"Billionaire Thomas Peterffy: A Life Of Innovation"

# Overview

Thomas Peterffy is a Hungarian-born American billionaire who is known for founding Interactive Brokers, a leading online discount brokerage firm. As of 2021, he has a net worth of $23.5 billion, making him one of the richest individuals in the United States.

# Early Life and Education

Thomas Peterffy was born on September 30, 1944, in Budapest, Hungary. He grew up during the Communist rule of Hungary and developed a fondness for mathematics and computers at a young age. In the late 1960s, he graduated from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics with a degree in electrical engineering.

# Career and Achievements

After graduation, Peterffy worked as an engineer for the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. However, he became disillusioned with the Communist regime and emigrated to the United States in 1965. He initially worked odd jobs, including as a draftsman and a janitor, before starting his own business selling electronic parts.

In the early 1970s, Peterffy moved to New York City and began working for Mocatta Metals, where he first became interested in the stock market. In the early 1980s, he founded Interactive Brokers, which was one of the first brokerage firms to offer electronic trading. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly and became a major player in the online trading industry.

In addition to his work at Interactive Brokers, Peterffy has been actively involved in politics and has donated millions of dollars to Republican candidates and causes. He is also a member of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the business world.

# Personal Life

Thomas Peterffy is married to Margaret Peterffy, and the couple has four children. He is known for his frugal lifestyle and is often described as a workaholic. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing.

# Profile

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