Guy Spier

Considered one of the greatest investors of our times, Zurich-based fund manager Guy Spier is an example of the type of manager we would like to see more of in the asset management industry. While most known for bidding $650,100 with Mohnish Pabrai for a charity lunch with Warren Buffett, Guy’s investment performance, attitude, and wisdom has placed him among the greats. Humble and honest, Guy does not try to hide his own shortcomings and mistakes which is discusses in great detail in his marvelous book “The Education of a Value Investor”. The book describes his journey through life with lessons for all, not only investors. It really touched a chord with me and I highly recommend it.

Guy puts his Aquamarine Fund investors first with a focus on building wealth for them over time. He has put his money where his mouth is as not only does he have the majority of his own net worth in the fund but that of his immediate family and their closest friends and associates. So he has a lot more to lose than just money. Furthermore, this Harvard and Oxford University graduate is not in the business of empire building and manages an amount with which he can generate excess returns. This is the exact opposite of today’s industry where the goal is to increase AUM as much and as quickly as possible with the ultimate objective being to “milk” investors for as long as possible (usually as long as the current fad lasts).

I had the honor of meeting him last year at a private event he organizes (VALUEx Klosters) and was impressed by how welcoming he was and how he values the sharing of wisdom in a lifelong journey of seeking and building knowledge. Below is a collection of presentations, podcasts, and talks he has done. Enjoy!