Iceland, a small but economically vibrant Nordic country, has a political landscape where wealth among politicians is relatively modest compared to global standards. However, a few Icelandic politicians and business figures who have ventured into politics stand out due to their significant fortunes. Many of these individuals have accumulated wealth through investments, entrepreneurship, and family businesses, often intertwined with Iceland’s unique economic history, including its banking boom and subsequent financial crisis.
In 2025, the richest politicians in Iceland include billionaires who have successfully rebuilt their fortunes post-crisis, as well as influential public servants with substantial assets. This blog explores the top 13 richest politicians in Iceland in 2025, detailing their net worth, business interests, and how they made their money, providing insight into the nexus of wealth and politics in Iceland.
Top 13 Richest Politicians in Iceland
Iceland’s wealthiest politicians combine business acumen with public service. Leading the list are billionaire investors like Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson and Davíð Helgason, alongside prominent political leaders with notable financial backgrounds.
- Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson (Net Worth: $2.5 billion)
Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson, often known as Thor Bjorgolfsson, is Iceland’s first billionaire and remains the richest politician in the country with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion in 2025. He is chairman and founder of Novator Partners, a private equity firm with investments in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and technology startups worldwide. Björgólfur Thor’s business portfolio includes stakes in Swiss pharmaceutical company Xantis, Chilean telecom WOM, and startups like Zwift, Deliveroo, and Stripe. Despite losing much of his fortune during Iceland’s 2008 financial crisis, he successfully restructured his debts and rebuilt his wealth. His biography reflects resilience and strategic investment, making him a key figure in Iceland’s economic and political scene. - Davíð Helgason (Net Worth: $1.2 billion)
Davíð Helgason is a co-founder of Unity Software, the game engine company behind popular titles like Pokémon Go and Among Us. With a net worth of $1.2 billion, he is one of Iceland’s richest entrepreneurs turned politician. Helgason studied physics, Arabic, and psychology before launching Unity, which revolutionized game development globally. His wealth primarily comes from his stake in Unity and related tech investments. Davíð’s biography highlights his transition from tech entrepreneur to public figure, symbolizing Iceland’s growing influence in the global digital economy. - Katrín Jakobsdóttir (Net Worth: Estimated $1 million+)
Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Iceland’s Prime Minister until April 2024, has a modest net worth compared to billionaire businessmen but is among the wealthier politicians in Iceland. Her income mainly derives from her political salary, estimated at around $240,000 annually, and modest investments. Known for her progressive policies and environmental advocacy, Katrín’s biography emphasizes public service over personal wealth accumulation. - Björgólfur Guðmundsson (Net Worth: Formerly $1.1 billion, deceased 2025)
Björgólfur Guðmundsson, father of Björgólfur Thor, was a prominent businessman and former chairman of Landsbanki. At one point, his net worth was over $1 billion before the 2008 crash. He passed away in early 2025 but remains influential historically as Iceland’s second billionaire businessman and a key figure in Icelandic banking and media. - Kári Stefánsson (Net Worth: Estimated $50 million+)
Kári Stefánsson is CEO of deCODE genetics, a pioneering Icelandic biotech company. Known as one of Iceland’s highest earners, his wealth comes from leading innovations in genetics research and pharmaceuticals. His biography highlights his role in advancing Iceland’s biotech sector and his significant income from corporate leadership. - Guðbjörg Edda Eggertsdóttir (Net Worth: Estimated $10 million+)
A prominent consultant and director at Auði Capital, Guðbjörg Edda Eggertsdóttir is one of Iceland’s wealthiest women. Her net worth stems from investments and executive roles in finance. She ranks among the top earners in Iceland, reflecting the growing presence of women in business and politics. - Jón Guðmann Pétursson (Net Worth: Estimated $40 million)
Former CEO of Hampiðjan, Jón Guðmann Pétursson is a notable Icelandic businessman with political ties. His wealth is derived from leadership in the energy and industrial sectors. His biography underscores his influence in Iceland’s economic development. - Árni Harðarson (Net Worth: Estimated $35 million)
CEO of Salt Investments, Árni Harðarson is a significant figure in Icelandic finance and business. His wealth comes from investments in various sectors, including real estate and technology. Árni’s profile blends business leadership with political engagement. - Guðmundur Kristjánsson (Net Worth: Estimated $20 million)
Guðmundur Kristjánsson is a businessman and politician with interests in finance and real estate. His net worth reflects diversified investments and a career bridging business and public service. - Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson (Net Worth: Estimated $5 million)
Former Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Local Government, Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson has accumulated wealth through political salaries and investments. His biography highlights a steady political career with prudent financial management. - Lilja Alfreðsdóttir (Net Worth: Estimated $3 million)
Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Lilja Alfreðsdóttir’s net worth comes primarily from her political career and modest investments. She is known for her contributions to Icelandic education policies. - Þorsteinn Víglundsson (Net Worth: Estimated $2 million)
Former Minister of Social Affairs and Social Security, Þorsteinn Víglundsson has a net worth built from his political career and business ventures in consultancy. - Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson (Net Worth: Estimated $1.5 million)
Former Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson has wealth derived from political salaries, agriculture, and investments. His biography includes leadership during turbulent political times.
FAQs
Q: Who is the richest politician in Iceland in 2025?
Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson is the richest politician in Iceland with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion, primarily from investments in pharmaceuticals, telecom, and tech startups.
Q: How did Davíð Helgason make his money?
Davíð Helgason co-founded Unity Software, a leading game engine company, making him a billionaire through his stake in the company.
Q: What is Katrín Jakobsdóttir’s net worth?
Katrín Jakobsdóttir’s net worth is modest compared to Iceland’s billionaire businessmen, mainly derived from her political salary and investments.
Q: Did the 2008 financial crisis affect Iceland’s richest politicians?
Yes, many, including Björgólfur Thor and Björgólfur Guðmundsson, lost significant wealth during the crisis but some have since rebuilt their fortunes.
Q: Are there many women among Iceland’s richest politicians?
While fewer in number, women like Guðbjörg Edda Eggertsdóttir have emerged as wealthy business leaders with political influence.
Conclusion
The landscape of wealth among Icelandic politicians in 2025 reflects a unique blend of entrepreneurial success, family legacies, and public service. Leading figures like Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson and Davíð Helgason illustrate how innovation and strategic investment can translate into vast fortunes even in a small country like Iceland. Meanwhile, political leaders such as Katrín Jakobsdóttir demonstrate a focus on governance over personal wealth accumulation. Together, these individuals highlight the diverse financial backgrounds shaping Iceland’s political and economic future.
