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Business & Money • E-commerce

Jack Ma

Jack Ma is a Chinese businessman, investor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Alibaba Group and the Jack Ma Foundation.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jack Ma is a Chinese businessman, investor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Alibaba Group. Born Ma Yun in 1964, he became one of China's most prominent internet entrepreneurs and a major figure in e-commerce. He later reduced his public role after stepping back from Alibaba and facing scrutiny following criticism of Chinese financial regulators in 2020.

Early life and education

Jack Ma was born Ma Yun in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, in 1964. He studied English language education at Hangzhou Teachers Institute and later worked as an English teacher before becoming an entrepreneur.

Alibaba and business career

Ma co-founded Alibaba Group in 1999, helping build it into one of China's largest e-commerce and technology companies. He later stepped down from top leadership roles and became associated with philanthropy and broader investment activity.

Public profile and disappearance rumors

Ma became much less visible in public after 2020, following criticism of China's financial regulators and the suspension of Ant Group's planned IPO. News reports later said he was seen again publicly in China, which countered rumors that he had permanently disappeared.

Wealth and philanthropy

Jack Ma has long been described as one of China's wealthiest people, with his net worth varying by date and source. He also founded the Jack Ma Foundation, which focuses on education and philanthropy.

Key facts

  • Jack Ma co-founded Alibaba Group and later founded the Jack Ma Foundation.
  • He was born in Hangzhou in 1964 and is widely known by his English name, Jack Ma.
  • He studied English language education at Hangzhou Teachers Institute.
  • Ma stepped back from Alibaba leadership and has kept a lower public profile since 2020.
  • Reports linked his reduced public visibility to criticism he made of Chinese financial regulators and the resulting regulatory scrutiny.
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Canadian context

Jack Ma is relevant to Canadian readers through global e-commerce, technology investment, and international business coverage. Alibaba’s rise affected online retail and China-focused trade discussions that matter to Canadian consumers and businesses.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jack Ma?
Jack Ma is a Chinese businessman, investor, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Alibaba Group.
How old is Jack Ma?
Born on 10 September 1964, Jack Ma is 61 years old as of July 2026.
What is Jack Ma's net worth?
Sources in the search results give different estimates over time; one recent figure is about US$27.5 billion.
What is Jack Ma's education?
He studied English language education at Hangzhou Teachers Institute and earned a BA there.
Why did Jack Ma disappear?
He largely retreated from public view after 2020, following criticism of Chinese financial regulators and the subsequent regulatory crackdown on Ant Group and related businesses.
Is Jack Ma still alive?
Yes. Recent reports from 2023 and 2025 describe public appearances by Jack Ma.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Ma
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, co-founding Alibaba, philanthropy, and approximate net worth.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Jack-Ma
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, and Alibaba biography.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49644025
    Supports: Retirement from Alibaba leadership, background as a teacher, and focus on philanthropy and education.
  4. BBC Business Daily — https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/w3ct317d
    Supports: Low public profile since the Ant Group regulatory suspension and later control changes.
  5. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-65084344
    Supports: Public sighting in 2023 after a long absence and explanation of his low profile.
  6. The University of Hong Kong — https://www.hku.hk/hongrads/graduates/dr-jack-ma-jack-ma-yun
    Supports: Education at Hangzhou Teachers Institute and BA in English language education.
  7. Forbes — https://www.forbes.com/profile/jack-ma/
    Supports: Wealth profile and net worth estimates over time.