George Soros
United States
Net Worth
$14B
Source of Wealth
Soros Fund Management
Global Rank
#78 of 100
About George Soros
George Soros is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant and successful investors in financial history. As the founder of Soros Fund Management and the legendary Quantum Fund, he generated extraordinary returns over several decades, building a track record that made him one of the most closely studied investors of the modern era. His deep understanding of macroeconomic forces, currency markets, and the reflexive nature of financial systems gave him an analytical edge that few could match, and his willingness to act decisively on his convictions set him apart from his peers.
Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1930, Soros survived extraordinary hardship during World War II before emigrating to England, where he studied at the London School of Economics under the philosopher Karl Popper. Popper's ideas about open societies and critical thinking profoundly shaped Soros's worldview and his later philanthropic mission. After moving to the United States, he steadily built his reputation as an investor of rare insight, eventually launching the Quantum Fund in 1973, which went on to deliver average annual returns exceeding 30% over three decades — one of the most remarkable sustained performances in investment history.
Soros has been one of the most generous philanthropists of the modern age, donating over $32 billion to his Open Society Foundations, making it one of the largest private charitable networks in the world. His foundations have supported education, public health, independent media, and the rule of law in more than 120 countries. His commitment to using his wealth to advance human welfare and opportunity across the globe stands as a defining achievement alongside his extraordinary investment career.
Key Achievements
Quantum Fund's Legendary Returns
Built the Quantum Fund into one of the most successful hedge funds in history, delivering average annual returns exceeding 30% over more than three decades.
Open Society Foundations
Donated over $32 billion to the Open Society Foundations, creating one of the world's largest and most impactful private philanthropic networks operating in over 120 countries.
Pioneer of Macro Investing
Pioneered the global macro investing strategy, demonstrating that deep understanding of economic fundamentals and currency dynamics could generate extraordinary investment returns.
Theory of Reflexivity
Developed the theory of reflexivity in financial markets, contributing an important intellectual framework for understanding how investor perceptions and market fundamentals interact.
Education and Scholarship Support
Funded tens of thousands of scholarships and established Central European University, providing world-class educational opportunities for students across multiple continents.
Notable Quotes
“It's not whether you're right or wrong that's important, but how much money you make when you're right and how much you lose when you're wrong.”
— George Soros
“The financial markets generally are unpredictable. So that one has to have different scenarios. The idea that you can actually predict what's going to happen contradicts my way of looking at the market.”
— George Soros
“Once we realize that imperfect understanding is the human condition, there is no shame in being wrong, only in failing to correct our mistakes.”
— George Soros
Key Decisions
Emigrated to the United States from England, beginning his career on Wall Street and steadily building expertise in international finance and currency trading.
Founded the Quantum Fund with Jim Rogers, establishing the vehicle that would generate some of the greatest investment returns in financial history.
Established the Open Society Foundations, beginning a lifelong philanthropic mission that would eventually channel over $32 billion into global causes.
Made a historic bet on the British pound's exit from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, demonstrating unparalleled conviction in his macroeconomic analysis.
Transferred $18 billion of his personal fortune to the Open Society Foundations, making it one of the largest philanthropic transfers in history.
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See how Glen Bradford applies these principles to his own investing. Long Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac junior preferred — and not going anywhere.