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Billionaire Profile
David Booth
Global Rank
#1412

Image: Loxy!! from Vancouver, Canada | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

David Booth

CEO, mutual funds
Austin, Texas
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.01B
Estimated based on mutual funds stock value as of September 10, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
79
Source
Mutual funds
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
United States

Biography

David Booth, born in December 1946, is a prominent American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder and current Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), an investment firm that pioneered applying academic research to practical investing strategies. Booth's estimated net worth is $2.7 Billion, as of 2024. His wealth originates from his success with DFA, which manages billions in mutual funds. Throughout his career, Booth has been recognized for his innovative approach to finance, which emphasizes market efficiency and evidence-based investing. His career has been marked by a dedication to incorporating groundbreaking financial theory and research into the world of asset management. Booth has also been a generous benefactor to educational institutions and art restoration projects, donating significant amounts to the University of Chicago and the University of Kansas.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$3.01B
2025$2.70B
2024$2.70B

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

David Gilbert Booth was born in Lawrence, Kansas, where he also attended Lawrence High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1968 and a Master of Science in Business in 1969 from the University of Kansas. He then pursued an MBA at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, completing it in 1971. During his time at the University of Chicago, he was a research assistant to Eugene Fama, the Nobel laureate, which profoundly influenced his investment philosophy.

Rise to Success

Booth co-founded Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) in 1981. DFA quickly became a leader in applying academic research to investment strategies. Under Booth's leadership, DFA has grown into a global investment firm managing over $777 billion in assets, as of March 2026. He served as CEO and Co-CEO until 2017, when he transitioned to Chairman, remaining involved in strategic initiatives.

Key Business Strategies

Booth's investment approach with DFA is based on the efficient market hypothesis, eschewing stock picking and focusing on low-cost, passive mutual funds. DFA's strategies include factor investing, targeting areas of the market that research shows have higher expected returns. DFA's success is rooted in its commitment to rigorous academic research, a low-cost structure, and a focus on long-term investment results. DFA has 15 international offices.

Philanthropy

David Booth is also recognized for his extensive philanthropy, primarily focused on educational institutions and art initiatives. In 2008, he donated $300 million to the University of Chicago, and in 2025, he pledged $300 million to the University of Kansas. He also contributed $10 million to the University of Texas at Austin to build the Giant Magellan Telescope. In 2018, Booth signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to charity.

Career Milestones

1970s

Index Fund Pioneer

Helped create one of the world's first index funds at Wells Fargo.

1981

Co-founded Dimensional Fund Advisors

Founded Dimensional Fund Advisors in Brooklyn, New York, with Rex Sinquefield and Larry Klotz.

2008

Donation to University of Chicago

Donated $300 million to the University of Chicago, which named the business school in his honor.

2017

Transitioned from CEO to Chairman

Stepped back from the daily management of DFA, remaining involved in strategic initiatives.

2018

Joined The Giving Pledge

Committed to donating at least half of his wealth to charity.

2025

Pledged $300 million to the University of Kansas

Made a historic donation to his alma mater, the University of Kansas.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

University of Chicago Booth School of Business

$300M

Significant donation to the University of Chicago Business School

Education

University of Kansas Athletics

$300M

Donation for stadium renovation and other projects

Science

Giant Magellan Telescope

$10M

Donation for the construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope at the University of Texas at Austin

Education

Booth Family Hall of Athletics

$9M

Funding for the Hall of Athletics at the University of Kansas

Education

Booth Center for Special Collections

$3M

Donation to Georgetown's Lauinger Library

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"The number of managers that can successfully pick stocks are fewer than you'd expect by chance. So why even play that game? You don't need to."

"Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time. Each gift compounds, creating opportunities not just for today, but for years to come. This is really about the future we are building."

"I wouldn't have been anywhere without Chicago. What was going on at Chicago then really changed the way people think about investing. Every new paper coming out was a landmark paper. Based on all this work, we've improved lives.”"

Leadership Principles

Applying Academic Research

Using financial science and research to drive investment decisions and strategies.

Long-Term Perspective

Focusing on long-term investment outcomes and avoiding short-term market timing.

Client-Focused Approach

Prioritizing clients' interests and working to improve their financial well-being.

Emphasis on Market Efficiency

Basing strategies on the understanding that markets are efficient, making stock picking less effective.

Billionaires Connected to David Booth

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Adjacent Global Ranks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is David Booth's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, David Booth's estimated net worth is $3.009 billion, ranking #1412 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did David Booth make their money?
David Booth's wealth primarily comes from Mutual funds, most notably through mutual funds.
Where is David Booth from?
David Booth is from United States.
How old is David Booth?
David Booth is 79 years old.

Sources & References

  1. David Booth — Forbes profile — Forbes