High-Net-Worth Individuals – Jack Markwalter

Many high-net-worth individuals defy cultural stereotypes of wealthy robber barons by being generous with their wealth. Instead, these individuals tend to be charitable in how they spend it.

Markwalter met Peter Woo, another student of Notre Dame University, during his first week and found it inspired to form his own startup company.

Early Life and Education

Jack Markwalter wasn’t born into privilege; instead he came from a working-class Iowa town and attended Jefferson High School before eventually making his way through college, law firm practice, and Wall Street investment firms.

At present, Markwalter serves as Chief Executive Officer for CIBC Private Wealth in the U.S. He leads a team that offers comprehensive wealth management services, multi-generational planning and philanthropy to U.S. clients.

Jack is also co-founder and CEO of VIVA Finance, an employee benefits company offering quick and affordable credit to employees through quick loans, as well as financial education. Alongside this work for VIVA Finance, Jack also volunteers his time for non-profit organizations such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, Georgia Tech Foundation, Marist School and Atlanta History Center.

Professional Career

Jack Markwalter brings over three decades of experience to Atlantic Trust (now CIBC Private Wealth Management), initially joining as head of business development and later becoming chairman and CEO. Between 2008 and 2010 he also served as Senior Managing Director of Invesco Institutional Sales, Client Service & Consultant Relations in America.

Jack sits on the boards of directors for Georgia Tech Foundation, Marist School and Woodruff Arts Center. Additionally, he earned both a Bachelor of Science with Highest Honors from Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School before co-founding VIVA Finance with two others in 2018. Before co-founding VIVA Finance with them – Third Lake Capital’s Single Family Office serving one Forbes 400 family – from 2017 until 2019. Now serving as CEO for Viva Finance as an employee benefit, quick loans as well as financial education to employees of partner companies that partner companies as employee benefits.

Achievement and Honors

Jack Markwalter was honored to receive Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEOs award this year. This accolade honors CEOs who demonstrate strong innovation, financial performance and community service commitment. Markwalter is the co-founder and CEO of Viva Finance, an employee benefits company dedicated to improving employees’ financial well-being through quick and cost-effective financing options. Jack also brings non-profit experience as the Chief Executive Officer of Jubilee Initiative for Financial Inclusion, an alternative loan service for people struggling with payday loans. He holds a Bachelor of Science with high honors from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Harvard University; additionally he sits on several non-profit boards.

Personal Life

Jack Markwalter keeps much of his personal life private, choosing not to reveal much information regarding his family life or relationships. It is widely assumed that he is married and has children. Additionally, he is known as being generous philanthropist having donated generously to several charitable causes.

He has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, such as The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, CNBC and Private Asset Management magazine. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors at Marist School as chairman of CIBC Private Wealth in the U.S. In addition to this he sits on its Operating Committee and executive leadership team of CIBC Private Wealth in North America.

He is also co-founder and CEO of VIVA Finance, an employer-focused financial solutions provider with the mission to foster an inclusive financial system by offering access to credit based on employment instead of credit scores alone.

Net Worth

Peter Woo, his tour guide during Jack Markwalter’s freshman year at Notre Dame, gave Jack Markwalter an idea that would ultimately lead him down his chosen path: creating Viva Finance as an alternative payday lender that provides loans with fairer terms to those in need.

He currently serves as CEO of CIBC Private Wealth Management in the U.S, having spent over 30 years at this firm as head of business development before taking over as chairman and CEO in 2004.

He holds both his undergraduate degree from Georgia Institute of Technology and master of business administration degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business. Additionally, he is active with several community organizations such as Atlanta History Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Atlanta.