Douglas Cifu

Early life and education Cifu was raised in Syosset, New York. As a child, he was a fan of the New York Rangers. His father, John, was an electrical engineer and mother, Rosa, was a nurse. He has two brothers.

In 2018, Cifu criticised the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, claiming that the €3 million fine Virtu received in December 2015 for "market manipulation and ignoring Euronext market rules" was based on "not understanding the role of market-makers".

In 2024, Cifu was criticised by Bill Pulte in a Bloomberg article, which stated that Cifu "spends more time tweeting than focusing on his business". The Pulte family's charitable foundation distanced itself from Pulte's comments.

In July 2025, Virtu Financial announced Cifu's retirement, marking the first leadership change since the firm’s founding. He transitioned into an advisory role, relinquishing his position as chief executive officer.

Florida Panthers In September 2013, Cifu purchased a minority share in the Florida Panthers, joining majority owner Vincent Viola as part of the Panther's new ownership group succeeding Cliff Viner. Cifu also acts as the team's vice chairman and alternate governor.

Cifu and Viola purchased a majority stake in Eastern Airlines in 2014. Beginning in 2015, they used the airline to charter the Panthers team to road games.

In May 2025, Cifu was suspended indefinitely by the NHL following an altercation on X, where Cifu commented on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and repeated American President Donald Trump's antagonization of Canada, calling the country the "51st state". Specifically, Cifu tweeted "Eat s-- 51st state anti-semite loser," and "Israel now and forever. Until ever last Hamas rat is eliminated."

Board roles In January 2026, Cifu was elected to MarketAxess' board of directors.

Personal life Cifu resides in South Florida for a portion of the year. and together they have two children.

Cifu is a fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.