Thomas Peterffy is the founder and former CEO of Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. He was born in Hungary in 1944 and moved to the United States in 1965. He studied Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Budapest. Peterffy is...
Thomas Peterffy is the founder and former CEO of Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. He was born in Hungary in 1944 and moved to the United States in 1965. He studied Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Budapest. Peterffy is known for pioneering the use of computer technology in trading, creating one of the first automated market-making systems for stocks and options in the 1980s. Under his leadership, Interactive Brokers became a crucial player in the online brokerage space, launching in 1993. He stepped down as CEO in September 2019 but continues to serve as the Chairman of the Board. Interestingly, Peterffy has a unique approach to compensation – he didn't take bonuses or stock options, focusing solely on his salary, which was $800,000 for several years. His holdings in Interactive Brokers have seen significant fluctuations, peaking at around $210 million in 2024. This reflects his deep commitment to the company and its success, driven by his belief that he aligns better with shareholders without extra incentives like bonuses.