Alexander Gerko: The Visionary Founder of XTX Markets and Algorithmic Trading Billionaire
Exploring the Life, Career, and Legacy of the Russian-Born British Quantitative Finance Expert
Introduction
Alexander Gerko is a name synonymous with innovation and success in the world of quantitative finance. As the founder and co-CEO of XTX Markets, one of the most influential algorithmic trading firms globally, Gerko has transformed the landscape of electronic market-making. This article delves into the comprehensive biography of Alexander Gerko, highlighting his education, career journey, business ventures, net worth, family life, and philanthropic legacy. Using related keywords such as Alexander Gerko, Alex Gerko, XTX Markets founder, algorithmic trading billionaire, and British billionaire trader, this article aims to provide an informative and SEO-optimized overview of his remarkable story.
Early Life and Education
Alexander Gerko was born on December 3, 1979, in Moscow, Russia, into a Russian Jewish family. His exceptional talent in mathematics was evident from an early age, participating in city-wide competitions by the age of 12. Gerko pursued higher education at Moscow State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree, a Master of Science, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics. His doctoral research included testing market timing strategies for trading, which laid the foundation for his future career in quantitative finance. Further enhancing his expertise, he completed a Master of Economics at the New Economic School in Moscow.
Career Beginnings: From Mathematics to Finance
Gerko’s transition from academia to finance began in 2004 when he joined Deutsche Bank in London as an equities trader. His strong mathematical background helped him quickly excel in quantitative trading strategies. In 2009, he moved to GSA Capital, a UK-based hedge fund, where he led market-making operations and honed his skills in algorithmic trading. This period was crucial in shaping his understanding of high-frequency trading and financial technology innovation.
Founding XTX Markets: A New Era in Algorithmic Trading
In January 2015, Alexander Gerko founded XTX Markets, an algorithmic trading company based in London. Holding a 75% majority stake, Gerko serves as co-CEO alongside Hans Buehler. XTX Markets specializes in using advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence to forecast prices and trade across multiple asset classes, including equities, foreign exchange, fixed income, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Under Gerko’s leadership, XTX Markets has become a dominant player in the financial markets, handling over $250 billion in daily trading volume globally. The firm reported revenues of approximately $2.6 billion in 2023 and profits of £1.1 billion in 2022, marking a 64% increase from the previous year. XTX’s innovative approach to market-making has challenged traditional banks and established it as the largest foreign exchange spot liquidity provider worldwide.
Business Ventures and Financial Success
Alexander Gerko’s success is deeply intertwined with the growth of XTX Markets. Beyond founding the firm, he established Cromulon Capital, a family office, in 2024 to manage his substantial wealth and investments. According to Forbes and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Gerko’s net worth is estimated at around $14.6 billion as of 2025, making him one of the richest traders in the UK and globally.
Gerko’s financial achievements include receiving dividends exceeding £3.6 billion since 2020 from XTX Markets, reflecting the firm’s profitability and his majority ownership. In 2024, he was recognized as the UK’s largest taxpayer, paying £664.5 million in taxes, underscoring his significant economic impact.
Personal Life: Family and Citizenship
Alexander Gerko moved to the United Kingdom in 2006 and became a British citizen around 2016. He officially renounced his Russian citizenship in 2022, expressing criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Gerko is married to Elena, an economist at the Bank of England, and they have three children. The family resides in North London, where Gerko maintains a relatively low public profile despite his immense wealth and influence.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond his business accomplishments, Alexander Gerko is known for his philanthropic efforts. He founded the Axiom Maths charity, donating over £25 million since 2020 to support mathematics education and promote social mobility through academic excellence. XTX Markets and Gerko have also contributed generously to humanitarian causes, including £10 million to the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic and over £20 million to aid Ukraine since the conflict began.
Additionally, Gerko supported the United Nations Refugee Agency with £1.6 million to assist refugees from the Karabakh region, demonstrating his commitment to global humanitarian issues. These philanthropic activities reflect his belief in giving back to society and fostering education and welfare.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Alexander Gerko’s legacy is firmly rooted in his pioneering role in quantitative trading and algorithmic market-making. His firm, XTX Markets, is recognized for its technological innovation, transparency, and efficiency in financial markets. Gerko’s use of AI and machine learning to optimize trading strategies has set new industry standards and inspired a wave of fintech advancements.
As a quantitative finance expert and PhD mathematician trader, Gerko embodies the fusion of academic rigor and entrepreneurial vision. His journey from a Russian mathematician to a British finance billionaire highlights the transformative power of technology and data-driven decision-making in modern markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Alexander Gerko?
Alexander Gerko is a Russian-born British billionaire financial trader, founder, and co-CEO of XTX Markets, a leading algorithmic trading firm based in London.
What is Alexander Gerko’s net worth?
As of 2025, Alexander Gerko’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $14.6 billion according to Forbes and Bloomberg.
What is XTX Markets?
XTX Markets is an algorithmic trading company founded by Alexander Gerko in 2015 that uses AI and machine learning to provide liquidity across equities, forex, fixed income, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Where did Alexander Gerko study?
Gerko studied mathematics at Moscow State University, earning a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D., and later completed a Master of Economics at the New Economic School.
What philanthropic activities is Alexander Gerko involved in?
Gerko supports mathematics education through the Axiom Maths charity and has donated millions to COVID-19 relief, humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and refugee support.
Is Alexander Gerko a British citizen?
Yes, Gerko moved to the UK in 2006, became a British citizen around 2016, and renounced his Russian citizenship in 2022.
Conclusion
Alexander Gerko’s story is a testament to the power of combining mathematical expertise with entrepreneurial drive. As the founder of XTX Markets, he has revolutionized algorithmic trading and established himself as a leading figure in quantitative finance. His business acumen, philanthropic dedication, and commitment to innovation continue to shape the future of financial markets worldwide. With a growing legacy as an algorithmic trading pioneer and British billionaire trader, Alexander Gerko remains an influential force in global finance.
