Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2479

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Jeff Sprecher

CEO, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.2B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

stock exchanges

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Jeffrey Craig Sprecher, born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1955, is a prominent figure in the global finance industry. He is best known as the founder, chairman, and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and the Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange. Sprecher's wealth source stems from his stake in stock exchanges, primarily ICE. He began his career with a degree in chemical engineering and an MBA, but saw an opportunity in the energy sector. He later acquired a struggling energy trading platform, Continental Power Exchange, which became the foundation for ICE. Under his leadership, ICE has grown into a Fortune 500 company operating exchanges and clearinghouses worldwide. Sprecher's achievements include transforming the way energy and financial products are traded globally. As of December 2025, his net worth is estimated at $1.2 Billion.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jeffrey Craig Sprecher was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on February 23, 1955. His father was an insurance broker, and his mother was a medical technologist. Sprecher attended James Madison Memorial High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1978. He later obtained an MBA from Pepperdine University in 1984.

Rise to Success

Sprecher's career began at Trane, followed by a role at Western Power Group. In 1997, he saw an opportunity in the energy market and acquired the Continental Power Exchange (CPEX) for just $1 plus debt assumption. This became the foundation for Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which he founded in 2000. ICE initially focused on digitizing energy markets to create a more transparent platform.

Key Business Strategies

Sprecher's strategic vision involved expanding ICE through key acquisitions. This included the International Petroleum Exchange (IPE) in 2001, the New York Board of Trade in 2006, and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2013. ICE has grown to include 13 stock exchanges and 6 clearing houses. The company has also expanded into data services and mortgage technology, creating diversified revenue streams.

Philanthropy

Sprecher is known for his philanthropic endeavors, including a $1 million donation to the Phoebe Foundation's COVID-19 Relief Fund during the pandemic.

Career Milestones

1978

Graduated

Received a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

1984

Earned MBA

Obtained a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

1997

Acquired Continental Power Exchange

Bought the Continental Power Exchange (CPEX), which became the foundation of Intercontinental Exchange.

2000

Founded Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)

Launched Intercontinental Exchange to digitize energy markets.

2005

ICE IPO

Intercontinental Exchange went public.

2013

Acquired NYSE

ICE acquired the New York Stock Exchange.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Disaster Relief

COVID-19 Relief Fund Donation

$1M

Donated to Phoebe Foundation's COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Controversies & Challenges

2020

Stock Sales During COVID-19 Pandemic

Sprecher and his wife, Kelly Loeffler, were investigated for selling stock in companies vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic, before the public was fully aware of the disease's severity.