Early Life
Michael Hintze was born on July 27, 1953, in Harbin, China, to parents of Russian origin. His family later moved to Australia after fleeing China. He was raised in Sydney, where he attended St Leo's College, Wahroonga. He pursued higher education at the University of Sydney, earning a BSc in physics in 1975, a BE in engineering in 1977, and an MSc in acoustics from the University of New South Wales. He also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an honorary doctorate from the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. After graduating, he served in the Australian Army for three years, rising to the rank of captain.
Rise to Success
Hintze began his career in finance in 1982 at Salomon Brothers in New York. He then worked at Credit Suisse First Boston and Goldman Sachs before founding CQS in 1999. CQS became a major player in the investment world, managing billions in assets. In 2024, Hintze sold the majority of CQS's assets to Manulife Investment Management but retained control of key funds. This pivotal move marked a significant transition in his career, leading him to establish Deltroit Asset Management.
Key Business Strategies
Hintze's success is attributed to his strategic vision and ability to navigate global financial markets. His focus on multi-strategy credit investments, including distressed debt and asset-backed securities, was a key factor in CQS's growth. His experience at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston provided him with a strong foundation for his independent ventures. CQS's ability to adapt and identify opportunities in changing market conditions was also crucial to its success. His decision to sell CQS and establish Deltroit demonstrates his adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
Philanthropy
Hintze is well-known for his philanthropic activities through the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation, which he and his wife, Dorothy, established in 2005. The foundation has supported over 200 charities, including those in education, health, and the arts. Notable contributions include supporting the restoration of Michelangelo's frescoes in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican and donating £5 million to the Natural History Museum in London in 2014.
