Jeffrey Epstein amassed nearly $600 million in wealth primarily through fees from managing finances for two billionaire clients, Les Wexner and Leon Black, supplemented by tax breaks in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Key Clients
Epstein earned at least $490 million in fees from 1999 to 2018 via his U.S. Virgin Islands-based firms, Financial Trust Company and Southern Trust Company, with Wexner (Victoria's Secret founder) and Black (private equity executive) providing over 75% of that income. Wexner was his initial major client, while Black paid tens of millions, including $80 million between 2012 and 2013 for services like tax and estate planning.
Tax Strategy
Epstein relocated to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1996, leveraging its economic development program to pay just 4% in taxes and save around $300 million from 1999 to 2018 on at least $360 million in dividends. These firms were his only revenue sources during that period, generating over $800 million total with the rest from investments.
Early Career and Assets
He started in finance at Bear Stearns before launching his own advisory business, buying Little St. James island for $8 million in 1998 amid his growing operations. Despite claims of broader elite dealings, public records tie most wealth to these clients and tax tactics rather than unverified blackmail theories.
