Richard D. Fairbank has been the CEO of Capital One Financial since 1995 and is also its co-founder. What makes him stand out is his unique approach to compensation; he doesn’t take a cash salary or bonuses. Instead, his earnings...

Richard D. Fairbank has been the CEO of Capital One Financial since 1995 and is also its co-founder. What makes him stand out is his unique approach to compensation; he doesn’t take a cash salary or bonuses. Instead, his earnings come entirely from stock options and equity awards, tying his wealth directly to the company’s performance. This structure means he only profits when Capital One grows, aligning his interests with those of shareholders. Over the years, his largest single-year compensation was $28.6 million in 2023, but that is mostly tied to performance-based stocks. Fairbank is deeply invested in the long-term success of Capital One, not just financially, but also strategically. He also faced restrictions during the TARP program, where his ability to sell shares was limited until the U.S. Treasury’s interests were completely resolved. With a solid educational background, holding a degree in Economics from Stanford University, Fairbank has used his knowledge of finance to navigate Capital One through various economic landscapes, making critical decisions that have shaped its growth and direction. Today, he is seen as a veteran in the financial services industry with significant influence on capital management and corporate strategy. Fairbank's long career and distinctive compensation philosophy make him a notable figure in finance.