Scott Bessent is an American investor, board member, and educator. He is the founder of Key Square Group, a global macro investment firm. In November 2024, following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, Bessent emerged as a potential candidate for Treasury Secretary in the incoming Trump administration, as reported by Reuters. Before founding Key Square Group, Bessent held the position of Chief Investment Officer at Soros Fund Management, a prominent hedge fund established by George Soros. He is also actively engaged in philanthropy as a board member of several non-profit organizations. His insights and expertise in finance have positioned him as a notable figure within the investment community.
1962: Birth of Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent was born in 1962.
1991: Joins Soros Fund Management
In 1991, Scott Bessent joined Soros Fund Management (SFM).
1992: Successful Bet Against the British Pound
In 1992, Scott Bessent played a significant role in a team at SFM that profited over $1 billion by betting against the collapse of the British pound.
2000: Hosts Fundraiser for Al Gore
In 2000, Scott Bessent hosted a fundraiser for Al Gore at his home in East Hampton, New York.
2000: Resigns from SFM and Founds Hedge Fund
Scott Bessent resigned from SFM in 2000 and founded a $1 billion hedge fund.
2005: Hedge Fund Closure
Scott Bessent's hedge fund closed in 2005. He reflected on this experience, noting that he learned not to change his investment style or firm structure based on investor preferences.
2006: Begins Teaching at Yale
Scott Bessent started teaching economic history courses at Yale University in 2006 as an adjunct professor.
2011: Concludes Teaching at Yale
Scott Bessent finished his role as an adjunct professor at Yale University in 2011.
2011: Returns to SFM as Chief Investment Officer
Scott Bessent returned to Soros Fund Management (SFM) as Chief Investment Officer in 2011.
2013: Profitable Bet Against the Japanese Yen
Scott Bessent made another profitable bet in 2013, this time against the Japanese yen.
2015: Leaves SFM and Establishes Key Square Group
In 2015, Scott Bessent left SFM to start Key Square Group.
2015: Key Square Group Founded
Scott Bessent, along with Michael Germino, founded Key Square Group in 2015.
2016: Donates to Trump Inaugural Committee
Scott Bessent donated $1 million to Donald Trump's 2017 presidential inaugural committee in 2016.
2016: Restores Daniel Ravenel House and Receives Carolopolis Award
Scott Bessent restored the historic Daniel Ravenel House in 2016 and was awarded the Preservation Society of Charleston's Carolopolis Award for the project.
2017: Key Square Group's Assets Reach $5.1 Billion
By the end of 2017, Key Square Group's assets under management had grown to $5.1 billion.
2017: Trump's Inauguration
Donald Trump was inaugurated as President of the United States in 2017.
May 2018: Key Square Group's Success Reported
In May 2018, Bloomberg reported that Key Square Group had largely outperformed similar macro investment managers and continued to attract substantial investor interest.
2022: Establishes Foundations and McLeod Rehabilitation Center
Scott Bessent established two foundations and the McLeod Rehabilitation Center at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, South Carolina in 2022. He also supports the Prince's Trust in London and the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City.
February 2024: Hosts Fundraiser for Trump Campaign
In February 2024, Scott Bessent hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign in Greenville, South Carolina, which raised almost $7 million.
April 2024: Hosts Another Fundraiser for Trump Campaign
Scott Bessent co-hosted a fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, in April 2024 that generated $50 million for Trump's campaign.
July 2024: Key Economic Advisor to Trump
Bloomberg Businessweek reported in July 2024 that Scott Bessent was serving as a key economic advisor to Donald Trump and was considered a potential candidate for the position of United States Secretary of the Treasury in a potential second Trump administration.
November 2024: Considered for Treasury Secretary
In November 2024, after Donald Trump won the US presidential election, Scott Bessent was reportedly being considered for the position of Treasury Secretary in the incoming Trump administration.