Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1553

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Hal Jackman

CEO, E-L Financial Corporation

Real-Time Net Worth

$2.55B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Insurance, investments

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Henry Newton Rowell "Hal" Jackman (born June 10, 1932) is a prominent Canadian businessman and philanthropist, renowned for his significant contributions to the finance and public service sectors. His estimated net worth is $2.55 billion as of December 2025. Jackman's wealth stems from his investments and his long-standing involvement in the insurance industry. His career includes chairing or presiding over major Canadian insurance and investment companies, notably National Trust Company and Empire Life. He is the largest shareholder of E-L Financial Corporation, an investment and insurance holding company. Beyond his business achievements, Jackman served as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1991 to 1997, where he supported arts, history and national unity. His commitment to philanthropy is evident through the Hal Jackman Foundation, which supports education, the arts, and human services, with an approximate lifetime giving of $200 million.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

E-L Financial Corporation

ELF.TO•finance-investments

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Hal Jackman was born in Toronto, Ontario, on June 10, 1932. He is the son of Harry Jackman, a former Member of Parliament, and Mary Rowell Jackman, a philanthropist. He attended Upper Canada College, the University of Toronto Schools, Victoria College, the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and the London School of Economics.

Rise to Success

Jackman began his career as an Executive Assistant to a Federal Minister. His financial acumen led him to the top of Canada's financial sector. He held the position of Chairman of the Board of National Trust Company and the Empire Life Insurance Company. Jackman is also the largest shareholder of E-L Financial Corporation, an investment and insurance holding company.

Key Business Strategies

Hal Jackman has a significant stake in E-L Financial Corporation, an investment and insurance holding company. He is known for asset diversification and timely sell-offs, such as the sale of National Trust to the Bank of Nova Scotia for $1.2 billion in 1997.

Philanthropy

Jackman has been a generous benefactor to various causes. The Hal Jackman Foundation supports projects that promote well-being and address a wide range of human needs, including healthcare, education, and the arts. He served as Chancellor of the University of Toronto from 1997 to 2003. He has also contributed to the Jackman Humanities Institute and the Faculty of Law. Jackman's lifetime giving rings in at approximately $200 million.

Career Milestones

1991

Member of the Order of Canada

Appointed a Member of the Order of Canada

1991-1997

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Served as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

1997-2003

Chancellor of the University of Toronto

Served as Chancellor of the University of Toronto

2000

Officer of the Order of Canada

Promoted to Officer in the Order of Canada

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Jackman Humanities Institute

$30M

Made a $30 million gift to establish the Jackman Humanities Institute

Education

Jackman Law Building

$80M

Made a historic new gift of $80 million to the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law

Arts, Education and Human Services

Hal Jackman Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports a range of philanthropic activities in education, arts, and human services