Britain's tech guru accrues a monumental £682m payday; originating from a tractor factory's proximity, he now commands a sizable estate after an astonishing ascent to prominence.

In the heart of London's King's Cross, a unique financial powerhouse known as XTX Markets operates. Founded by Russian-born trader Alex Gerko in 2015, the company has grown to become a major player in the global financial market.

Gerko began his career trading equities at Deutsche Bank before moving into foreign exchange. His success led him to found XTX Markets, a company that now boasts a workforce of 250 employees and trades across 35 countries, managing around £186 billion in transactions every day.

The company's headquarters is adorned with quirky features, including a replica of the Apollo 11 spacecraft's command module in the canteen and models of Battlestar Galactica robots around the office. These eccentricities reflect Gerko's passion for science fiction, with his family office named Cromulon Capital, after the human head-shaped planets from the sci-fi show Rick and Morty.

In 2024, XTX Markets generated a staggering £1.28 billion profit pool. This windfall was distributed among the 31 members who own the company, with a significant portion believed to have been received by Gerko, who earned £682 million last year.

Gerko's success has not gone unnoticed. He is now the 20th richest person in the UK, with an estimated fortune of £8.7 billion, according to this year's Sunday Times Rich List.

But Gerko is not just about making money. He is a major supporter of Martingale, a foundation that provides postgraduate scholarships to people from lower-income backgrounds to attend universities such as Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge. He has contributed a significant portion of his earnings from trading and his financial success to finance these scholarships.

Gerko's philanthropy extends beyond education. He has donated tens of millions of pounds to UK charities, including Great Ormond Street Hospital, NHS Charities Together, and the Trussell Trust. In 2023, he contributed £664 million in taxes, making him Britain's biggest taxpayer.

Gerko's life has not been without controversy. He lost a legal dispute over the tax treatment of profits made while working for hedge fund GSA Capital between 2010 and 2015. He has also been outspoken on social media, criticizing Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, supporters of terrorist groups, and the UK's Labour government.

Despite these challenges, Gerko continues to make a significant impact, both in the financial world and in the lives of those less fortunate. His story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and a desire to make a difference.

Britain's tech guru accrues a monumental £682m payday; originating from a tractor factory's proximity, he now commands a sizable estate after an astonishing ascent to prominence.