Steven A. Cohen, born in 1956, is a prominent American hedge fund manager and investor known for his significant impact on the financial industry. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics, where he developed a passion for trading by playing poker in high school. With the money he won, he began buying shares, laying the foundation for his future in finance. After six years of trading, Cohen gained management of $75 million, marking the beginning of his ascent in the trading world.
In 1992, Cohen founded SAC Capital Partners with an initial management of $13 million. Despite a higher management fee than many of his competitors, his reputation for delivering exceptional returns quickly attracted investors. Under his leadership, SAC Capital enjoyed remarkable success, averaging a 29% return over more than two decades, with a management fee of 3% and a performance fee of 50%. His ability to consistently outperform the market solidified his standing as a leading figure in hedge fund management.
However, in 2013, SAC Capital faced a scandal involving insider trading charges, leading the firm to plead guilty and pay $1.2 billion in penalties. This tumultuous period prompted Cohen to transition his focus and establish Point72 Asset Management, which eventually took over SAC.
Today, Steven Cohen is worth an estimated $9.2 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. At 62 years old, he continues to manage his wealth through Point72 Asset Management, remaining a significant influence in the hedge fund industry and a testament to resilience in the face of challenges.