Anthony Eisen is an Australian fintech entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist, best known for co-founding Afterpay, one of the world’s most influential “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) platforms. A seasoned expert in financial markets and digital commerce, Eisen helped usher in a new era of consumer finance by giving millions of users access to flexible, interest-free payment options—without relying on traditional credit.
His work has not only reshaped retail and e-commerce transactions but also set a precedent for how next-generation fintech platforms operate globally. As of 2025, Eisen continues to play a major role in financial innovation as a board member at Block, Inc., the U.S.-based parent company of Square.
Early Life and Education
Anthony Eisen was born in 1972 in Sydney, Australia. He attended Sydney Grammar School, one of the country’s most academically rigorous private schools, known for cultivating leadership and critical thinking. Eisen later enrolled at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on accounting and finance.
This strong educational foundation would become the springboard for a career at the intersection of corporate finance and digital disruption.
Professional Background: From Accounting to Investment Banking
Eisen began his professional journey as a chartered accountant, a role that provided him with deep technical knowledge of financial operations, risk management, and corporate compliance. However, he soon transitioned into investment banking, specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
This move positioned him in the heart of high-stakes corporate strategy and allowed him to work closely with executive teams across various industries. Through these roles, Eisen gained a comprehensive understanding of business valuations, growth strategies, and capital structuring—skills that would prove invaluable when he transitioned into the startup space.
Founding Afterpay: A Game-Changer in Consumer Finance
In 2014, Anthony Eisen partnered with Nick Molnar, his younger neighbor in the affluent Sydney suburb of Rose Bay, to co-found Afterpay. At its core, the platform offered consumers a way to purchase products immediately and pay for them over four equal, interest-free installments. Unlike traditional credit card companies, Afterpay charged no interest and earned revenue primarily through merchant fees.
The model resonated with younger consumers who were wary of credit card debt but still desired flexible payment solutions. Afterpay quickly gained popularity in Australia and expanded rapidly into major international markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.
Under Eisen’s leadership as Chief Executive Officer, Afterpay became a publicly listed company and one of the most successful fintech platforms in the world.
Acquisition by Square Inc. (Now Block, Inc.)
In August 2021, Afterpay was acquired by U.S. digital payments giant Square Inc., founded by Jack Dorsey, in a transformative all-stock deal valued at US$29 billion. The acquisition marked one of the largest mergers in Australian corporate history and was a defining moment for the global fintech sector.
As part of the deal, Eisen and Molnar each received US$2.7 billion in Square stock. Post-acquisition, both remained in key leadership positions, jointly overseeing the integration of Afterpay’s services into Square’s ecosystem and leading consumer and merchant solutions across global markets.
In February 2025, Eisen further solidified his leadership role by joining the Board of Directors at Block, Inc., the rebranded parent company of Square.
Net Worth and Recognition
Anthony Eisen’s success with Afterpay and his continued influence within Block Inc. have earned him consistent recognition as one of Australia’s wealthiest and most impactful tech entrepreneurs. According to the Australian Financial Review Rich List (2025), Eisen’s net worth was assessed at A$1.13 billion.
Net Worth Progression:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (A$) | Notable Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1.86 billion | Significant growth from BNPL boom |
| 2021 | $2.66 billion | Peak post-acquisition valuation |
| 2022 | $1.50 billion | Market correction |
| 2023 | $1.26 billion | Decrease amid tech valuation shifts |
| 2024 | $1.40 billion | Partial recovery |
| 2025 | $1.13 billion | Stabilization |
Though market conditions have influenced fluctuations in valuation, Eisen remains a key figure in both the fintech and technology investment sectors.
Personal Life
Anthony Eisen is married to Samantha Eisen, a professional interior designer. The couple has invested in real estate across Australia, including high-end properties in Toorak, Melbourne’s most affluent suburb, and Byron Bay, a coastal enclave favored by business leaders and creatives alike.
The Eisen family is also active in philanthropy through the Eisen Family Private Fund, which supports initiatives in education, community welfare, and social innovation.
Business Philosophy and Industry Impact
Anthony Eisen’s approach to business is grounded in strategic foresight, consumer-first innovation, and long-term value creation. His ability to identify emerging market gaps and offer user-centric solutions has made him a thought leader in the fintech space.
By championing an alternative to high-interest credit and reshaping retail payment ecosystems, Eisen not only built a successful business but also contributed to a broader shift in global consumer finance. His influence continues through his involvement with Block, Inc., where he plays a strategic role in shaping the future of digital payments, commerce, and blockchain-enabled financial services.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Anthony Eisen’s legacy is defined by more than just financial success. As a pioneer of the Buy Now, Pay Later movement, he helped disrupt a long-standing financial model and inspired a wave of global fintech innovation. His transition from chartered accountant to billionaire founder, and now board-level executive at a Fortune 500 company, highlights the evolving pathways to influence in the modern economy.
As financial services become more decentralized, consumer-driven, and technology-led, Eisen’s insights and leadership remain vital. Whether through advisory roles, board participation, or future ventures, he is likely to remain a major player in the next generation of financial transformation.
