Bruce Karsh Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Bruce Karsh, a prominent figure in the world of finance, began his career in the early 1980s, fresh out of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School with an MBA in finance. He started at the bottom, working as an analyst at the investment firm Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he honed his skills in the high-stakes world of leveraged buyouts and junk bonds. His analytical mind and keen eye for undervalued opportunities quickly caught the attention of his superiors, paving the way for his rise in the industry.

In 1986, Karsh, along with his business partner, Howard Marks, founded Oaktree Capital Management. The firm, initially a small hedge fund, focused on distressed debt and special situations, niches that Karsh had developed a deep understanding of during his time at Drexel. Oaktree’s unique investment strategy and Karsh’s leadership attracted a steady stream of clients, and the firm grew steadily over the years. By the late 1990s, Oaktree had become a significant player in the global investment landscape, and Bruce Karsh had established himself as one of the most respected and successful investors of his generation.

Bruce Karsh’s Current Net Worth (2025)

Bruce Karsh, as of 2025, has an estimated net worth of $5.5 billion, according to Forbes. This substantial figure is a testament to his successful career in finance and investments.

Career

Bruce Karsh is a prominent American businessman and investor. He co-founded Oaktree Capital Management in 1995, a global investment management firm with over $100 billion in assets. Karsh serves as the company’s co-chairman and a portfolio manager, specializing in distressed debt and special situations.

Other Ventures

In addition to his work at Oaktree, Karsh is involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He serves on the board of the University of Southern California’s Lusk Center for Real Estate and is a trustee of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He also co-founded the Karsh Hagan advertising agency in the 1980s.

Assets

Bruce Karsh’s assets include a significant stake in Oaktree Capital Management, as well as real estate investments. He owns a 10,000 square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills, California, purchased in 2015 for $19.5 million. Karsh also owns a private jet, a Gulfstream G650, valued at around $70 million.

Annual Income

As one of the co-founders and co-chairmen of Oaktree Capital Management, Bruce Karsh’s annual income is substantial. In 2020, his total compensation was $20 million, according to the company’s SEC filings. This figure includes his salary, bonus, and other forms of compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Bruce Karsh

Frequently Asked Questions: Bruce Karsh Net Worth

1. What is Bruce Karsh’s net worth?

Bruce Karsh’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.

2. How did Bruce Karsh make his fortune?

Bruce Karsh co-founded Oaktree Capital Management, a leading global investment management firm, in 1995. He serves as the firm’s Co-Chairman and Co-Portfolio Manager.

3. What is Bruce Karsh’s role at Oaktree Capital Management?

Bruce Karsh is the Co-Chairman and Co-Portfolio Manager at Oaktree Capital Management. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s investment strategies and managing its portfolio.

4. What is Bruce Karsh’s educational background?

Bruce Karsh graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He also holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

5. When was Oaktree Capital Management founded?

Oaktree Capital Management was founded in 1995 by Bruce Karsh and Howard Marks.

6. What is Bruce Karsh’s investment philosophy?

Bruce Karsh’s investment philosophy is focused on value investing, particularly in distressed debt and other alternative investments. He believes in taking a contrarian approach and investing in undervalued assets.

7. What are some of Bruce Karsh’s philanthropic efforts?

Bruce Karsh and his wife, Susan, are active philanthropists. They have made significant donations to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. They have also established the Karsh Family Foundation to support these efforts.

8. What is Bruce Karsh’s relationship with Howard Marks?

Bruce Karsh is a long-time business partner and friend of Howard Marks. They co-founded Oaktree Capital Management and have worked together for over two decades.

9. What is Bruce Karsh’s approach to risk management?

Bruce Karsh is known for his disciplined and risk-aware approach to investing. He believes in preserving capital and avoiding excessive risk-taking, even in pursuit of higher returns.

10. What are some of the companies that Oaktree Capital Management has invested in?

Oaktree Capital Management has invested in a wide range of companies across various industries. Some of its notable investments include Toys “R” Us, McClatchy Company, and Caesars Entertainment.