In the world of finance, it seems that artificial intelligence (AI) is the new magic potion, and three billionaire investors are demonstrating just how well it can work when mixed with the right strategy. Applied Quantitative Research, or AQR (a name that sounds as fancy as the investment strategies they employ), has experienced a magnificent rise in fortune thanks to their savvy use of AI. Based in Greenwich, Connecticut, this investment firm has seen its assets skyrocket from $73 billion to a jaw-dropping $187 billion within just one year. This financial wizardry has effectively doubled the net worth of its three co-founders, who are now basking in the glow of billionaire status.
The masterminds behind this success story are Cliff Asness, John Liew, and David Kabiller. Cliff Asness, who is the chief investment officer and owns about 30% of AQR, is now worth around $6.3 billion, placing him as the 664th richest person on Earth. Meanwhile, his partners John Liew and David Kabiller also join the billionaires’ club, each boasting impressive net worths topping $2 billion. These three gentlemen founded AQR back in 1998 after they worked together at Goldman Sachs, and they have always had their fortunes tied closely to the performance of their firm.
Last year was particularly sweet for AQR, as their $6.7 billion Apex Multi-Strategy Fund delivered a striking return of 19.4%. Not to be outdone, their Value Delphi Long-Short Fund racked up a notable return of 16.7%. For those keeping track, both funds have maintained an average annual return of 16.6% over the last five years, outshining the S&P 500, which has averaged a slightly less impressive 14.4%. Also noteworthy is AQR’s Equity Market Neutral Fund, which saw an extraordinary gain of 26.5% in 2025, far exceeding the average returns of other similar funds.
The phoenix-like rise of AQR can largely be attributed to its full-throttle adoption of AI and machine learning technologies. Unlike their rivals that leapt into the AI world ahead of them, AQR has embraced this technological revolution with open arms. Machine learning helps AQR sift through enormous data sets to uncover hidden trends and insights. While some might worry that algorithms could replace human intuition, insiders at AQR assure everyone that the human touch is still undeniably essential. At the firm, the motto seems to be, “Let’s harness those machines, but we’re not handing over the keys just yet.”
Beyond their technological advancements, AQR is experiencing a shift in client focus. Financial advisors are now keenly interested in AQR’s tax-friendly funds tailored for wealthy individuals, moving away from traditional institutional clients like pension funds. This change has been a game-changer, resulting in a whopping $51 billion in net inflows in the past year. AQR’s Flex Long-Short investment vehicle has also been a crowd-pleaser, nearly doubling its assets in just nine months, now accounting for a significant portion of AQR’s total assets. As more millionaires emerge from the economic woodwork, the demand for AQR’s innovative services shows no signs of waning.
As AQR celebrates this remarkable financial turnaround, all eyes are on whether they can continue to outperform their competition, especially as other hedge funds catch on to AI strategies. For now, AQR’s compelling blend of human insight and machine learning has proven to be a winning combination. With a solid foundation beneath their feet and the future looking brighter than ever, this trio of billionaires is ready to continue their ascent to the top of the investment world. In the wild roller coaster of finance, it looks like AQR is securely strapped in and ready for the ride!
