Bruce A. Karsh is an American billionaire investor and the co-founder, former co-chairman, and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Oaktree Capital Management, one of the world's largest investment firms specializing in distressed debt. His background is rooted in law and finance: he earned a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

His career began in the legal sector, working as an attorney. However, his financial genius was forged during his tenure at Trust Company of the West (TCW) in the late 1980s, where he specialized in high-yield and distressed debt. This experience, identifying and capitalizing on the undervalued debt of struggling or bankrupt companies, became the foundational strategy of his fortune. His financial philosophy is defined by a cautious, value-oriented approach to risk.

Bruce Karsh, along with Howard Marks and other partners, co-founded Oaktree Capital Management in 1995, following their departure from TCW. The founding vision was to build a disciplined investment firm focused on counter-cyclical investing, specializing in distressed debt, private equity, and real estate, markets that thrive on financial dislocation and uncertainty.

As CIO, Karsh was the strategic mind overseeing the deployment of capital, responsible for generating outsized returns by acquiring the debt of distressed companies at steep discounts. Oaktree grew into a global powerhouse, managing billions in assets, successfully navigating multiple financial crises (2000s dot-com bubble, 2008 financial crisis) with its signature cautious yet opportunistic approach. The company was later acquired by Brookfield Asset Management, securing Karsh's multi-billion dollar fortune and cementing his legacy as one of the world's foremost experts in distressed debt and value investing.

Bruce Karsh and his wife are major philanthropists, focusing their giving on education, arts, and medical research. Their contributions are often large-scale and strategic, reflecting the institutional nature of their wealth.

He is highly dedicated to his alma mater, serving on the boards of Duke University and the University of Virginia School of Law. His philanthropy supports organizations that promote rigorous thought and ethical leadership. His structural social impact is Oaktree's role in the capital markets—providing essential financing to struggling companies, often preventing outright bankruptcy and preserving thousands of jobs.

Bruce Karsh maintains the highly disciplined, conservative style of a top-tier financial CIO. His attire is consistently formal, favoring tailored suits and a classic aesthetic. His professional presentation reflects the gravity and seriousness of managing billions of dollars in distressed assets, where caution and patience are paramount.

Residing in Los Angeles, his luxury is the deep financial security that comes from his mastery of counter-cyclical investing. His life is defined by a focus on intellectual rigor, strategic discipline, and the profitable execution of his value-oriented investment philosophy.