Richard Quest Net Worth 2025: Salary, Family, Scandal & Career Comeback
Richard Quest’s net worth is estimated at $5 million in 2025, with an annual CNN salary reported to be between $750,000 and $1 million. Known for his booming voice, theatrical delivery, and sharp insights into global markets, Quest stands out in CNN’s lineup as a distinctive international anchor. While he doesn’t command the U.S. primetime paychecks of Anderson Cooper ($18 million) or Erin Burnett ($6 million), his presence is unique — blending business journalism with showmanship in a way few others can replicate.
Richard Quest Net Worth and Salary
Quest’s fortune comes almost entirely from decades in broadcasting. At CNN, he earns less than American primetime anchors like Jake Tapper ($7 million per year) or Kaitlan Collins ($3.5 million), but his global reach has kept him indispensable. His flagship program, Quest Means Business, launched in 2010, remains one of CNN International’s most colorful and recognizable business shows.
CNN Rich List: How Richard Quest Compares
| Anchor | Net Worth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson Cooper | $60M | $18M per year |
| Erin Burnett | $22M | $6M per year |
| Jake Tapper | $20M | $7M per year |
| Wolf Blitzer | $25M | $5M per year |
| Kaitlan Collins | $6M | $3.5M per year |
| Richard Quest | $5M | $750K–$1M |
From Liverpool to CNN’s Global Stage
Born in Liverpool in 1962 and raised in Leeds in a Jewish family, Quest studied law at the University of Leeds before spending a year at Vanderbilt University in the U.S., where he first discovered broadcasting.
He rose to prominence at the BBC as a Wall Street correspondent before joining CNN in 2001, just months before the September 11 attacks. While anchors like Wolf Blitzer built reputations in U.S. politics, Quest made his mark with international business coverage and aviation reporting.
The Scandal That Nearly Ended It All
In 2008, Quest was arrested in New York’s Central Park on drug possession charges. Tabloids sensationalized the incident, branding him with cruel nicknames. Quest has since described it as “the single most distressing incident” of his life.
Court-ordered rehab and counseling followed, but remarkably, within months he was back on CNN. By 2009, he was fronting Quest Means Business. The scandal could have ended his career — instead, it became a story of survival, resilience, and the value of second chances.
Recent News: The Facebook Scam
In 2025, Quest’s name was hijacked by scammers promoting a fraudulent “Richard Wealth Guide” on Facebook and WhatsApp, luring investors with promises of 45% returns. CNN confirmed the ads were fake, and Meta eventually removed them.
The case highlighted how recognizable anchors like Quest — alongside CNBC’s Karen Finerman and Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood — are being exploited in a new wave of AI-driven scams targeting financial credibility.
Family Life and Marriage
Quest publicly came out as gay in 2014 and married Chris Pepesterny in 2020. The couple split their time between London and New York. Quest has no children, often joking that his shows are his “closest offspring.”
He has a twin sister, Caroline, who was tragically killed in 2016 after being struck by a train in London. Quest has credited his parents and family support with helping him through both career highs and personal struggles.
Illness, Addiction & Recovery
Quest has framed his 2008 drug use and subsequent rehab as a health issue he had to face head-on. Now in his early 60s, he has spoken about the importance of confronting addiction, maintaining wellness while traveling constantly, and balancing the pressures of global news.
Where Is Richard Quest Now?
As of 2025, Quest continues to anchor Quest Means Business and host the travel series Quest’s World of Wonder. He frequently moderates panels at Davos and contributes columns on economics and aviation.
In a CNN landscape dominated by figures like Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, Wolf Blitzer, Jake Tapper, and Kaitlan Collins, Quest remains the eccentric internationalist — a broadcaster whose mix of energy and expertise ensures his global relevance.
FAQs About Richard Quest
Who is Richard Quest’s partner?
Richard Quest is married to Chris Pepesterny, his longtime partner, since 2020.
Does Richard Quest have children?
No, Richard Quest does not have children. He has joked that his shows are his “offspring.”
Did Richard Quest work for the BBC?
Yes. Before CNN, Richard Quest was the BBC’s North American business correspondent in New York.
What religion is Richard Quest?
Richard Quest comes from a Sephardic Jewish background.
Where is Richard Quest now?
As of 2025, Richard Quest is still with CNN International, anchoring Quest Means Business and Quest’s World of Wonder.
Key Takeaway
Richard Quest’s $5 million net worth reflects a career built not on U.S. primetime stardom, but on international credibility, eccentric flair, and resilience in the face of scandal. In a CNN roster filled with household names, Quest remains the outlier — proof that authenticity and perseverance can define a legacy just as much as ratings and salary.
