George Soros was born August 12, 1930, in Budapest, Hungary. Now 94 years old as of 2025, Soros has lived a life shaped by survival, determination, and resilience. Growing up during World War II, he witnessed firsthand the horrors of the Nazi occupation of Hungary between 1944 and 1945. As part of a Jewish family, Soros and his relatives faced grave danger, with more than 500,000 Hungarian Jews murdered during that period.
The Soros family survived by obtaining false identity papers and hiding their true background. George later reflected that this difficult experience not only helped his family escape death but also inspired him to assist others in securing safety. These early years played a major role in shaping his lifelong commitment to justice, democracy, and philanthropy.
In 1947, Soros left Communist-controlled Hungary and moved to London. To support himself, he worked as a waiter and railway porter while studying at the London School of Economics. There, he was influenced by philosopher Karl Popper, whose ideas on open societies would later guide Soros’ worldview and philanthropic efforts.
Finance Career and Wealth Building
After completing his studies, Soros emigrated to the United States in the 1950s. He began his finance career as an arbitrage trader at F.M. Mayer and later as an analyst at Wertheim & Co. His skill in identifying global financial opportunities quickly made him stand out.
In 1973, he founded Soros Fund Management, which would become one of the most successful hedge funds in history. Known for achieving average returns of about 20% annually over four decades, the firm managed billions of dollars in assets and generated more than $30 billion in profits for investors. Today, Soros Fund Management oversees approximately $45 billion in assets.
One of Soros’ most famous financial moves came in 1992 during the UK’s currency crisis. He bet against the British pound by short-selling $10 billion worth of the currency. This bold strategy earned him a $1 billion profit overnight and earned him the nickname “The Man Who Broke the Bank of England.”
Net Worth and Family Wealth
As of 2025, George Soros has a net worth of $9 billion, according to updated estimates. Much of his wealth has been transferred to his philanthropic organization, the Open Society Foundations (OSF). Soros has personally donated over $32 billion of his fortune to OSF, with around $15 billion already distributed to causes worldwide.
Soros’ ability to maintain billionaire status while giving away more than half of his wealth highlights the scale of his success. His family also plays an important role in his legacy. He has five children from two marriages: Robert, Andrea, Jonathan, Alexander, and Gregory. Some of his children, like Alexander Soros, are actively involved in carrying forward his philanthropic and business initiatives.
Major Contributions and Philanthropy
Soros began structured philanthropy in 1979 by funding scholarships for Black South Africans during the apartheid era. This act marked the beginning of decades of giving aimed at supporting marginalized communities and advancing human rights.
In 1984, he established the Open Society Foundations, a global network of foundations and partners now operating in over 100 countries. Through OSF, Soros has championed causes such as:
- Promoting democracy and independent journalism
- Supporting education in former communist states
- Funding programs for human rights and equality
- Advocating for drug policy reform and criminal justice improvements
- Supporting the LGBTQ community and same-sex marriage rights
- Financing medical marijuana reform movements
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Soros helped establish the Central European University in Budapest, aiming to bring Western-style education and new ideas to post-communist Europe. He also donated $500 million to aid refugees during the Syrian crisis, reflecting his deep commitment to humanitarian relief.
Political and Social Advocacy
Throughout his career, George Soros has been outspoken about politics and economics. He has often criticized authoritarian regimes and promoted transparency in government. His views have made him a polarizing figure, particularly in the United States, where he has been both praised for his generosity and criticized for his political activism.
Soros has also expressed opposition to policies he believed harmful to society. For example, he criticized the U.S. “War on Drugs,” describing it as more damaging than drug use itself. His support has consistently gone to causes advocating for justice, equality, and freedom of expression.
Influence on Global Finance
Beyond philanthropy, Soros’ career in finance remains one of the most influential in history. His strategies reshaped how hedge funds operated, and his bold moves in currency markets demonstrated the power of financial speculation. The “Black Wednesday” bet in 1992 remains one of the most legendary trades in Wall Street history.
Soros Fund Management continues to be a significant player in the investment world, with diverse holdings across industries including energy, retail, finance, and technology.
Age and Legacy
At 94 years old, George Soros continues to play a role in global philanthropy, although much of the responsibility for managing his foundations has shifted to his children and professional executives. His long life has spanned from surviving Nazi occupation to becoming one of the world’s wealthiest and most charitable individuals.
While his net worth of $9 billion is staggering, the far greater measure of his legacy is in the $32 billion he has given away to promote open societies, education, justice, and equality. His story is one of resilience, financial genius, and a deep commitment to creating lasting social impact.