George Soros – Net Worth, Biography and Key Facts

George Soros, born August 12, 1930, in Budapest, is a 94‑year‑old Hungarian‑American investor and philanthropist. With a net worth of approximately $7.2 billion as of May 2025, he has donated over $32 billion to his Open Society Foundations, making him one of the most consequential financial figures of the modern era. His career is defined by a historic $1 billion profit from shorting the British pound on Black Wednesday in 1992, which earned him the nickname “The Man Who Broke the Bank of England.”

Soros’s life spans survival of Nazi‑occupied Hungary, emigration to Britain and later the United States, and the building of a fortune that he has systematically redistributed through philanthropy. His Open Society Foundations operate in more than 100 countries, supporting democratic practice, human rights, education, and justice reform. In 2025, President Joe Biden awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian honor.

Below is a detailed look at his net worth, family, early life, and the key events that shaped his legacy.

What Is George Soros’s Net Worth and How Did He Build His Fortune?

George Soros at a Glance

Key Insights

• George Soros is best known for his $10 billion short sale of the British pound in 1992, earning the nickname “The Man Who Broke the Bank of England.”
• He is the founder of the Open Society Foundations, which has donated over $32 billion to human rights and democracy causes worldwide.
• Soros is a major political donor in the U.S., primarily supporting Democratic and progressive candidates and causes.
• His son Alexander Soros has taken over leadership of Soros Fund Management and the Open Society Foundations.
• Despite his wealth, Soros remains a controversial figure, frequently targeted by conspiracy theories.

Key Facts About George Soros

Who Are George Soros’s Family Members? (Children, Wife, and Son)

Wife: Teresa Soros

Soros’s wife is Teresa Soros, sometimes referred to as Terry. They have been married for decades and share a long‑time residence in Manhattan, according to Bloomberg and other sources.

Son: Alexander Soros

Alexander Soros, also known as Alex Soros, is deeply involved in philanthropy. In 2017, Soros transferred $18 billion to his Open Society Foundations, and in December of that year, Alex Soros was named chair of the foundations. In 2025, Soros confirmed he is handing control of his $25 billion empire to his son Alex, marking a major generational shift.

Other Children

According to Forbes and other reports, Soros has five children in total: Robert, Andrea, Jonathan, Alexander, and Gregory. Alexander is the most publicly active in the family’s philanthropic and investment work.

Where Does George Soros Live and What Is His Early Background?

Childhood in Budapest Under Nazi Occupation

Born Schwartz György to a Jewish family, Soros and his family survived the Nazi occupation of 1944–1945 by purchasing fake Christian documents that shielded them from deportation and murder. After World War II, as Communists consolidated power in Hungary, he left Budapest in 1947 for Britain.

Education: London School of Economics

While in Britain, Soros worked as a railway porter and night‑club waiter while studying at the London School of Economics (LSE). He received both a BSc and MSc from LSE. The name and philosophy of his Open Society Foundations were influenced by the philosopher Karl Popper, whom Soros first encountered as an LSE student.

Immigration to the United States

In 1956, Soros emigrated to the United States and entered finance and investments, where he built his fortune. He began his financial career with Singer and Friedlander, a London bank, after graduating.

Current Residences

Soros maintains a primary residence in Manhattan and also has homes in London and other locations, according to Bloomberg.

What Are the Key Events in George Soros’s Life?

1. 1930 – Born in Budapest, Hungary.
2. 1944 – Survived Nazi occupation by hiding with family using fake Christian documents.
3. 1947 – Emigrated to England.
4. 1952 – Graduated from London School of Economics with BSc and MSc.
5. 1956 – Moved to New York City.
6. 1969 – Founded Soros Fund Management.
7. 1992 – Short sale of $10 billion against the British pound on Black Wednesday; profit of ~$1 billion.
8. 1993 – Established the Open Society Foundations (formalized from earlier philanthropy).
9. 2013 – Married Susan Weber.
10. 2023 – Handed control of Soros Fund Management to son Alexander Soros.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About George Soros?

What Is the Broader Context of Soros’s Influence?

George Soros’s financial career is a case study in macro investing and currency speculation. His success on Black Wednesday cemented his reputation as a risk‑taker who can move markets. His philanthropic model, using open society principles, has influenced global civil society, but also attracted political backlash in authoritarian regimes. Soros’s funding of democratic movements and human rights organizations has made him a target of governments that view open society ideals as threats.

His 1992 bet against the British pound occurred under the government of John Major – Complete Biography and Political Legacy. Understanding Major’s economic policies provides context for why Soros’s trade was so impactful.

In the world of high‑stakes investing, Soros shares a category with other legendary contrarians like Michael Burry – Net Worth, Portfolio and 2025 Trades, who similarly made massive bets that paid off during crises.

What Has George Soros Said About Finance and Philanthropy?

“The reality is that the financial system is inherently unstable.”

George Soros, The Alchemy of Finance

“I’m a critic of the way the world is run, and I’m trying to make it better.”

Interview with The Guardian, 2018

What’s Next for George Soros?

The transition of leadership to his son Alexander Soros marks a new chapter. The Open Society Foundations will continue to focus on democracy and human rights, likely expanding their work in areas such as digital rights and justice reform. Soros remains a target of conspiracy theories, which may lead to further legal and political battles, but his philanthropic machine is now largely in the hands of the next generation.

Frequently Asked Questions About George Soros