In this article, we will discuss Billionaire Ken Fisher’s 10 Finance Stock Picks with Huge Upside Potential.
The global financial industry includes banking, insurance, asset management, and capital market sectors, and plays a significant role in supporting economic activity. According to McKinsey, the banking industry handles assets worth $400 trillion as of 2025, bringing in about $7 trillion and $1.1 trillion in annual revenue and profits, respectively. On the other hand, the broader financial services sector is on the high, increasing more than 16% in the last year (as of writing this article), beating the broader market’s 6% return for the same period. This robust growth is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2025, with the momentum driven by dropping interest rates, cooling off inflation, and investors’ faith in the sector, creating upside potential across various segments.
Despite brief macroeconomic uncertainty, the U.S. economy improved more than expected in 2024, with GDP growth hitting about 2.7%. Although the progress is expected to slow down in 2025, with growth likely dropping to around 1.5%, the financial sector is holding strong, supported by expected Fed rate cuts, steadier regulations, and a comeback in market activity. Moreover, record consumer debt of $17.7 trillion and increasing corporate refinancing needs are expected to affect borrowing patterns.
Looking ahead, financial companies stand strong to gain from the revival in financial markets, as recent forecasts indicate M&A activity, buyouts, and private lending picking up steam in 2025. Furthermore, companies are making strategic deals and investing in AI technology, fueling rapid growth in private markets. Additionally, private credit assets under management could double soon, as more businesses and individuals seek financing outside traditional banks. This surge in deals and fundraising follows several quiet years and sets up major financial players for solid profits.
In contrast, the global insurance sector is dealing with economic turbulence, high inflation, and unpredictable interest rates. Personal property and casualty insurance grew 9.5% between 2022-2023, reaching $1.1 trillion, driven mostly by rate increases rather than new businesses. Thus, the sector is focused on innovation and geographic diversification, expanding into emerging Asian and Latin American markets. At the same time, in the U.S., affordability concerns are forcing insurers and other sectors to cut costs and improve their digital services.
As such, innovation and digital transformation drive the financial sector, as banks alone have poured over $600 billion into tech upgrades, outspending even tech companies on IT, as reported by McKinsey. Despite this massive investment, labor productivity has dropped 4% over the last 15 years. This troubling decline has created pressure to make these tech investments pay off. Looking ahead, as AI, automation, and cloud are getting adopted, companies are expected to transform their business models and enhance digital services to boost efficiency and customer reach.
Meanwhile, new tariff policies are shaking up global markets, further triggering the macroeconomic uncertainty. Billionaire Ken Fisher is still critical of these measures as he argues that it is unnecessary to worry about them. He posted the following statement on X.
“What Trump unveiled on Wednesday is stupid, wrong, arrogantly extreme, ignorant trade-wise and addressing a non-problem with misguided tools. It will fade and fail and the fear is bigger than the problem, which from here is bullish.”
He strongly believes financial stocks may bounce back once the initial shock passes by, drawing a historical parallel: “It may well be this goes something like the 1998 stock market correction leading to a 26% annual return.” As interest rates drop and economic pressures ease, investors are eyeing financial companies for potential recovery gains and strategic long-term positions.
With these factors in mind, let’s now explore Billionaire Ken Fisher’s 10 Finance Stock Picks with Huge Upside Potential.
Our Methodology
To compile this list, we reviewed Ken Fisher’s SEC Q4 2024 13F filings. We picked 10 stocks that have the highest upside potential from their current levels as of April 22. Finally, we ranked the stocks in ascending order based on their highest analyst upside potential, while also laying out hedge fund sentiment for these stocks according to Insider Monkey’s Q4 2024 database.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSBC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 20
Upside Potential: 41.64%
Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSBC), which is a regional bank, offers community banking across the U.S. It provides personal and business accounts, mortgage and commercial loans, along with wealth management services. The bank also handles treasury and custodial services. As a part of Ken Fisher’s Stock Portfolio, this pick has a promising future, thanks to its strong capital and enhanced credit quality.
For Q4 ended December 31, 2024, Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSBC) reported $19.1 million in net income ($0.42 per share). Earnings decreased by $3.5 million in credit loss provisions and $1.7 million in property write-downs. The bank’s lending revenue was solid, with interest margin climbing to 4.68% from 4.64% last quarter. Deposits jumped by $303 million, while loans dipped slightly due to payoffs. However, the bank kept strong capital levels and smoothly brought in the First Merchants branches that were bought in December.
Furthermore, the bank’s improved 4.68% interest margin came from higher yields and smart deposit pricing. The First Merchants branch acquisition, wrapped up in early December, boosted the bank’s deposit base. With deposits up by $303 million, its loan-to-deposit ratio fell to 84%, and repayments resulted in loan balances dropping a bit on a quarterly basis.
Looking ahead to 2025, Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSBC) expects mid-single-digit loan growth, but sees its margin shrinking a bit due to competition. It is planning for 4-5% expense growth and normal charge-offs of 10-20 basis points, while the bank’s bond portfolio is expected to generate $250 million in cash flow. Moreover, OSBC remains focused on acquisitions and share buybacks as it builds up capital and improves its credit profile.
9. Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Upside Potential: 41.65%
Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) is a global asset management company, offering various investment options. Its business revolves around equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternatives, including retail clients, institutions, and wealthy individuals. The company also invests in real estate and private equity, with a strong presence in growing markets like China and India. Its diverse products and global reach make it a solid pick in the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio.
For Q4 ended December 31, 2024, Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) reported strong results with $3.3 billion in net inflows – its third straight quarter of positive flows. For full-year 2024, the company brought in $2.4 billion, a huge improvement from the $31 billion that flowed out two years earlier. Moreover, its assets jumped 13% year-over-year to $378.7 billion, while Q4 adjusted EPS shot up 30% to $1.07 and operating margin grew to 36%, up 1.8% from Q4 2023.
Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) keeps growing through smart acquisitions, such as NBK Capital Partners, Victory Park Capital, and Tabula Investment Management. The company has also enhanced its ETF business, becoming the 8th biggest active ETF provider worldwide. It is zeroing in on growth areas like ETFs, fixed income, and global distribution, while also leveraging AI into its processes.
Additionally, the company’s long-term investment results stay strong, especially in fixed income, where over 90% of its assets beat benchmarks across 1, 3, 5, and 10 years. At the same time, its U.S. intermediary channel has seen inflows for six quarters straight, and 29 of its strategies each pulled in over $100 million in new client money.
Looking ahead in 2025, Janus Henderson Group plc (NYSE:JHG) expects compensation to run 43-44% of revenue, taxes at 23-25%, and small increases in other expenses. It is banking on continued growth in ETFs and international markets, which should keep it performing well in the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio.
8. SouthState Corporation (NASDAQ:SSB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25
Upside Potential: 41.82%
SouthState Corporation (NASDAQ:SSB) provides banking services to retail and commercial clients across the Southeast via its SouthState Bank segment. It offers commercial loans, deposit products, treasury management, wealth advisory, and correspondent banking in fast-growing markets. With a careful approach to finances and smart buyouts, it has caught the eye of value investors and is included in the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio.
For Q4 ended December 31, 2024, SouthState Corporation (NASDAQ:SSB) showed strong results as pre-provision revenue jumped 9%, while total revenue climbed 6%. Its interest margin improved to 3.48%, boosting interest income by $18 million compared to the previous quarter. Throughout 2024, loans increased by 5% and deposits rose by 3%. Furthermore, the company’s non-interest income hit $80 million in Q4, while it improved efficiency by 140 basis points to 54.4%. In addition, return on assets reached 1.27% for the quarter.
Moreover, SouthState Corporation (NASDAQ:SSB) bought Independent Financial on January 1, 2025, which was earlier than planned. It expects to save $45 million this year through the deal, reaching $90 million in savings by 2026. SouthState also sold and leased back 170 branches, freeing up $225 million for growth opportunities.
Looking ahead, SouthState Corporation (NASDAQ:SSB) expects its net interest margin (NIM) to increase to 3.75%-3.85% by late 2025, with steady mid-single-digit loan growth. It is also pushing to expand in key markets, such as Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas, while cutting expenses to around $340-350 million by the end of 2025. The company is included in the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio, as it boasts investor faith in its approach to growth and financial strength.
7. Origin Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:OBK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17
Upside Potential: 42.38%
Origin Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:OBK) is a regional bank serving Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. It offers customized financial solutions, including commercial and retail banking, real estate, industrial, and consumer lending. It also provides digital banking, treasury management, mortgage servicing, and insurance products for individual clients and businesses.
For Q4 ended December 31, 2024, Origin Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:OBK) posted $0.46 diluted EPS. Its net interest margin grew by 15 basis points to 3.33%, beating forecasts, while the company is aiming for 3.45% NIM by late 2025. Additionally, loan growth should reach mid-to-high single digits in 2025, a change from its cautious 2024 strategy. Moreover, non-interest expenses should stay flat or drop slightly, reinforcing operational leverage.
The company’s “Optimize Origin” plan involves closing branches, reshaping teams, and cleaning up its balance sheet. These moves should add $21 million to annual earnings on a pretax, pre-provision basis. Origin Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:OBK) has already closed eight branches, bought back $70 million in debt, and slashed brokered deposits by 81% in Q4. Its loan-to-deposit ratio sits at a healthy 87.9%, and the company is handling credit quality well.
The Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio includes Origin Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:OBK), representing trust in its potential. As OBK approaches $10 billion in assets in 2025, it continues to broaden its Southeast imprint in Alabama and Florida with loan and deposit growth. The company’s focus on lasting profits makes it stand out among finance stocks with growth potential.
6. Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 32
Upside Potential: 42.66%
Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV) is a regional bank, offering commercial and consumer banking across the Southeastern U.S. It works through four main segments: Wholesale Banking, Community Banking, Consumer Banking, and Financial Management Services—providing everything from real estate loans to investment advice. In the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio, this stock represents a diverse bet on regional financial growth during changing economic times.
For Q1 ended March 31, 2025, Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV) posted earnings of $1.30 per share, up 4% from the previous quarter and 65% from last year. Its pre-provision net revenue jumped 22%, while its return on tangible equity hit 17.6%. Moreover, interest margins improved to 3.35%, and the company saw $40 million in loan growth—its best production since Q4 2022. Credit quality got better with charge-offs falling to 20 basis points, and the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio staying strong at 10.75%.
Although the company’s clients are doubtful regarding tariffs and federal job cuts, Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV) kept its 2025 outlook steady. It expects 3-5% growth in loans and deposits, 3-6% growth in adjusted revenue, and stable core capital. The company also predicts that non-interest expenses will have a slower growth of just 2-4%. Furthermore, some recent strategic moves include building up its structured lending team and starting a deposit service for the legal industry.
Ken Fisher owns 316,529 Synovus shares worth $10.5 million, signaling faith in the company’s financial strength and earning potential. Within the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio, Synovus stands out for performing well despite tighter credit and economic uncertainty.
5. Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 79
Upside Potential: 43.42%
Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) runs one of Latin America’s biggest digital banking platforms. It offers integrated financial services in credit, payments, insurance, and telecom. It also offers travel services through NuTravel and NuCel, with key business in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. With over 114 million customers, the company is dominating retail banking in the region.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) reported a YoY revenue increase of 58% on a foreign-exchange-neutral basis, taking revenue to $11.5 billion. Its yearly profit nearly doubled to $2 billion, thanks to growing loans and tight cost control with a 30% efficiency ratio. While Q4 profit hit $553 million, adjusted profit increased by 87% to $610 million. The company now makes about $10.70 per customer (up 23%), as deposits and interest-earning assets went up by 55% and 75%, respectively.
Additionally, the total credit portfolio grew 45% for Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU), with secured lending skyrocketing 615%. While Brazil remains its powerhouse, adding 1 million new customers monthly and grabbing 30% of FGTS loans. In Mexico and Colombia, deposits shot up 438% to $1.3 billion, respectively, showing the company’s regional expansion is performing well.
The Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio has Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) in its portfolio, betting on its digital model’s future. As the company expands beyond basic banking and builds out AI systems, it stands apart from traditional finance stocks. Its growing customer revenue and lean operations continue to challenge banking norms in emerging markets.
4. KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 83
Upside Potential: 47.96%
KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR) is a global alternative asset manager, investing in private equity, real estate, credit, and infrastructure sectors. With investments across various industries, such as tech, consumer goods, healthcare, and natural resources, the company seeks buyout deals, growth opportunities, and credit investments in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its expanding private wealth division and growth in real estate and infrastructure sectors have allowed it to become a major player in the finance sector globally.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, KKR posted strong results with fee-related earnings hitting $3.66 per share and adjusted income reaching $4.70 per share, both nearly 40% up from the previous year. In the fourth quarter alone, KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR) earned $0.94 per share and collected $906 million in management fees. It also raised $114 billion in 2024, its second-best fundraising year ever, and boosted its dividend payment to $0.74 per share. Moreover, the company’s private wealth segment doubled AUM in the K-Series to $16 billion, showing strong growth with individual investors.
Furthermore, KKR’s holdings and capital markets units did well as infrastructure and private equity investments grew 14% yearly. Monetization activity jumped over 40% YoY, and capital markets revenue topped $1 billion for the first time. KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR) expects to earn at least $4.50 in FRE per share by 2026 as it keeps expanding.
KKR is a part of the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio, which indicates confidence and trust in its long-term potential. As mergers and acquisitions are on the rise and more individuals are investing, KKR’s broad platform gives it an edge. With global reach and steady earnings growth, KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE:KKR) looks promising among financial companies with room to grow.
3. WisdomTree, Inc. (NYSE:WT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
Upside Potential: 48.36%
WisdomTree, Inc. (NYSE:WT) is a niche asset manager, focusing on index-based ETFs across equities, currencies, fixed income, and alternative assets. It also pushes digital finance innovation through its WisdomTree Prime platform, while also licensing indexes to third-party providers. By late 2024, the company managed $109.8 billion in assets, up about 10% from the previous year.
For Q4 ended December 31, 2024, WisdomTree, Inc. (NYSE:WT) reported adjusted revenue of $110.5 million, a 22% jump year-over-year, while adjusted net income hit $25.3 million (or $0.17 per share). The company’s full-year adjusted operating margin grew to 33.6%, with 2025 gross margins expected to reach 81-82%.
WisdomTree’s business model keeps driving growth, with assets up 28% year-over-year and over 2,500 active users. On the other hand, digital assets are gaining steam too, as WisdomTree Prime now has 26,000 open accounts, holding $31 million in digital AUM.
WisdomTree, Inc. (NYSE:WT) stands out for its smart capital use and push toward diverse, tech-focused revenue. With stakes in both traditional ETFs and digital assets, it’s a unique pick from the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio that appeals to investors looking for financial tech growth and regulatory advantages.
2. Renasant Corporation (NASDAQ:RNST)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
Upside Potential: 51.88%
Renasant Corporation (NASDAQ:RNST) is a bank holding company for Renasant Bank, providing financial services, wealth management, fiduciary, and insurance services. Its business covers three main segments: Community Banks, Insurance, and Wealth Management. The company provides personal and business loans, real estate financing, equipment leasing, and investment services across the Southeast US.
For Q4 ended December 31, 2024, Renasant Corporation (NASDAQ:RNST) made $44.7 million, or $0.70 per diluted share. Its net interest income increased by $1.9 million to $135.5 million from the previous quarter. While adjusted NIM slightly improved to 3.34%, deposit costs dropped by 16 basis points to 2.35%, which was better than expected. The company grew loans by $257.4 million and deposits by $63 million in the quarter, while getting rid of all brokered deposits by year-end.
Renasant’s loan quality stayed solid as it set aside $3.1 million for possible credit losses and had $1.7 million in net charge-offs. Problem loans and non-performing assets fell to 2.89% and 0.68% of total assets, respectively, as the company’s capital ratios remained strong throughout Q4.
Moreover, the company’s merger with The First is still set to finish in the first half of 2025. Therefore, Renasant Corporation (NASDAQ:RNST) expects its margin to grow modestly in 2025 and sees strength in all loan areas, with a $174 million pipeline going into Q1.
Ken Fisher’s portfolio consists of 414,108 Renasant Corporation (NASDAQ:RNST) shares worth $14.8 million as of Q4 2024. This pick fits well within the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio, as it offers a value-driven positioning within the sector.
1. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NASDAQ:AUB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
Upside Potential: 66.77%
Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NASDAQ:AUB) is a bank holding company for Atlantic Union Bank, providing financial services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its business includes Wholesale and Consumer Banking segments, which offer deposit products, home and business loans, credit options, treasury services, and wealth management. Customers can access these services through branches, ATMs, and online platforms.
For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, Atlantic Union’s earnings per share hit $0.67, falling short of what analysts expected. Net interest income stayed flat at $187 million, while the net interest margin dropped slightly by 5 basis points to 3.33%. Despite missing earnings targets, loans grew at an annual rate of 2.9% and deposits increased by 1.8%. The company also reduced brokered deposits by over $200 million, while credit quality stayed healthy overall. However, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NASDAQ:AUB) set aside $17.5 million because of issues with a specific commercial and industrial loan.
Moreover, the Sandy Spring deal should wrap up by mid-2025, with only some regulatory approvals remaining. As part of this, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NASDAQ:AUB) plans to sell off $2 billion in commercial real estate loans. The increased CRE payoffs in Q4 suggest that healthy refinancing activity is occurring. Furthermore, the company’s leadership is optimistic about economic conditions in Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina, where unemployment stays below the national average.
Looking ahead to 2025, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NASDAQ:AUB) expects loans and deposits to grow in the mid-single digits. It is expecting a net interest margin between 3.45% and 3.60%, while net interest income could reach up to $800 million, assuming the Fed cuts rates twice. Additionally, the company predicts that loan charge-offs might increase slightly, but it believes overall credit conditions should remain stable.
With its growth plans, solid fundamentals, and strong regional presence, AUB fits well in the Ken Fisher Stock Portfolio, with a value-focused investment approach. This makes Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NASDAQ:AUB) worth considering even during uncertain times in the financial sector.
Overall, AUB ranks first among Billionaire Ken Fisher’s 10 Finance Stock Picks with Huge Upside Potential. While we acknowledge the potential of these companies, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AUB but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
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