Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2479

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Richard Fairbank

CEO, Capital One

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.5B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

banking

Industry

finance-investments

Citizenship

Biography

Richard Fairbank, a prominent figure in the financial sector, is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Capital One Financial Corporation. With an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion, Fairbank's wealth stems from his influential role in the banking industry. His career began with a strong educational foundation, earning degrees from Stanford University and then co-founding Capital One in 1988. Under his leadership, Capital One has grown into a major financial institution, known for its innovative approach to credit cards, auto loans, and banking services. Fairbank's achievements include pioneering data-driven credit models and leading the company's expansion into various financial products. He is recognized as a top CEO and has received accolades for his leadership.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Capital One

COF•finance-investments

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Richard Dana Fairbank was born in 1950. He attended Pomona College before transferring to Stanford University. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1972 and later an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1981, graduating first in his class. Fairbank's father was physicist William M. Fairbank.

Rise to Success

Fairbank's career began with Strategic Planning Associates, later known as Mercer Management Consulting, where he spent seven years. In 1988, Fairbank co-founded Capital One with Nigel Morris, creating a data-driven credit card division for Signet Bank. The division spun off in 1994, with Fairbank becoming CEO. His leadership has been instrumental in Capital One's growth and diversification, including expansion into auto loans and retail banking.

Key Business Strategies

Capital One, under Fairbank's guidance, has focused on innovative strategies. These include customizing credit offers using behavioral data, automating underwriting decisions, and pioneering targeted marketing in financial services. Fairbank is known for his emphasis on information technology and its impact on the lending industry. He has also implemented a performance-based compensation system.

Philanthropy

Capital One has a $200 million commitment to socioeconomic mobility and community advancement.

Career Milestones

1988

Co-founded Capital One

Co-founded Capital One with Nigel Morris, creating a data-driven credit card division.

1994

CEO of Capital One

Capital One spun off from Signet Bank, and Fairbank became CEO.

1995

Chairman and CEO

Assumed the role of Chairman and CEO.

2004-2006

Board of Directors of MasterCard International

Served on the board of directors of MasterCard International.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Development

Capital One Impact Initiative

$0.2B

Advancing socioeconomic mobility and building thriving communities.