroelectric power, media, and energy, showing a strategic interest in diverse sectors. Must is recognized for his long-term investment approach and has built holdings over many years. His investment vehicle, Must Invest, is also used for private deals.

Philanthropy

While specifics on his philanthropy are not widely publicized, Erik Must serves on the board of the SAM fund for medical research. He has also been involved with the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.

Career Milestones

1970s-1980s

Founded and Dominated Norwegian Capital Markets

Formed the brokerage firm Fondfinans with Kjell Christian Ulrichsen and excelled in the Norwegian capital markets.

1996

Acquired Fondsfinans

Must bought out Ulrichsen and leveraged profits to build a large private stock portfolio.

2024

Largest Private Investor in Kongsberg Gruppen

His assets in Kongsberg Gruppen reached an estimated worth of NOK 5 billion.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Medical Research

SAM fund for medical research

Undisclosed

Must serves on the board.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Despite being the largest owner of some of Norway's largest newspapers, Must shuns the press and has only agreed to a handful of interviews over the years."

Leadership Principles

Strategic Investment

Focuses on building significant stakes in companies within Norway's market, showing a long-term investment approach.

Financial Acumen

Leveraging his understanding of the stock market to generate wealth and manage a diversified portfolio.