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	55
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/

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 2026, 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

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.

In Q2 2025, Burry exited bearish put positions and shifted to bullish call positions, rebuilding over $550M in long holdings across healthcare, consumer brands, and tech.

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.

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

Advanced investment strategies

For those who have mastered the basics, the next step is exploring advanced investment strategies. These books delve into the complexities of portfolio management and alternative asset classes, offering sophisticated approaches to building wealth.

David Swensen - "Pioneering Portfolio Management"
- Summary:
  
  In this book, Swensen, who successfully managed Yale's endowment fund, outlines his investment philosophy, emphasizing diversification, a long-term perspective, and the inclusion of alternative asset classes such as hedge funds, private equity, and real estate. This approach aims to balance risk and reward to maximize returns for institutional investors.
- Why read it:
  
  Swensen’s methods are widely regarded as groundbreaking and have been adopted by many large institutional investors. His book is essential for anyone looking to build a robust, diversified portfolio with a focus on steady, long-term growth.
Joel Greenblatt - "The Little Book That Still Beats the Market"
- Summary:
  
  Greenblatt presents a simple yet effective formula for investing in value stocks. His "magic formula" identifies companies that are both undervalued and have high earnings yields, providing a clear strategy for beating the market. Greenblatt simplifies complex financial concepts for individual investors, making the book accessible to both beginners and experienced traders.
- Why read it:
  
  Greenblatt’s formula has consistently outperformed the market, making this book a practical guide for investors looking for a straightforward, effective strategy. It’s particularly useful for those who prefer a hands-on approach to stock selection without the need for deep financial expertise.