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Hintze
Michael Hintze
Rank #1536
AUSTRALIA•Finance & Investments•Investment

Michael Hintze

Net Worth
$2.685B
0% (24h)
Sir Michael Hintze, born in 1953, is an Australian-British businessman and philanthropist, recognized for his significant achievements in the investment world. His wealth stems from his career in Investment, most notably as the founder of CQS, a leading global multi-strategy asset management firm. Hintze's career began in finance at Salomon Brothers in 1982. Over the years, he held key positions at Credit Suisse First Boston and Goldman Sachs before establishing CQS in 1999. He sold most of CQS's assets to Manulife in 2024, then launched Deltroit Asset Management with his own capital. Beyond his financial success, Hintze is celebrated for his extensive philanthropic endeavors, channeled through the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation, supporting causes across education, health, and the arts. He was knighted in 2013 for his services to the arts and was appointed to the House of Lords in 2022.

How to read Michael Hintze'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 Michael Hintze, we anchor the narrative to Investment and Investment, 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 $2.685B alongside global rank #1536, 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 (AUSTRALIA) 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

Michael Hintze was born on July 27, 1953, in Harbin, China, to parents of Russian origin. His family later moved to Australia after fleeing China. He was raised in Sydney, where he attended St Leo's College, Wahroonga. He pursued higher education at the University of Sydney, earning a BSc in physics in 1975, a BE in engineering in 1977, and an MSc in acoustics from the University of New South Wales. He also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an honorary doctorate from the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. After graduating, he served in the Australian Army for three years, rising to the rank of captain.

Rise to Success

Hintze began his career in finance in 1982 at Salomon Brothers in New York. He then worked at Credit Suisse First Boston and Goldman Sachs before founding CQS in 1999. CQS became a major player in the investment world, managing billions in assets. In 2024, Hintze sold the majority of CQS's assets to Manulife Investment Management but retained control of key funds. This pivotal move marked a significant transition in his career, leading him to establish Deltroit Asset Management.

Key Business Strategies

Hintze's success is attributed to his strategic vision and ability to navigate global financial markets. His focus on multi-strategy credit investments, including distressed debt and asset-backed securities, was a key factor in CQS's growth. His experience at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston provided him with a strong foundation for his independent ventures. CQS's ability to adapt and identify opportunities in changing market conditions was also crucial to its success. His decision to sell CQS and establish Deltroit demonstrates his adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

Philanthropy

Hintze is well-known for his philanthropic activities through the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation, which he and his wife, Dorothy, established in 2005. The foundation has supported over 200 charities, including those in education, health, and the arts. Notable contributions include supporting the restoration of Michelangelo's frescoes in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican and donating £5 million to the Natural History Museum in London in 2014.

Career Timeline

2024

Sold CQS Assets

Sold most of CQS's assets to Manulife, retaining control of key funds and launching Deltroit Asset Management.

2022

Life Peerage

Appointed to the House of Lords as Baron Hintze.

2013

Knighthood

Knighted in the UK for services to the arts.

1999

Founder of CQS

Launched CQS, a global multi-strategy asset management firm.

1982

Fixed Income Trader

Began career at Salomon Brothers in New York.

Philanthropic Impact

Philanthropy$X00M+

Hintze Family Charitable Foundation

Supports over 200 charities, focusing on education, health, and the arts.

Arts and Culture$6M+

Natural History Museum

Donation led to Hintze Hall.

Arts and CultureUndisclosed

Pauline Chapel at the Vatican

Funding the restoration of Michelangelo's frescoes.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
CQS——

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Michael Hintze was born on July 27, 1953, in Harbin, China, to parents of Russian origin. His family later moved to Australia after fleeing China. He was raised in Sydney, where he attended St Leo's College, Wahroonga. He pursued higher education at the University of Sydney, earning a BSc in physics in 1975, a BE in engineering in 1977, and an MSc in acoustics from the University of New South Wales. He also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an honorary doctorate from the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. After graduating, he served in the Australian Army for three years, rising to the rank of captain.

Rise to Success

Hintze began his career in finance in 1982 at Salomon Brothers in New York. He then worked at Credit Suisse First Boston and Goldman Sachs before founding CQS in 1999. CQS became a major player in the investment world, managing billions in assets. In 2024, Hintze sold the majority of CQS's assets to Manulife Investment Management but retained control of key funds. This pivotal move marked a significant transition in his career, leading him to establish Deltroit Asset Management.

Key Business Strategies

Hintze's success is attributed to his strategic vision and ability to navigate global financial markets. His focus on multi-strategy credit investments, including distressed debt and asset-backed securities, was a key factor in CQS's growth. His experience at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston provided him with a strong foundation for his independent ventures. CQS's ability to adapt and identify opportunities in changing market conditions was also crucial to its success. His decision to sell CQS and establish Deltroit demonstrates his adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

Philanthropy

Hintze is well-known for his philanthropic activities through the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation, which he and his wife, Dorothy, established in 2005. The foundation has supported over 200 charities, including those in education, health, and the arts. Notable contributions include supporting the restoration of Michelangelo's frescoes in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican and donating £5 million to the Natural History Museum in London in 2014.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Michael Hintze 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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