Christopher Chandler

$1.00 B

Ranked #1342 in World

About Christopher Chandler

Christopher Chandler, a New Zealand-born financier and the co-founder of the Dubai-based investment powerhouse Legatum, has been recognized by Fortune magazine as "one of the world's greatest contrarian investors." Born in 1960 to a beekeeper and a businesswoman, Chandler's journey from managing the family business to establishing a global investment firm underscores his strategic acumen. With a law degree from the University of Auckland, he ventured into international markets alongside his brother Richard, focusing on mispriced assets in volatile regions. Their investments spanned from Russian gas giant Gazprom to Brazilian telecommunications, showcasing a "narrow and deep" strategy. Legatum, founded in 2006, not only thrives in developing countries' markets but also champions philanthropic causes like the END Fund and the Luminos Fund. Despite facing unfounded allegations linking him to Russian intelligence in 2018, Chandler's reputation remains untarnished, with successful libel suits reaffirming his integrity. A private individual at heart, Chandler enjoys an adventurous lifestyle while contributing significantly to global investment and philanthropy.

Born

January 01, 1960 in Matangi, New Zealand

Age

66 years

Source Of Wealth

Investments

Industries

Investments

Citizenship

New Zealand

Residence

Dubai

Parent

Robert Chandler, Ana Tzarev

Christopher Chandler was born in 1960 in Matangi, New Zealand. He is the son of beekeeper Robert Chandler and businesswoman Marija Chandler. Chandler attended the University of Auckland, earning a law degree in 1982. After graduating, he took over the family business, Chandler House, with his brother Richard in 1982. They expanded the business to ten stores and added fashion design, manufacturing, and real estate.

Christopher Chandler: Family

Christopher Chandler's father, Robert Chandler, was a beekeeper, and his mother, Marija Chandler, was a businesswoman. He has a brother named Richard Chandler, with whom he co-founded Sovereign Global and expanded the family business, Chandler House.

Christopher Chandler: Career Highlights

In 1986, Christopher Chandler and his brother Richard formed the investment firm Sovereign Global. They focused on transitioning industries in Russia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, investing in assets mispriced during times of uncertainty. Chandler was among the first and biggest investors in emerging markets like Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Russia. He deployed a "narrow and deep" investment strategy, focusing on a few high conviction trades. Chandler made significant investments in Hong Kong real estate, Brazilian telecommunications, and Russia after the fall of communism. He also invested in Japanese and South Korean companies during the Asian banking crisis. In 2002, he became the fourth largest investor in Gazprom, the Russian state-controlled gas company.

Christopher Chandler: Companies

Christopher Chandler is associated with the following companies:

Chandler House
Sovereign Global
Legatum Capital
Legatum Institute
END Fund
Freedom Fund
Luminos Fund

Christopher Chandler: Major Achievements

Christopher Chandler is known as "one of the world's greatest contrarian investors" by Fortune magazine. He has made significant investments in emerging markets and has achieved substantial returns. Chandler is also known for his philanthropic work through the Legatum Institute, END Fund, Freedom Fund, and Luminos Fund.

Christopher Chandler: Awards & Achievements

Christopher Chandler has not received any notable awards or recognitions.

Christopher Chandler: Personal Life & Legacy

Christopher Chandler maintains a low public profile with limited information available.

He enjoys windsurfing, water-skiing, and riding motorcycles. Chandler also builds computers and writes software programs in his spare time. He bought La Fleur du Cap in Cap Ferrat for his parents. In 2016, he became a citizen of Malta through the Maltese government's IIP scheme. Chandler is not a Brexiteer and applied for Maltese citizenship before the UK referendum in June 2016.

Christopher Chandler: Trivia

Christopher Chandler was accused of links to Russian intelligence by British MPs in 2018. He consistently rejected the claims, which were later proven false. Chandler sued Donald Berlin, the original source of the allegations, for US$15 million in a libel suit. The case was initially dismissed but successfully revived in an appeals court in 2021. Chandler received partial compensation and a retraction of statements from Berlin. Other MPs defended Chandler and called for a right to reply for those accused in Parliament. Apologies were received from MPs who made the false allegations.

Wealth History

Timeline

1960

Christopher Chandler is born in Matangi, New Zealand.

1982

Chandler earns a law degree from the University of Auckland and takes over the family business, Chandler House, with his brother Richard.

1986

Chandler forms investment firm Sovereign Global with his brother Richard.

2002

Chandler becomes the fourth largest investor in Gazprom, the Russian state-controlled gas company.

2006

Chandler founds Legatum Capital as an independent venture.

2008

Legatum Capital commits US$50 million to build the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT.

2012

Chandler co-founds the END Fund to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases.

2013

Chandler co-founds the Freedom Fund with Pierre Omidyar to end global slavery labor.

2016

Chandler launches the Luminos Fund to bring educational initiatives to third world countries and becomes a citizen of Malta through the Maltese government's IIP scheme.

2018

Chandler is accused of links to Russian intelligence by British MPs.

2021

Chandler successfully revives his libel suit against Donald Berlin, the original source of the allegations, in appeals court.

Christopher Chandler : FAQs

What is Christopher Chandler's net worth?

As of 2013, Christopher Chandler's net worth was $1.00 billion.

What are Christopher Chandler's main sources of wealth?

Christopher Chandler's main source of income comes from Investments.

In which industry does Christopher Chandler primarily operate?

Christopher Chandler is primarily involved in the Investments industry.

How old is Christopher Chandler?

Christopher Chandler is 66 years old.

Who is Christopher Chandler and what is he known for?

Christopher Chandler, born in 1960 in Matangi, New Zealand, is the co-founder of the Dubai-based investment company Legatum and the Legatum Institute. He is celebrated as 'one of the world's greatest contrarian investors' by Fortune magazine.

What was Christopher Chandler's early life like before his career took off?

Christopher Chandler is the son of beekeeper Robert Chandler and businesswoman Marija Chandler. He earned a law degree from the University of Auckland in 1982 and took over the family business, Chandler House, with his brother Richard, expanding it into fashion design, manufacturing, and real estate.

Can you outline Christopher Chandler's career achievements and investment strategies?

Christopher Chandler formed Sovereign Global with his brother in 1986, focusing on transitioning industries in Russia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Known for investing during times of uncertainty, he was among the first to invest heavily in emerging markets and employed a 'narrow and deep' investment strategy. His significant investments include Hong Kong real estate, Brazilian telecommunications, and Russian companies post-communism.

What are some key initiatives and contributions of the Legatum Institute founded by Christopher Chandler?

The Legatum Institute, founded by Christopher Chandler, focuses on global development and entrepreneurship. Notable initiatives include a US$50 million commitment to MIT's Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, creating the END Fund to combat neglected tropical diseases, co-founding the Freedom Fund to end global slavery labor, and launching the Luminos Fund to support education in third world countries.

How did Christopher Chandler respond to libel allegations linking him to Russian intelligence?

Christopher Chandler was accused by British MPs of having links to Russian intelligence in 2018 but consistently rejected these claims. He sued Donald Berlin for libel, seeking US$15 million in damages. The case was initially dismissed but revived on appeal in 2021, leading to partial compensation and a retraction from Berlin. Chandler also received apologies from MPs who made the false allegations.