Michael Burry: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Michael Burry’s Profile Summary

Company	Scion Asset Management
Position	Michael Burry is the founder and portfolio manager of Scion Asset Management.
Source of wealth	Management and performance fees from Scion Asset Management, profits from shorting the U.S. housing market during the 2008 financial crisis, personal investments.
Also known as	Financial commentator, physician, social media influencer.
Age	54
Education	Vanderbilt University School of Medicine – M.D., University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – B.A. in Economics and Pre-med.
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Saratoga, California, United States
Family	Michael Burry is married and has at least one child, a son.
Website, Social Media	https://www.scionasset.com/

Michael Burry’s biography

Michael Burry is an American investor and hedge fund manager best known for his prescient bet against the U.S. housing market before the 2008 financial crisis. Born in 1971, Burry initially pursued a medical career and earned an M.D. from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, though he shifted his focus to finance while still practicing medicine. In 2000, he founded Scion Capital, where he developed a reputation for his deep, value-oriented investment style. His successful shorting of mortgage-backed securities leading up to the subprime crisis was chronicled in Michael Lewis's book The Big Short, as well as the 2015 film adaptation where his character was portrayed by Christian Bale. Following the 2008 crisis, Burry returned investor capital and closed Scion Capital, later founding Scion Asset Management in 2013. While he remains a prominent figure in finance, known for his contrarian viewpoints and timely predictions, Burry continues to be a somewhat private figure, often expressing his financial insights through public channels like Twitter. His investment strategies typically focus on macroeconomic trends and underappreciated value opportunities.

How did Michael Burry make money?

Michael Burry makes money in the following areas:

Management and performance fees from Scion Asset Management, profits from shorting the U.S. housing market during the 2008 financial crisis, personal investments.
What is Michael Burry net worth?

As of 2025, Michael Burry’s net worth is estimated to be $300M.

What is Michael Burry also known as?

Michael Burry is known for his active commentary on financial markets and economic trends, often expressing his views through platforms like Twitter. His bold, often contrarian opinions on global economic matters have garnered attention from both investors and the general public. Before transitioning to finance, Burry was a trained physician, having earned an M.D. from Vanderbilt University. Though he never practiced medicine extensively, his medical background is often highlighted as part of his diverse professional experience. Burry is also known for his significant influence on social media, where his financial forecasts and insights are widely discussed and followed.

Prominent achievements of Michael Burry

Michael Burry is best known for successfully predicting and profiting from the U.S. housing market collapse in 2008, a move that was highlighted in The Big Short. His Scion Capital fund delivered significant returns during the financial crisis. Burry's work was further popularized by the portrayal of his life in the 2015 film The Big Short. His influence as a financial commentator and his unconventional strategies have also gained him recognition in the investment world.

What are Michael Burry’s key insights?

Michael Burry's business philosophy centers around deep research, independent thinking, and a value-oriented, contrarian investment strategy. He is known for avoiding market trends and focusing on long-term value, even if it requires betting against popular sentiment. Burry emphasizes the importance of understanding macroeconomic factors and is a strong advocate of patience in investing, believing that conviction in one's analysis should not be swayed by short-term market fluctuations.

Michael Burry’s personal life

Michael Burry is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. He is married, and he and his wife have a son who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a condition that Burry has mentioned resonates with his own personality traits and analytical approach to investing.

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.