Alan Howard: The Hedge Fund Titan Behind Brevan Howard

 When we talk about Europe’s most successful hedge fund managers, one name consistently stands out: Alan Howard. From his beginnings as an engineer to building a $40 billion macro hedge fund, Howard’s story is one of calculated risk, innovation, and resilience.

Let’s take a closer look at the man behind Brevan Howard Asset Management — and how his influence continues to shape modern finance.

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From Engineer to Trader

Alan Howard was born in the UK in the early 1960s. He earned a Master’s in Engineering from the prestigious Imperial College London — a background that would later contribute to his analytical and systematic approach to trading.

He launched his financial career at Salomon Brothers, then moved to Credit Suisse First Boston, quickly gaining a reputation for skill in proprietary trading.

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Founding Brevan Howard

In 2002, Howard co-founded Brevan Howard, naming it after his and his co-founder’s surnames.

Brevan Howard quickly established itself as one of Europe’s leading macro hedge funds, specializing in sophisticated global macroeconomic trades — currencies, interest rates, bonds, and more.

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Rise to Success

By 2013, Brevan Howard managed over $40 billion in assets.

Perhaps most notably, the fund returned an impressive 20% during the 2008 financial crisis — when most markets were collapsing. That performance catapulted Alan Howard into the ranks of the top 40 highest-paid hedge fund managers globally.

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Challenges & Restructuring

Like many macro funds, Brevan Howard faced headwinds in the years of low volatility post-2008. By 2018, AUM had declined to around $6 billion.

But Howard didn’t retreat — instead, he led a comprehensive restructuring, focusing on cost controls, talent development, and empowering top traders to rebuild returns.

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The New Chapter: Digital Assets

In 2019, Howard stepped down as CEO but remained actively involved as a portfolio manager.

In a bold move, he backed One River’s $600 million investment in Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2020, signaling a keen interest in digital assets and crypto markets.

Today, Brevan Howard continues to expand globally, with offices in London, New York, Abu Dhabi, and new investment strategies centered on digital innovation.

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Alan Howard’s Legacy

Alan Howard’s career illustrates the importance of adaptability, resilience, and innovation in finance.

From navigating the 2008 crisis to pioneering new opportunities in crypto, he remains one of Europe’s most influential investors — and a model for future generations of financial talent.

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