Renowned hedge fund investor George Soros may be best known these days for his philanthropy and support of progressive causes. He has given away more than $8 billion since 1979 to human rights, public health and education groups. Last year he pledged $100 million to Human Rights Watch, in part to counteract America’s loss of the “moral high ground.” He’s also given away $150 million to Roma Rights (Gypsies). Manages $28 billion (assets) Quantum Fund, which was up 2.6% in 2010. Soros is partnering with private equity firm Silver Lake in new initiative to invest in clean energy. With Stanley Druckenmiller shorted England’s currency, “broke” British pound 1992; said to have made $1 billion in one day when Bank of England stopped fixing exchange rate.
Net Worth: $21.8 billion
George Soros
