#36 Steven Cohen $6,400 million

#36 Steven Cohen
$6,400 million

Founder of hedge fund juggernaut SAC Capital remedying his returns: firm's main fund up 20% this year after falling 18.5% in 2008. Returns even higher before steep fees: 3% of assets, 35% of profits on most funds. Son of a dress manufacturer grew up in Great Neck, N.Y., attended Wharton. Became options trader at Gruntal & Co.; first day on the job reaped $8,000 profit. Founded SAC in 1992 with $25 million. Firm now manages $14 billion, down 12% in a year. Annual returns net of fees: 33% since inception. Cools trading floor to 70 degrees to perk up employees. Prolific art collector controls 6% stake in auction house Sotheby's.