The University of Cambridge is poised to receive what is believed to be the largest single donation ever made to a British university in modern times, a staggering £190 million commitment from investor Chris Rokos.
The substantial sum will establish the new Rokos School of Government.
Mr Rokos, 55, will provide an initial £130 million to the new institution, with a further £60 million pledged, which the university has committed to match.
A billionaire hedge fund manager who founded Rokos Capital Management, Mr Rokos attended a state primary school before securing a scholarship to Eton College.
“I was fortunate to be given the opportunity of an education which transformed my life, and I would like to give something back to Britain,” he said.
“My hope is that, in time, the influence of the Rokos School of Government across the world becomes an important element of that soft power which has been a great asset to the UK.”
Mr Rokos studied mathematics at the University of Oxford and worked at Goldman Sachs before co-founding Brevan Howard asset management.
His philanthropic efforts have previously included financial support for scholarship programmes at Eton and initiatives linked to Pembroke College Oxford.
The Rokos School of Government is intended to prepare future political leaders for both domestic and international politics, according to Cambridge.
It will be constructed on undeveloped land within the Cambridge West Innovation District, with operations commencing in autumn 2026 from temporary facilities until its permanent building is complete.
University of Cambridge vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said: “Tackling the enormous challenges facing our world requires radical new ways of thinking and approaches to leadership. Cambridge, with its strengths across all disciplines and its convening power, is uniquely positioned to drive this innovation.
“Thanks to Chris’ generous support, the Rokos School of Government will become a place where leaders and governments – both current and future – together with experts from across our institution generate the insights and solutions needed to respond to our rapidly changing world.”
A trust will be established to oversee the financial undertakings from both donors and the university.
Mr Rokos will appoint two individuals to manage the trust’s affairs, with the university also nominating two.
Mr Rokos has selected former academic and lawyer Dr Christos Nifadopoulos and Dr Elisabeth Kendall, president of Cambridge’s Girton College.
The university’s nominees are pro vice-chancellor for research Professor Sir John Aston and pro vice-chancellor for university community and engagement Professor Kamal Munir.
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