ABOUT
Michael Gastauer is a German entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. He is the Founder and Chairman of Black Banx Group, one of the world’s largest privately held digital banking groups
Founded in 2015, Black Banx has grown into a global financial services group serving more than 100 million customers across over 180 countries. The group offers digital banking, international payments, foreign exchange, cryptocurrency, cards and business banking through a network of regulated financial institutions worldwide. Today, Black Banx generates multi-billion US dollar annual profits and has an estimated private market valuation of approximately US$150 billion, making it one of Europe’s most valuable privately held fintech companies.
Prior to founding Black Banx, Michael built and successfully exited two financial technology businesses, including one of Europe’s early online payment platforms for e-commerce. Those ventures laid the foundation for his long-term vision of creating a truly global digital banking platform without geographical barriers.
Michael is also the Founder and Chairman of Gastauer Family Office (GFO), a Monaco-based single-family office responsible for managing the family’s long-term investments across technology, financial services, private markets, infrastructure, real estate and strategic investments. GFO was an early investor in Black Banx and today remains one of its largest shareholders.
Beyond business, Michael established the Gastauer Foundation, an independent charitable foundation dedicated to expanding financial inclusion, protecting biodiversity and supporting environmental conservation, promoting contemporary art and culture, and advancing educational initiatives worldwide. Through its programmes and partnerships, the Foundation seeks to create long-term social impact by improving access to financial services, supporting sustainable development and preserving natural ecosystems for future generations.
Michael continues to lead Black Banx’s long-term strategy while supporting innovation, responsible entrepreneurship and philanthropy through his business and charitable activities.