🤓 5 Fun Facts About the UK's Top Taxpayer, Alex Gerko
* From math whiz to market whiz: Alex Gerko has a PhD in mathematics from Moscow State University. His success isn't just about finance; it's built on a deep understanding of complex mathematical models, which are the foundation of his company, XTX Markets.
* A "Rick and Morty" fan with a family office: Gerko's wealth is managed through a private investment firm he named "Cromulon Capital." If that sounds familiar, it's because "Cromulon" is the name of a species of giant head-shaped planets from the TV show Rick and Morty!
* He's a big believer in the power of AI to solve math problems. Gerko's company, XTX Markets, has created a multimillion-dollar prize for anyone who can develop an AI model that can win a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). He's said he was a "bitter" high school student for never making it onto the IMO team himself!
* Beyond the numbers, he's a nature enthusiast. Gerko has a passion for nature restoration. He's made significant donations to environmental projects, including one in Scotland to restore peatlands and woodlands. He even got into a bit of a local spat over an unauthorized "wildlife pond" he built on his estate!
* He's not afraid to call out his rivals. Gerko has a reputation for being direct, especially when it comes to the world of finance. He has publicly challenged other trading firms on social media to prove the legitimacy of their trading strategies.