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Laufer
Henry Laufer
Rank #1314
UNITED STATES•Finance & Investments•Hedge funds

Henry Laufer

Net Worth
$3.2B
0% (24h)
Henry Laufer (born 1945) is an American investor, mathematician, and philanthropist known for his pivotal role in quantitative finance and his substantial philanthropic contributions. As former Vice President and Chief Scientist at Renaissance Technologies from 1992 to 2009, Laufer played a key role in developing statistical models that drove the firm's trading strategies, including the Medallion Fund. His career at Renaissance Technologies, where he earned $125 million in 2008 and $390 million in 2009, exemplifies the application of advanced mathematical modeling to finance. Laufer's wealth stems from his involvement in hedge funds. Beyond finance, Laufer has significantly contributed to philanthropy, establishing the Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology at Stony Brook University and supporting the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute.

How to read Henry Laufer's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Henry Laufer, we anchor the narrative to Hedge funds and Hedge funds, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $3.2B alongside global rank #1314, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Henry B. Laufer was born in 1945 to a Jewish family. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the City College of New York in 1964. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in mathematics from Princeton University.

Rise to Success

Laufer's career took a significant turn when he joined Renaissance Technologies in 1992, where he became Vice President of Research and Chief Scientist. He co-founded the Medallion Fund with Jim Simons in 1988, which became one of the most successful hedge funds globally. The fund's success was driven by Laufer's expertise in developing and refining statistical models for automated trading. His work at Renaissance Technologies resulted in his earning $125 million in 2008 and $390 million in 2009.

Key Business Strategies

At Renaissance Technologies, Laufer spearheaded the development of computer programs designed to identify optimal intraday trades, enabling the firm to transition to high-frequency, non-discretionary strategies. These strategies prioritized algorithmic execution. He played a crucial role in the development of statistical methods that enabled the firm to deliver superior returns, even during market downturns.

Philanthropy

Laufer is also known for his philanthropic endeavors. He and his wife, Marsha Zlatin Laufer, have significantly supported mathematical and scientific initiatives. These include a $70 million gift to the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the establishment of the Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology at Stony Brook University, which focuses on integrating computational and physical sciences to drive discoveries in biology and medicine.

Career Timeline

2022

Philanthropy

Donated $70 million with Jim and Marilyn Simons to endow the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute at UC Berkeley.

2011

Honorary Degree

Received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Stony Brook University.

2009

Retired

Retired from Renaissance Technologies.

2009

Highest Earner

Named one of 'Wall Street's Highest Earners' by Forbes, with an income of $390 million.

2008

Earnings

Earned $125 million during the 2008 financial crisis.

1992

Vice President of Research

Joined Renaissance Technologies as Vice President of Research.

1988

Co-founded Medallion Fund

Co-founded the Medallion Fund with Jim Simons.

1971

Professor

Joined the faculty of the Department of Mathematics at Stony Brook University.

1965

Doctorate

Received PhD from Princeton University.

Philanthropic Impact

Education and Research$XB

Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology

Founded at Stony Brook University, focusing on research at the intersection of life sciences and physical, mathematical, and computer sciences.

Education and Research$35M

Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute)

Donated to the institute to support community-driven programs and initiatives.

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

Henry B. Laufer was born in 1945 to a Jewish family. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the City College of New York in 1964. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in mathematics from Princeton University.

Rise to Success

Laufer's career took a significant turn when he joined Renaissance Technologies in 1992, where he became Vice President of Research and Chief Scientist. He co-founded the Medallion Fund with Jim Simons in 1988, which became one of the most successful hedge funds globally. The fund's success was driven by Laufer's expertise in developing and refining statistical models for automated trading. His work at Renaissance Technologies resulted in his earning $125 million in 2008 and $390 million in 2009.

Key Business Strategies

At Renaissance Technologies, Laufer spearheaded the development of computer programs designed to identify optimal intraday trades, enabling the firm to transition to high-frequency, non-discretionary strategies. These strategies prioritized algorithmic execution. He played a crucial role in the development of statistical methods that enabled the firm to deliver superior returns, even during market downturns.

Philanthropy

Laufer is also known for his philanthropic endeavors. He and his wife, Marsha Zlatin Laufer, have significantly supported mathematical and scientific initiatives. These include a $70 million gift to the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the establishment of the Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology at Stony Brook University, which focuses on integrating computational and physical sciences to drive discoveries in biology and medicine.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Henry Laufer are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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