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Billionaire Profile
Guilherme Benchimol
Global Rank
#2017

Image: XP Divulgação | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Guilherme Benchimol

CEO, Financial services
BRAZIL
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.014B
Estimated based on Financial services stock value as of March 6, 2026
-3.31% (24h)
Age
49
Source
financial services
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
BRAZIL

Biography

Guilherme Benchimol is a prominent figure in the financial services industry, best known as the founder of XP Inc., a leading Brazilian financial services firm. With a current net worth estimated at $2.0 billion as of February 2026. Benchimol's journey began in 2001 after he was fired from a brokerage firm. He founded XP with the initial capital of approximately $2,000. Under his leadership, XP Inc. has gained popularity by focusing on clients with little investing experience, democratizing access to financial markets in Brazil. Benchimol stepped down as CEO in 2021 but remains Chairman of the Board. His career is marked by significant achievements in building a financial services empire.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Guilherme Benchimol was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and initially considered following in his father's footsteps to pursue a career in medicine. However, he later changed his path. He studied economics at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).

Rise to Success

Benchimol's career began as an intern at a securities firm at the age of 18. After being fired from a brokerage firm, Benchimol founded XP Investimentos in 2001 with Marcelo Maisonnave. The initial focus was on financial education, which played a crucial role in attracting clients. XP expanded to include resource management, news portals, and other ventures. The company grew exponentially and partnered with Itaú Unibanco. He stepped down as CEO of XP Inc. in May 2021 and now serves as Chairman of the Board. In 2020, his net worth was estimated at $3 billion.

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy was to focus on financial education to attract new clients. XP aimed to compete with major commercial banks by offering an independent, client-focused service. Also, he emphasized the importance of building a company that doesn't depend on a single person, implementing succession plans and forming strong teams.

Philanthropy

Benchimol aims to offer free financial education to 50 million Brazilians over the next 10 years through the XP Institute.

Career Milestones

2001

Founded XP Investimentos

Founded XP Investimentos with Marcelo Maisonnave.

2019

XP Inc. IPO on Nasdaq

XP Inc. went public on Nasdaq.

2021

Stepped down as CEO of XP Inc.

Transitioned from CEO to Chairman of the Board at XP Inc.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Financial Education

XP Institute

Undisclosed

Aims to offer free financial education to 50 million Brazilians over the next 10 years.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""My family is the most important thing I have.""

""The importance of money and so on are conversations that help a lot to put the ball on the ground.""

Leadership Principles

Find the right people

Hire people who are dedicated and value freedom.

Controversies & Challenges

2019

BSM Condemnation

XP Investimentos was condemned and fined by the BSM for irregular use of its negotiation systems, prioritizing its own business over that of its clients.

2020

Accusations by The Wrinkler Group

Guilherme Benchimol denied the accusations made in a report by The Wrinkler Group, stating that the company's IPO went through an audit by four law firms and two auditors.

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