- Source of Wealth: Business (Mining)
- Marital Status: Married (Elizabeth Torres Cu-Unjieng)
- Full Name: Luis Juan “Buboy” Virata
- Nationality: Filipino
- Ethnicity: Filipino
- Occupation: Businessman
- Education: Trinity College and University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School
Luis Virata got his Masters degree from Wharton University. His wealth eventually increased because of the listing of Nickel Asia that happened in November 2010. In Nickel Asia, he has a 13% stake and is also the company’s board member. He’s also chairman and CEO of investment bank CLSA Exchange Capital as well as the trustee of Asia Society Philippine Foundation.
The wealth of Luis Virata is tied to the stake in Nickel Asia, the country’s largest nickel producer, that his family holds. However, President Rodrigo Duterte recently said he was mulling a ban on mineral exports from the Philippines, a leading global producer of nickel. In July of 2016, their Manicani Island became stockpiled with disposal that was reportedly ordered to become suspended. Nickel Asia maintains suspension but it would not materially affect the company’s financials.