Rishi Sunak Net Worth: From Business to Politics His Journey

Rishi Sunak is a British politician who has a net worth of $800 million. As of this writing, Rishi Sunak is currently the front-runner to become the United Kingdom’s next Prime Minister, replacing Liz Truss who resigned after holding the office for just 44 days. A member of the Conservative Party, Rishi served as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2019 to 2020 and then the Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022. Sunak and Truss were the two final candidates to take over after Boris Johnson stepped down amid a wave of scandals and resignations in July 2022. 

Who is Rishi Sunak?

Rishi Sunak was born in Southampton, Hampshire to Indian parents Yashvir and Usha Sunak who were born in Kenya and Tanzania respectively. Rishi Sunak is an alumnus of Winchester College, Lincoln College, Oxford and Standford University. 

Rishi Sunak early life and education

Sunak’s parents, who had emigrated from East Africa in the 90s, instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Rishi attended Winchester College, one of the most prestigious schools in England. His academic journey continued at Lincoln College, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), a common pathway for many British politicians. His academic excellence earned him a Fulbright scholarship, allowing him to pursue an MBA at Stanford University. It was at Stanford that he met Akshata Murthy, daughter of Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy, who would later become his wife.

Rishi Sunak Business Career

He undertook an internship at Conservative Campaign Headquarters during his time at the university. From 2001 to 2004, he worked as an analyst at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank. He left the job to join The Children’s Investment Fund Management (TCI) and became a partner in September 2006. He joined another hedge fund firm Theleme Partners in 2009. He also served as the director of the investment firm Catamaran Ventures, owned by his father-in-law and businessman N. R. Narayana Murthy. 

Rishi Sunak entry to politics

In 2015, Sunak was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond (Yorks). His rapid ascent within the Conservative Party saw him appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2019, and then as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022. His tenure as Chancellor was marked by the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sunak introduced significant fiscal measures, including the furlough scheme, which provided financial support to millions of workers and businesses affected by lockdowns.

Rishi Sunak prime ministerial role

Sunak became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in October 2022, following Liz Truss’s brief and tumultuous premiership. In his speeches, Sunak emphasised the need to unify a divided Conservative Party and addressed the “profound economic challenge” the country faced. His tenure was largely defined by efforts to combat inflation and stabilize the economy amidst a cost-of-living crisis that strained household incomes and savings.

Rishi Sunak Personal Life

Rishi Sunak tied the knot with Akshata Murthy in August 2009. The couple has two daughters. His wife is the daughter of Indian billionaire N.R. Narayana Murthy and serves as the director at Catamaran Ventures. She also runs her own fashion label and is among the wealthiest women in Britain. 

Real Estate

Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty own an estimated $20 million worth of real estate around the world. The couple’s primary home is a a 5-bedroom mansion in Kensington, West London. This property alone is worth $10 million. On weekends they retreat to a country estate called Kirby Sigston Manor. Located in North Yorkshire, England, the estate is a grade II National Heritage manor that dates back to 1826. The family bought the manor in 2015 for 1.5 million pounds. 

FAQs

What is Rishi Sunak’s estimated net worth?
Rishi Sunak’s net worth is estimated to be around £730 million as of 2024, making him one of the wealthiest politicians in the UK.

What are the main sources of Rishi Sunak’s wealth?
Sunak’s wealth primarily comes from his career in investment banking, his tenure at hedge funds, and his wife Akshata Murty’s substantial wealth. Akshata is the daughter of Narayana Murthy, the billionaire founder of Infosys, an Indian IT giant.

How much of Rishi Sunak’s wealth is tied to his wife, Akshata Murty?
A significant portion of Sunak’s wealth comes from Akshata Murty’s stake in Infosys, valued at around £500 million.

How does Rishi Sunak’s net worth compare to other UK politicians?
Rishi Sunak is among the wealthiest UK politicians. His net worth surpasses that of most other political figures, making him a standout in terms of financial resources.

Does Rishi Sunak have investments outside of Infosys?
Yes, in addition to Infosys, Sunak has investments in hedge funds and other ventures, accumulated during his career in finance.

Conclusion

Rishi Sunak net worth, estimated at £730 million, places him among the wealthiest politicians in the United Kingdom. His financial success stems from a combination of a high-achieving career in finance and his marriage to Akshata Murty, who holds substantial wealth as the daughter of a billionaire entrepreneur. While his wealth has been both a point of admiration and critique, it undeniably shapes public perceptions of his political career.