Ken Griffin
Kenneth Cordele Griffin is an American hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, and investor best known as the founder and chief executive officer of Citadel.
Ken Griffin is an American hedge fund manager and billionaire founder of Citadel. He is one of the most prominent figures in global finance.
What it is
Ken Griffin is the founder and CEO of Citadel, a major hedge fund, and founder of Citadel Securities, a leading market-making firm. He started trading while at Harvard and launched Citadel in 1990. He owns about 80% of Citadel LLC.
Key details
A 2025 Fortune profile estimated Griffin's net worth at around US$48 billion, making him one of the world's richest people. He is known for large-scale philanthropy, particularly in education and medical research, and for being a visible political donor.
Why it matters
Griffin's firms are central to modern finance: Citadel is a top hedge fund, and Citadel Securities handles a significant share of U.S. stock market trades. His wealth and political influence make him a key figure in debates on finance and public policy.
In short
- Founded Citadel in 1990
- Net worth estimated at ~US$48 billion
- Major philanthropist and political donor
- Founder of Citadel Securities, a top market-maker
Quick questions
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Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_C._GriffinSupports: Birth date; occupation; founder, CEO, and ownership of Citadel; founder of Citadel Securities; philanthropy.
- Bloomberg Billionaires Index — https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/kenneth-c-griffin/Supports: Citadel leadership; Citadel Securities founding; source of wealth tied to Citadel.
- Fortune — https://fortune.com/ranking/most-powerful-people/2025/ken-griffin/Supports: 2025 net worth estimate of around US$48 billion; Citadel and Citadel Securities prominence.
- Museum of American Finance — https://www.moaf.org/about/people/kenneth-griffinSupports: Harvard trading background; founding of Citadel in 1990; philanthropy.
- Chicago Tribune — https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/10/24/who-is-ken-griffin-and-how-does-he-spend-all-that-money/Supports: Citadel founder and CEO; principal owner of Citadel Securities; wealth estimates in prior years.