Vincent Viola

$6.71 B

Ranked #571 in World

About Vincent Viola

Vincent "Vinnie" Viola, a U.S. Army veteran and American billionaire, is known for his substantial impact on the finance and sports sectors. Born in Brooklyn in 1956, Viola went on to chair the NYMEX and lead Virtu Financial as founder and chairman. His diverse portfolio includes owning the NHL's Florida Panthers and co-owning 2017's Kentucky Derby victor, Always Dreaming. A West Point graduate, Viola began his trading career at NYMEX, contributing significantly to the electronic trading field and founding pioneering companies. Though once nominated for Secretary of the Army by President Trump, he withdrew, citing regulatory complications. Viola also engages in philanthropy, notably establishing the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, and he remains a prominent figure in New York City with various real estate investments.

Born

February 12, 1956 in New York City, U.S.

Age

70 years

Source Of Wealth

Electronic Trading

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

New York, New York

Education

Doctor of Jurisprudence, New York Law School; Bachelor of Arts/Science, United States Military Academy

Spouse

Teresa Viola

Children

Vincent "Vinnie" Viola was born in 1956 to an Italian American family in Brooklyn, New York City. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and attended the United States Military Academy (West Point), where he played on the sprint football team and served as cadet company commander. Viola graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1977 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell and later earned a juris doctor degree from New York Law School in 1983 but didn't complete the bar exam.

Vincent Viola: Family

Viola is married to Teresa, and they have three adult sons. The family resides in New York City and owns a townhouse in the Upper East Side and a townhouse in the Brooklyn Heights Historical District.

Vincent Viola: Career Highlights

Viola began his career as a trader in the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) in 1982. He helped build NYMEX while serving on the board of directors and holding various leadership positions. Viola earned millions trading oil before and after the Gulf War. He founded Pioneer Futures, one of the top fifty futures commission merchants in the US, and The Independent Bank Group, a Texas-based regional bank listed on NASDAQ (IBTX). Viola also launched EWT, LLC and Madison Tyler, LLC, two electric trading firms. In 2015, he founded Virtu Financial, which is active in electronic market making, and took it public on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol VIRT.

Vincent Viola: Companies

Viola has founded or been involved with several companies, including:

New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX)
Pioneer Futures
The Independent Bank Group (IBTX)
EWT, LLC
Madison Tyler, LLC
Virtu Financial (VIRT)

Vincent Viola: Major Achievements

Viola's major achievements include:

Building NYMEX into a leading global energy exchange
Founding and leading Virtu Financial, a successful electronic market-making firm
Earning millions trading oil before and after the Gulf War
Helping to found the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
Endowing the Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J.
Chair in Catholic Theology at Fordham University

Vincent Viola: Awards & Achievements

Viola has received numerous awards and recognitions, including:

Ellis Island Medal of Honor
West Point Distinguished Graduate Award
Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Fordham University
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Brooklyn College

Vincent Viola: Personal Life & Legacy

Viola is involved in horseracing as the owner of St. Elias Stable and Teresa Viola Racing. He and his wife are co-owners of the Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming. Viola is known for his philanthropy, having helped found the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and endowed the Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J. Chair in Catholic Theology at Fordham University.

Vincent Viola: Trivia

Viola is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying helicopters. He is also a collector of antique cars and motorcycles.

Wealth History

Timeline

1956

Vincent "Vinnie" Viola is born in Brooklyn, New York City, to an Italian American family.

1977

Viola graduates from the United States Military Academy (West Point) with a bachelor's degree and is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

1982

Viola begins his career as a trader in the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

1983

Viola earns a juris doctor degree from New York Law School but doesn't complete the bar exam.

1990s

Viola earns millions trading oil before and after the Gulf War.

1990s

Viola founds Pioneer Futures, one of the top fifty futures commission merchants in the US.

1990s

Viola founds The Independent Bank Group, a Texas-based regional bank listed on NASDAQ (IBTX).

1990s

Viola launches EWT, LLC and Madison Tyler, LLC, two electric trading firms.

2015

Viola founds Virtu Financial, active in electronic market making, and takes it public on NASDAQ (VIRT).

December 2016

Viola is nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be Secretary of the Army.

February 2017

Viola withdraws from consideration for Secretary of the Army due to difficulties complying with Pentagon regulations.

2017

Viola and his wife Teresa co-own Always Dreaming, the winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Vincent Viola : FAQs

What is Vincent Viola's current net worth?

Vincent Viola's current net worth is $6.71 billion.

What is Vincent Viola's current global rank among billionaires?

Vincent Viola holds the 571st position globally among billionaires.

What is Vincent Viola's current ranking within the United States?

Vincent Viola holds the 223rd position in United States.

What was the change in Vincent Viola's net worth compared to the previous year?

Vincent Viola's net worth increased by 979.41 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 5.73 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Vincent Viola's net worth?

Vincent Viola's net worth increased by 49.6 million dollars recently, a 0.74% increase, with his net worth standing at 6.71 billion dollars.

What are Vincent Viola's main sources of wealth?

Vincent Viola's main source of income comes from Electronic Trading.

In which industry does Vincent Viola primarily operate?

Vincent Viola is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Vincent Viola educational background?

Vincent Viola holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from New York Law School and a Bachelor of Arts/Science from United States Military Academy.

How old is Vincent Viola?

Vincent Viola is 70 years old.

How many children does Vincent Viola have?

Vincent Viola has 3 children.

Who is Vincent 'Vinnie' Viola and what is he known for?

Vincent 'Vinnie' Viola is an American billionaire businessman, U.S. Army veteran, former chairman of the NYMEX, founder and chairman of Virtu Financial, and owner of the Florida Panthers NHL ice hockey team.

What is Vincent Viola's background and military service history?

Born to an Italian American family in Brooklyn, Vinnie Viola graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, attended West Point, played on the sprint football team, and served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. He completed his service with the 101st Airborne Division and holds a JD from New York Law School.

How did Vincent Viola build his career after military service?

Vincent Viola started as a trader at the NYMEX in 1982, founded several successful firms including Pioneer Futures, The Independent Bank Group, and Virtu Financial, which became a leading electronic market making firm public on NASDAQ.

Why did Vincent Viola withdraw his nomination for Secretary of the Army?

Vincent Viola withdrew his nomination for Secretary of the Army in February 2017 after concerns about his business background and potential conflicts with Pentagon regulations.

What philanthropic efforts has Vincent Viola been involved with?

Vinnie Viola has contributed to various philanthropic causes, such as founding the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, establishing Rowan Technology Solutions to support cadet education, and endowing a theology chair at Fordham University.