The world we inhabit is hardly fair in many aspects. The distribution of wealth isn’t optimal, and social inequities are becoming more pronounced every day. In these circumstances, HNIs (High Net-Worth Individuals) such as CEOs can struggle to manage the public scrutiny that surrounds their personal wealth.
In 2024, the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility indicated that CEO pay is rising much faster than that of an average worker. In 2023, it rose by 16% for FTSE companies. In contrast, the wages for full-time employees have not seen much improvement. The situation is similar in the US and most countries in Asia.
It’s hardly surprising that a CEO’s personal wealth faces much scrutiny from the media and other public-facing institutions. Popular commentary often overlooks
that a steep salary for CEOs may be necessary to attract the best leaders to an organization. It can also be challenging to benchmark the pay by performance when CEOs contribute immensely to non-financial gains as well.
So, what are the best strategies to manage personal wealth when you are in a C-suite position?
Stricter Financial Reporting, With Board Oversight
The chances of unwarranted scrutiny are much higher when reporting is inadequate. As a CEO, it will be non-negotiable to stay updated with regulatory requirements for reporting. Typically, these include disclosing compensation and stocks. You should also ensure clarity on potential conflicts of interest.
For instance, in August 2025, US President Trump complained about Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s conflict of interest and pushed for his resignation. Some reports reveal that Tan has allegedly invested heavily in Chinese technology.
It is debatable what such developments portend about the state of our world and its degree of government interference in private companies. Even so, it seems sustainable to work with the Board to streamline reporting requirements and avoid these issues. They can alert you to potential ethical violations or murky areas, such as using corporate resources for personal agendas.
Unfortunately, the Financial Times reports that the relationship between a CEO and the Board is going through challenging times. As an example, it highlighted that almost half of CEO successions in Europe in 2024 were unplanned. That does not seem promising for either the Board’s capabilities or its level of information.
In contrast, some leaders strive to build stronger ties with Board members through on-time reporting and meaningful communication. Such a close working relationship can also build your organization’s reputation as an ethical entity. It can further business revenues, which will, in turn, also boost your personal wealth.
Seeking Expert Wealth Management Solutions
As your personal wealth grows, it is worthwhile seeking professional services to manage it. Affluence can be a complex territory. Defining your financial goals needs a comprehensive understanding of your career plans and family goals.
Recently, Jo Baker, a CEO based in Austin, shared with Business Insider how bringing in millions can present unique challenges. The risk of ‘ruining my kids’ is one of them. She mentions that working with a professional has helped her reframe her thoughts about wealth and improved the whole family’s relationship with money.
Working with an asset management firm in Austin, which is increasingly becoming popular among businesses in the US, can help bring alignment between personal and business goals.
According to Richard P. Slaughter Associates, true wealth management should not only align with changing markets or taxation laws. In addition, it must also adapt to your key life transitions and personal objectives. Accordingly, CEOs can seek support with tailored strategies, from tax mitigation to liquidity solutions.
Charitable and Eco-Friendly Causes, Only Less Performative
Charitable giving is almost a necessity in today’s world, where disparity is extreme and many people struggle to eat two meals a day. Many businesses donate to charities that work to eradicate poverty and strengthen access to food. The CSR initiatives of prominent companies, such as Chipotle and Google, focus on tackling social inequities and environmental degradation.
Many CEOs also contribute to similar causes in addition to corporate giving. In May, Cameron Adams, co-founder of Canva, committed over half of his US$3 billion fortune to charity. Forbes reported that he signed the Giving Pledge to help restore biodiversity by supporting the Wedgetail Foundation.
Engaging in philanthropy can be emotionally gratifying. It can also look good for your personal finances, sending a message to the public that you spend your income responsibly.
However, it is crucial that such acts are sincere and not performative. With social media keeping people in the loop, forever tuned in to the world around them, hoodwinking and window-dressing often fail.
In December last year, some former Apple employees faced fraud charges for claiming false charitable donations through the company’s program. Recently, USA Today reported that Keith Taylor, former CEO of the Modest Needs Foundation, embezzled over $2.5 million. If charity CEOs commit fraud, how can people trust anyone?
It stands to reason that any giving you conduct as a business leader must be genuine and well-documented. No scope for beating around the bush or hiding key details.
CEOs tend to earn well, but they also face numerous demands and stressors threatening to bring them down. In a hyper-aware world, the slightest misstep can lead to a loss of hard-earned reputation, sacrificing personal and organizational well-being.
The above strategies can help CEOs manage their personal wealth optimally, providing transparency and accountability. They can also bring you much-needed peace of mind, which often has an inverse relationship with wealth.
