Peter Schoenfeld: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Peter Schoenfeld’s Profile Summary

Company	P Schoenfeld Asset Management
Position	Founder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at P. Schoenfeld Asset Management (PSAM)
Source of wealth	Management and performance fees from hedge fund strategies, including merger arbitrage, distressed and special situation investments.
Also known as	Philanthropist, Board member, and Financial commentator.
Age	81
Education	New York University - B.A., New York University - M.B.A., Post-graduate studies (1969-1973)
Citizenship	United States
Residence	New York City, USA
Family	Peter Schoenfeld is married and has children, though specific details about his immediate family, such as their names or occupations, are not widely disclosed.
Website, Social Media	https://www.linkedin.com/company/p.-schoenfeld-asset-management-psam-

Biography

Peter Michael Schoenfeld is a renowned investment professional and the founder of P. Schoenfeld Asset Management, a hedge fund established in 1997. His career in finance began much earlier, including key roles at Schroder & Co. and White Weld & Co. At Schroder, where he worked from 1978 to 1996, he held senior positions such as Vice Chairman and Managing Director, overseeing proprietary trading and arbitrage activities. He has developed expertise in areas such as event-driven investments, distressed assets, and arbitrage. Schoenfeld earned both his Bachelor's and MBA from New York University, and pursued post-graduate studies there as well. His firm, PSAM, is headquartered in New York and focuses on strategies like merger arbitrage and special situations. Schoenfeld's leadership has positioned PSAM as a prominent player in the hedge fund industry, particularly known for its analytical investment approach and risk management processes. Over his career, Schoenfeld has been recognized for his deep understanding of financial markets and his ability to navigate complex investment environments

How did Peter Schoenfeld make money?

Peter Schoenfeld makes money in the following areas:

Management and performance fees from hedge fund strategies, including merger arbitrage, distressed and special situation investments.
What is Peter Schoenfeld net worth?

As of 2026, Peter Schoenfeld’s net worth is estimated to be $16.79B.

What is Peter Schoenfeld also known as?

Peter Schoenfeld is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly through his association with cultural and educational institutions. He has served as a board member for several nonprofit organizations and academic institutions, notably being a member of the Board of Overseers at NYU Stern School of Business. Additionally, Schoenfeld has occasionally contributed to financial media and public discussions, sharing his insights on global financial markets and investment strategies.

Prominent achievements

Peter Schoenfeld has had a long and distinguished career in finance, notably founding and leading P. Schoenfeld Asset Management, a successful hedge fund specializing in event-driven strategies. He played significant roles at Schroder & Co., where he managed proprietary trading and arbitrage activities. He has also been a member of NYU Stern School of Business's Board of Overseers and has received recognition for his leadership in finance, though specific awards and financial milestones such as net worth remain undisclosed

What are Peter Schoenfeld’s key insights?

Peter Schoenfeld's business philosophy is grounded in disciplined risk management and a structured, analytical approach to investing. He emphasizes the importance of a well-documented investment process, regularly engaging with peers to scrutinize investment ideas. Schoenfeld's firm is known for isolating idiosyncratic corporate events and employing strategies like merger arbitrage, where careful attention to detail and timing is crucial. His focus remains on creating value through event-driven opportunities rather than pure speculation

Personal life

While Schoenfeld maintains a relatively private personal life, it is known that he is married and has children. However, detailed information about his spouse or children's names, professions, or personal endeavors is not publicly available, as he tends to keep his family matters out of the public eye.

Useful insights

Decision-making and success

Making the right decisions at the right time is often what sets successful people apart. Drawing on the experience of Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, here are some key lessons for improving your decision-making and achieving long-term success.

Create a decision-making framework

Ray Dalio advocates for a clear, principles-based approach to decision-making. Establish a set of guiding principles that you consistently apply when faced with choices. This will help you stay focused and avoid emotional or impulsive decisions.
Embrace transparency and open feedback

Dalio’s philosophy of radical transparency is about creating an environment where honest feedback is encouraged. Whether in your career or personal life, being open to criticism and maintaining transparency will help you grow and make better decisions.
Prepare for risks and manager them wisely

Success isn’t just about making the right moves—it's also about managing risks effectively. Always consider worst-case scenarios and have a plan in place to navigate them. Risk management is a crucial part of any decision-making process.