Oxford graduate makes biggest ever donation to Cambridge rival

Chris Rokos, who studied maths in the city, will donate £190m to Cambridge University to establish the Rokos School of Government.

The 55-year-old investor will provide initial support to the new school of government of £130 million, plus up to a further £60 million. The subsequent funding will be matched by the university.

Mr Rokos is a billionaire hedge fund manager who founded Rokos Capital Management.

He went to a state primary school before receiving a scholarship to Eton.

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“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 then worked at Goldman Sachs before co-founding Brevan Howard asset management.

He has previously provided financial support for the scholarships programme at Eton and initiatives linked to Pembroke College Oxford.

The Rokos School of Government will prepare future political leaders for a domestic and international politics, Cambridge said.

The school will be built on undeveloped land in the Cambridge West Innovation District.

The University of Cambridge is to receive what is believed to be the single biggest donation ever made to a British university in modern times from Chris Rokos (Image: Nick Saffell/University of Cambridge/PA Wire)

It will begin operations in autumn 2026 from temporary facilities until the building is completed.

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 formed to oversee the financial undertakings made to the school by donors and the university.

Mr Rokos will appoint two people to manage the affairs of the trust, and the university will appoint two.

The university has nominated pro vice-chancellor for research Professor Sir John Aston and pro vice-chancellor for university community and engagement Professor Kamal Munir.

Mr Rokos has nominated former academic and now-lawyer Dr Christos Nifadopoulos and president of Cambridge’s Girton College Dr Elisabeth Kendall.