The secrets of the Mormon investment fortune
Most readers will be familiar with the Mormon religion, it is one of the fastest growing religions in The US, with 6 million members and is currently the fourth-largest religion in the United States with many more members residing outside of the United States.
They primarily belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or LDS, which is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has more than 16 million members worldwide.
Best known for their zero tolerance to tobacco, alcohol, gambling and drugs, the church also emphasizes the moral standards that Mormons believe were taught by Jesus Christ, including personal honesty, integrity, obedience to law, chastity outside of marriage, and fidelity within marriage.
What many people do not know is the extent of the church’s wealth. Amassed secretly over several decades, the churches investment portfolio is worth an estimated $100B – Yes, Billion!
In a 2021 lawsuit filed against the church it is claimed the LDS secretly invested millions in donations (tithes) from their 16 million members into their fund – Ensign Peak Advisors. This fund boasts impressive profits from stocks including Game Stop and Tesla as well as sizable investments in real-estate and agriculture.
Famous Mormons
Members of the Mormon church hold many powerful positions in finance, politics and business leaders, including presidential candidates and Hollywood actors.
Members include:
Bobby Crosby, shortstop Oakland Athletics
Larry Scott, the first Mr. Olympia (1965)
Peter Vidmar, Olympic gold medallist
Kevin Rollins, former CEO of Dell, Inc
George W. Romney, former chairman and president of American Motors Company
Eric Varvel, Credit Suisse
Judge Thomas L. Steffen, Nevada Supreme Court
Dean Jagger, Oscar-winning actor
Mitt Romney (R-Utah)