Stephen A. Batman, widely known as Tony Batman, is Chairman of SVB Interests, a Single-Family Office (SFO) overseeing the business, investment, and philanthropic activities of Tony and Vicki Batman. Through affiliated organizations including SVB Interests, SVB Ventures, and SVB Charities, he provides strategic leadership across a broad range of entrepreneurial, investment, and charitable initiatives. As Chairman and a member of the Investment Committee of SVB Ventures, Tony helps guide investments in technology, manufacturing, retail, real estate, and other industries. Through SVB Charities, Tony and Vicki are deeply engaged in philanthropy focused on four foundational pillars: Faith & Worship, Knowledge & Education, Business & Commerce, and Civics & Patriotism. Tony also serves on the Grant Selection Committee for SVB Charities, helping direct charitable support toward organizations and causes aligned with these principles.

Prior to founding SVB Ventures in 2019, Tony served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 1st Global, Inc. (now Avantax Financial Services) from 1992 until its sale in 2019. Under his leadership, 1st Global became a nationally recognized wealth management and financial services organization serving affluent families, businesses, and institutions through CPA-centric advisory firms. Tony was instrumental in developing innovative educational programs, advanced professional support systems, and cutting-edge technology solutions that transformed the accounting and financial services professions. Tony also played a foundational role in the independent financial advisory industry as Steering Committee Chairman for the formation of the Financial Services Institute (FSI) and served as its inaugural Board Chairman in 2004 and 2005. FSI advocates on behalf of independent financial advisors and firms, representing over 130,000 affiliated financial professionals nationwide. Recognized by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) as a visionary entrepreneur, Tony has been repeatedly identified by professional and journalistic organizations as one of the most influential leaders in both the accounting and financial services industries. His professional background also includes leadership positions with HD Vest Financial Services, a technology-focused commercial real estate firm, and public accounting experience with Arthur Andersen & Co.. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

A gifted communicator and thought leader, Tony is widely respected for his ability to explain complex concepts related to global economics, capital markets, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to public service, leadership, and civic engagement, Hillsdale College awarded Tony an honorary doctorate in Public Service on May 9, 2026. Tony earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Kansas School of Business in 1979 and was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2008. Throughout his career, he has served on numerous advisory boards, including the Journal of Investment Management, the National Center for Policy Analysis, and the Laffer Center for Supply-Side Economics.

Born in Dodge City, Kansas, Tony is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He is a former instrument-rated private pilot and an enthusiastic collector of antique British sports cars. A lifelong student of history, philosophy, and theology, he is especially passionate about ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, Enlightenment thinkers, world history, and Judeo-Christian scholarship. Tony is also an accomplished collector of rare first-edition books focused on the ideas, events, and intellectual movements that shaped America’s culture, economy, politics, and history. One of his favorite personal stories dates back to 1976, when at age 20 he paused his college studies to travel solo by motorcycle more than 5,000 miles across America during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration.

Tony lives and leads by a philosophy grounded in personal responsibility, moral courage, practical wisdom, and an unwavering belief in the nobility of commercial enterprise and the enduring importance of liberty and justice. Tony and Vicki Batman, married since 1982, reside in Dallas, Texas. Their two grown sons, Nick and Brock, also live in the Dallas area with their families.