How Did George Kaiser Make His Money?

George Kaiser’s Profile Summary

Company	BOK Financial Corporation
Position	Chairman
Source of wealth	Banking, Energy
Also known as	Banker, Philanthropist
Age	82
Education	Harvard University
Citizenship	USA
Residence	Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Family	Married, three children
Website, Social Media	www.bokfinancial.com www.gkff.org

George Kaiser’s biography

George Bruce Kaiser was born on July 29, 1942, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to German-Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany. His father, a doctor, established a medical practice in Tulsa, where Kaiser grew up. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard University, he joined his family's business, Kaiser-Francis Oil Company, in 1969. Kaiser took over the company and significantly expanded its operations, making it one of the largest privately-owned oil producers in the United States.

In 1991, during a downturn in the oil industry, Kaiser saw an opportunity to acquire the Bank of Oklahoma, which was struggling due to bad loans and the oil crash. He bought the bank for $60 million and led its transformation into BOK Financial Corporation, a multi-state financial powerhouse with assets exceeding $45 billion.

Beyond his business ventures, Kaiser is well-known for his philanthropy. He established the George Kaiser Family Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education, public health, and poverty reduction. Kaiser has committed to donating most of his fortune to charity and signed The Giving Pledge. He is recognized as one of the most generous billionaires in the world, with significant contributions to community programs in Oklahoma.

Today, Kaiser remains actively involved in his business and philanthropic endeavors, promoting social equality and education.

How did George Kaiser make money?

George Kaiser’s wealth is primarily rooted in his investments in oil and banking. He began his business journey by expanding his family’s oil company, Kaiser-Francis Oil Company, in the 1970s. His strategic leadership turned the company into one of the largest private oil producers in the U.S., generating substantial revenue from oil exploration and production.

In 1991, Kaiser made a pivotal business move by acquiring the Bank of Oklahoma for $60 million during a financial crisis in the energy sector. At the time, the bank was near collapse, but Kaiser’s visionary leadership turned it into a profitable, multi-state banking institution known as BOK Financial Corporation. Today, the bank operates across eight states and holds assets of over $45 billion.

Beyond banking, Kaiser has diversified his investments, including real estate, venture capital, and private equity projects. His philanthropic initiatives are managed through the George Kaiser Family Foundation, where he has committed billions of dollars to education, public health, and poverty alleviation programs.

Kaiser’s success is attributed to his ability to identify undervalued assets and turn them into highly profitable ventures, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States. His philanthropy-first business approach ensures that his wealth is used to make a positive social impact globally.
What is George Kaiser net worth?

As of 2025, George Kaiser’s net worth is estimated to be $15.5 B.

What is George Kaiser also known as?

George Kaiser is a self-made billionaire known for his investments in banking and oil. He is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the George Kaiser Family Foundation, focusing on early childhood education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

Prominent achievements of George Kaiser

Transformed Kaiser-Francis Oil Company into one of the largest private oil companies in the U.S. Acquired and revitalized the Bank of Oklahoma, turning it into BOK Financial Corporation. Founded the George Kaiser Family Foundation, committing to philanthropy in education, healthcare, and community development. Recognized as one of the most charitable billionaires in the world.

What are George Kaiser’s key insights?

Kaiser believes in long-term investments and philanthropic capitalism. He advocates for using wealth to create positive social change, particularly in education and poverty reduction.

George Kaiser’s personal life

George Kaiser is married and has three children. His family is actively involved in the George Kaiser Family Foundation, supporting philanthropic initiatives in education and healthcare. His children are also engaged in various business ventures and charitable programs.