$3.2 billion (US) in net worth
Age: 70
DOB: 27 July 1953
Birthplace: Harbin, China
About Michael Hintze
Michael Hintze is a prominent Australian businessman whose path to success has been very interesting, to say the least.
Born in China to Russian parents, Hintze and his family emigrated to Australia after the Chinese Communist Party assumed control. He later joined the Australian Army, rising to the rank of captain before moving to New York for work and then London, where he has been so successful in his career he is now a member of the House of Lords.
With a strong academic background in mathematics, engineering and finance, his career has focused primarily on hedge funds and investment management. Hintze is the founder and CEO of CQS (formerly Convertible and Quantitative Strategies), a leading global multi-strategy investment firm.
Under his leadership, CQS has grown to manage billions of dollars in assets, attracting investors from around the world.
Beyond his business acumen, Michael Hintze is recognised for his philanthropic endeavours. He is a generous supporter of numerous charitable organisations and causes, particularly those related to education, healthcare and the arts.
Education
Hintze has a very impressive educational background, having earned the following academic qualifications.
- BSc degree in physics (University of Sydney)
- BE degree in engineering (University of Sydney)
- MSc degree in Acoustics (University of New South Wales)
- MBA degree from Harvard Business School
He also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Business (University of New South Wales) and a DEng (University of Sydney)
How Did Michael Hintze accrue his wealth?
After leaving the army Hintze joined Civil and Civic Pty to work as an electrical design engineer. He then moved to New York City where he gained a background in financial services, working for Salomon Brothers and Credit Suisse First Boston.
After relocating with the latter to London, Hintze went on to join Goldman Sachs, rising to the position of co-head of the UK Shares Product. Not long after leaving them, he launched CQS, his own asset management firm – which has been described as ‘one of the world’s leading credit market players’.
CQS specialises in a wide range of investment strategies, including credit, convertible bonds and alternative investments. Under his leadership, CQS has established a significant presence in major financial centres around the world, including London, New York, Hong Kong and Sydney. This global reach allowed the firm to attract a diverse group of investors and manage substantial assets.
One of main Hintze’s career highlights is his track record of successful investment strategies. CQS has consistently delivered competitive returns for its clients, solidifying its reputation as a leading investment management firm.
Boards
Due to his educational background and business prowess, Hintze has been commandeered to sit on several different boards. They include ones set up by:
- Australian Treasury
- Pope Francis
- The UK Treasury, Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Duchy of Cornwall
Honours
Hintze has received a number of notable honours during the course of his life, including being appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Knight Commander of the Papal Order of St. Gregory. This was subsequently elevated to Knight Grand Cross status a few years later.
In 2013, he was also bestowed a Member of the Order of Australia for his philanthropic support towards health, education and the arts. A few months after receiving this he was also knighted by the Prince of Wales in the Queen’s UK Birthday Honours for his services to the arts.
In November 2022, he was appointed a life peer – as Baron Hintze.
Personal Life
Hintze has been married for almost 40 years to Dorothy Krauklis. He met her – an American – whilst at Harvard and they now have four children together.
He is known for his charitable giving, with one of his many donations to good causes being a $1 million donation to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). This generous donation helped to fund the construction of a new lecture theatre.