John Paulson

John Alfred Paulson is an American hedge fund manager and investor best known as the founder of Paulson & Co.

John Alfred Paulson is an American hedge fund manager and investor best known as the founder of Paulson & Co. He became widely known for profiting from bets against the U.S. subprime mortgage market during the 2007 financial crisis. He has also been recognized for his philanthropy and leadership roles in finance and education.

Early life and education

John Alfred Paulson was born in Queens, New York, in 1955. He studied finance at New York University and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Career

Paulson worked in investment banking and investment management before founding Paulson & Co. in 1994. He later became one of the best-known hedge fund managers in the United States.

2007 subprime mortgage trade

Paulson became internationally known for profiting from the collapse of the U.S. housing market. His use of credit default swaps to short subprime mortgage securities produced one of the largest gains in Wall Street history.

Wealth and recognition

Paulson has been listed among the world's richest people, with large reported earnings in 2007 and 2010. He has also been described as one of the most prominent figures in high finance.

Philanthropy and board service

Paulson has been associated with philanthropic giving and service on boards and advisory bodies in education and public institutions. Reported affiliations include New York University and the Council on Foreign Relations.