Scott Kenneth Homer Bessent, hailing from Conway, South Carolina, was born in August 1962. He has made a significant impact as an American investor and hedge fund manager, renowned for being the mastermind behind Key Square Group, a worldwide macro investment firm, where he holds the position of Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
Scott Bessent has held important positions in different financial institutions throughout his career, and notably, he was a partner and the head of the London office at Soros Fund Management from 1991 to 2000.
Scott Bessent Wiki: Early Life and Education
Scott Bessent was raised in a family of French Huguenot descent and held the position of the oldest sibling among three. In 1984, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Yale University. While studying at Yale, Bessent actively engaged in various student groups, taking on the role of an editor for The Yale Daily News and leading as the president of the Wolf’s Head Society.
After originally aspiring to pursue a career in journalism, he redirected his attention to finance following the successful acquisition of an internship opportunity with esteemed investor Jim Rogers.
Career Highlights
Scott Bessent started his career at Brown Brothers Harriman and held positions at Kynikos Associates and Protégé Partners. While at Soros Fund Management, he led a team that made more than $1 billion profit from the British pound’s collapse on Black Wednesday in 1992.
After leaving Soros Fund in 2000, he briefly managed his own hedge fund before returning to Soros as Chief Investment Officer from 2011 to 2015. In 2015, he founded Key Square Group, which gained recognition for its strategic investment strategies.
Teaching Experience
Scott Bessent was an adjunct professor at Yale University from 2006 to 2011, offering courses on economic history and hedge funds.
Political Involvement
Scott Bessent actively backed Donald Trump’s political pursuits, playing roles as an economic consultant and fundraiser for Trump’s 2024 presidential bid. In November 2024, Trump proposed Bessent as a nominee for the United States Secretary of the Treasury. If approved, Bessent would become the second openly gay person to hold a U.S. Cabinet position, signifying a momentous achievement in representation.
Scott Bessent: Resent Update
On January 16, 2025, Scott Bessent, the individual chosen by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of Treasury Secretary, appeared before the Senate Finance Committee. In his confirmation hearing, Bessent discussed his economic strategy, highlighting the significance of extending the tax cuts implemented during the Trump administration. He cautioned that neglecting to renew these tax cuts could result in considerable financial difficulties for the middle class, including decreased child tax credits and deductions.
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Personal Life
Scott Bessent is a resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, living with his spouse and two children. He actively participates in multiple charitable organizations and holds positions as a trustee for Rockefeller University and the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust. Furthermore, he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Age
Scott Bessent was born in August 1962. As of 2025, he is 62 years old.
Wife
Scott Bessent is married to John Freeman, a former New York City prosecutor. The couple tied the knot in 2011.
Net Worth
Scott Bessent’s net worth is estimated to be around $700 million to $1 billion.
FAQs about Scott Bessent
Who is Scott Bessent?
Scott Bessent is an American investor and hedge fund manager, founder and CEO of Key Square Group, and nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President-elect Donald Trump.
What are his notable career achievements?
Bessent was a partner at Soros Fund Management and played a key role during the British pound crisis in 1992. He has also founded several hedge funds.
What are his views on economic policy?
He supports extending Trump-era tax cuts and advocates for pro-growth regulations and increased American energy production.
Has Scott Bessent faced any controversies?
While he enjoys strong support from Trump and associates, some aspects of his background may not resonate well with all of Trump’s supporters due to his previous ties with George Soros, a prominent Democratic donor.