UK hedge fund manager Chris Rokos has paid himself a £477 million profit share for the financial year ending March 2025, according to recently filed accounts — marking one of the biggest payouts recorded in the British hedge fund industry in recent years.
A Massive Payout Reflecting Strong Performance
The payout stems from Rokos Capital Management’s performance, with the firm reporting a 31 % return in 2024, rebounding strongly from weaker prior years and generating record revenue.
The firm’s revenues more than doubled — from approximately £445 million to about £1.2 billion, with a profit pool for partners reaching a record £940 million.
While the accounts do not explicitly name recipients, the highest-paid partner is widely believed to be Chris Rokos, the founder and majority owner of the hedge fund. Rokos declined to comment on the filings.
Who Is Chris Rokos?
Chris Rokos is one of the best-known macro traders in the UK and a former co-founder of Brevan Howard, one of Europe’s earliest and most successful macro hedge funds.
After leaving Brevan Howard, he established Rokos Capital Management in 2015.
Unlike some large hedge funds that spread risk-taking across multiple portfolio managers, Rokos remains the primary risk-taker at his firm, supported by a team of analysts and senior investment officers.
This structure has helped drive strong performance in volatile markets, as well as large profits that flow through to partners.
Context in the Hedge Fund Industry
2025 was a strong year for many macro hedge funds, with several managers reporting strong double-digit returns.
Rokos’s performance places his firm among the standout performers, alongside funds like Rob Citrone’s Discovery Capital and Bridgewater Associates’ flagship Pure Alpha strategy, both of which delivered robust gains.
However, the payout—almost half a billion pounds—also highlights the wide disparity in earnings within the financial services sector, drawing attention to the scale of compensation that star traders can command relative to typical executive and employee pay.
Industry Reactions
While some market commentators see such payouts as a natural result of strong investment performance and the economics of hedge funds, others argue they raise questions about income inequality and how profits are distributed within the financial sector and the broader economy.
Looking Ahead
Rokos Capital Management continues to manage a significant pool of assets (around $22 billion), and its performance in recent years—including gains following the turmoil of 2021 and across 2022–25—suggests the firm remains a powerful player in global macro trading.
