Alex Gerko: The Billionaire Mathematician Transforming Global Finance

Alex Gerko is a British-Russian billionaire, mathematician, and founder of XTX Markets, one of the most prominent algorithmic trading firms in the world. Born in 1979, Gerko holds a Ph.D. in mathematics and has become a transformative figure in the financial industry. With a net worth estimated at over $13 billion, his journey from academic roots to industry leadership exemplifies innovation, strategic thinking, and philanthropic impact. Gerko is also known for his substantial contributions to education, especially in mathematics, and for being one of the UK’s largest taxpayers.

Early Life and Education

Alex Gerko was born on December 3, 1979, in Russia. A brilliant student from an early age, he showed a natural talent for mathematics, which he pursued with exceptional dedication. He earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from Moscow State University, one of Russia’s most prestigious academic institutions. His deep academic grounding in quantitative fields laid the perfect foundation for a future in algorithmic trading.

In addition to his Ph.D., Gerko pursued an M.Sc. in Economics from the New Economic School, further broadening his understanding of markets and economic behavior. These academic credentials positioned him uniquely for the quantitative finance world, where the ability to model complex systems is critical.

Career Beginnings in Finance

Gerko’s professional journey began in 2004 when he joined Deutsche Bank as an equities and FX quant trader. His sharp analytical skills quickly distinguished him from his peers. By 2009, he had moved to GSA Capital, a London-based hedge fund known for quantitative strategies. During his time there, Gerko focused on FX trading, gaining invaluable experience that would later inform the development of his own firm.

Despite his growing success, Gerko envisioned something greater—an organization built around transparency, fairness, and cutting-edge technology. This vision materialized with the founding of XTX Markets in 2015.

The Rise of XTX Markets

Under Gerko’s leadership, XTX Markets quickly emerged as a dominant force in global trading. Unlike traditional firms, XTX operates as a non-bank market maker, leveraging sophisticated algorithms to provide liquidity across multiple asset classes. The firm emphasizes technology, data science, and fairness in market access, setting a new standard in electronic trading.

Today, XTX Markets is responsible for trading volumes that reach up to $250 billion per day. It competes directly with giants like Citadel Securities and Jane Street, and it has become known for its innovative and data-driven approach. Gerko owns approximately 75% of the company, a stake that significantly contributes to his impressive net worth.

Alex Gerko Net Worth

As of 2025, Alex Gerko’s net worth is estimated to be between $13 and $14 billion, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in the UK. His fortune primarily stems from his ownership in XTX Markets, which continues to post extraordinary profits. In 2022 alone, the firm recorded a profit of over £1.1 billion, up 64% from the previous year.

His financial influence is not limited to corporate balance sheets. In 2024, Gerko was named the UK’s largest taxpayer, having paid more than £664 million in income taxes for that year alone. Over a span of two years, his tax contributions exceeded £1.15 billion, a testament to both his earnings and his commitment to civic responsibility.

Philanthropy and Contributions to Education

Beyond finance, Alex Gerko is a passionate advocate for mathematics education. He founded Axiom Maths, formerly known as MESME (Mathematics Education for Social Mobility and Excellence), a charitable initiative that supports math enrichment programs for young people in the UK. Gerko has donated at least £25 million to these causes, helping nurture the next generation of mathematicians and problem-solvers.

His philanthropy also extends to other sectors, including healthcare, cultural institutions, and humanitarian relief. Notably, he has supported NHS programs, donated millions to aid Ukraine, and contributed to environmental restoration projects like Scotland’s Tarras Valley Nature Reserve.

Alex Gerko Family and Personal Life

While Alex Gerko is a public figure in finance, he remains intensely private about his personal life. There is limited publicly available information about his immediate family. However, it is known that he moved to the United Kingdom in 2006 and became a naturalized British citizen in 2022. He renounced his Russian citizenship as part of his commitment to his new homeland, especially in light of geopolitical tensions.

Despite his wealth, Gerko is not known for a lavish lifestyle. Colleagues describe him as focused, disciplined, and purpose-driven. He prefers to invest his resources in impactful areas rather than personal extravagance.

Legal Challenges and Advocacy

In 2024, Gerko lost a legal challenge against the UK tax authority, HMRC, regarding his tax classification. He had argued that he should be taxed under corporate tax rules rather than income tax rates, but the courts ruled against him. Despite this setback, Gerko accepted the outcome and continued to contribute at unprecedented levels.

XTX Markets, under his leadership, has also initiated legal action against financial institutions like Aviva and Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), alleging discriminatory practices. These actions reflect Gerko’s broader commitment to fairness and equality in the financial sector.

Alex Gerko Wikipedia and Media Presence

Alex Gerko does not maintain a strong personal media presence and has no official social media accounts. Nevertheless, his biography and career highlights are well-documented on platforms like Wikipedia, financial publications, and industry journals. His profile on Wikipedia covers essential details such as his education, career trajectory, philanthropic work, and business achievements.

He is occasionally featured in high-profile outlets like Bloomberg, Financial Times, and The Sunday Times, often in the context of his financial success, tax contributions, or views on regulation and ethics in trading.

Vision for the Future

Gerko continues to drive innovation at XTX Markets, focusing on enhancing market efficiency and transparency. He is a vocal supporter of open data initiatives and frequently champions reforms that reduce market manipulation and improve access for smaller institutions.

His work in education, particularly around math excellence, also shows no signs of slowing. With increasing investments in technology-driven education tools and programs for underrepresented youth, Gerko is clearly working toward a legacy that goes far beyond financial returns.

Conclusion

Alex Gerko represents a rare combination of intellectual brilliance, entrepreneurial acumen, and social responsibility. From his roots in mathematics to his leadership at one of the world’s top trading firms, his journey is nothing short of remarkable. As he continues to influence the worlds of finance and education, Gerko’s impact is poised to grow even further.

Whether you’re a student, investor, policymaker, or educator, Alex Gerko’s story offers powerful lessons in innovation, integrity, and the transformative potential of focused ambition.