The Bahamas, renowned for its favorable tax policies and luxurious lifestyle, has attracted numerous high-net-worth individuals. While many billionaires reside in or own properties in the country, few are Bahamian by nationality. Below is an overview of some notable billionaires associated with The Bahamas:
Billionaires Residing in or Associated with The Bahamas
1. Joe Lewis
- Nationality: British
- Net Worth: Estimated at £5 billion
- Background: Joe Lewis is a self-made billionaire who amassed his fortune through currency trading and investments. He is the principal investor behind the Tavistock Group, which owns over 200 companies globally. Lewis resides in the Albany luxury resort community in New Providence, which he co-developed. Notably, he has faced legal issues, including a guilty plea to insider trading charges in 2023.
2. Harald McPike
- Nationality: Austrian
- Net Worth: Undisclosed
- Background: Harald McPike is a reclusive billionaire investor and founder of QuantRes, a Bahamas-based quantitative investment firm. He owns a significant stake in the UK’s Starling Bank and is known for his adventurous pursuits, including polar expeditions and plans for space travel.
3. Louis Bacon
- Nationality: American
- Net Worth: Estimated at $1.6 billion
- Background: Louis Bacon is a hedge fund manager and founder of Moore Capital Management. He owns property in the exclusive Lyford Cay community and is recognized for his environmental conservation efforts. Bacon was involved in a prolonged legal dispute with neighbor Peter Nygård, another billionaire resident.
4. Peter Nygård
- Nationality: Canadian
- Net Worth: Previously estimated at $900 million
- Background: Peter Nygård was a fashion executive who owned a lavish estate in Lyford Cay. His reputation has been marred by numerous legal issues, including allegations of sexual misconduct.
Notable Wealthy Bahamians
While The Bahamas may not have native-born billionaires, several Bahamians have achieved significant wealth:
- Sir Garet ‘Tiger’ Finlayson: A prominent businessman who once owned a substantial portion of Bay Street’s commercial properties. He has been influential in various sectors, including retail and hospitality.
- Dionisio D’Aguilar: A former Minister of Tourism and Aviation and successful entrepreneur, D’Aguilar has a net worth of approximately $37.9 million. He has held executive roles in multiple Bahamian companies.
- Buddy Hield: An NBA player from The Bahamas with a net worth of around $6 million. He has gained recognition for his athletic achievements and philanthropic efforts.
The Bahamas continues to be a magnet for global billionaires, offering a blend of financial incentives and luxurious living. While native-born billionaires are rare, the country’s economic landscape is enriched by both international investors and successful Bahamian entrepreneurs
