Ray Dalio Completes Exit from Bridgewater Associates, Marking New Era for Hedge Fund

Ray Dalio has officially sold his remaining ownership stake and resigned from Bridgewater Associates' board, marking the end of his tenure as the hedge fund's founder. Control has shifted to employee partners, with Co-CIO Bob Prince now the largest individual partner. A sovereign wealth fund from Brunei now holds a minority stake in the firm. Dalio plans to remain a mentor to those at Bridgewater.

Ray Dalio, the legendary founder of Bridgewater Associates, has officially sold his remaining ownership stake and resigned from the firm's board, marking the end of his 50-year tenure. This move signals a significant transition in the leadership of one of the world's largest hedge funds, with control now shifting to employee partners, including Co-CIO Bob Prince, who is now the largest individual partner. Additionally, Brunei's sovereign wealth fund has acquired a minority stake in the firm, reflecting a broader trend of institutional investment in hedge funds.

The transition began in 2017 when Dalio stepped down as CEO, followed by his resignation as co-chief investment officer in 2020 and as chair in 2021. Dalio, who is 76 years old, described the transition as a "dream come true," highlighting his satisfaction with the firm's continued success and the strength of its new leadership team. Bridgewater has seen double-digit returns in 2025 so far, with its Pure Alpha fund up 17% compared to the S&P 500's 6% year-to-date performance [1].

The Brunei Investment Agency's acquisition of a 20% stake in Bridgewater reflects the growing trend of sovereign wealth funds diversifying their investments. This move also underscores the strategic importance of long-term investment in hedge funds like Bridgewater, which have shown resilience and strong performance over time. The Brunei Investment Agency remains an investor in all of Bridgewater's funds, indicating a commitment to the firm's investment philosophy [2].

Dalio's exit from Bridgewater marks a rare, full-circle founder exit in an industry known for founder-led investment firms. The move sets a new course for the decades-old institution, which manages $92.1 billion in assets. Bridgewater's leadership restructuring mirrors similar transitions at other major institutions, such as Warren Buffett's eventual exit from Berkshire Hathaway. However, unlike Buffett's legacy with broader public market influence, Dalio's exit lacks direct implications for crypto, as the firm remains focused on traditional investment strategies [3].

Despite his departure, Dalio plans to remain a mentor to those at Bridgewater, ensuring continuity in the firm's culture and investment philosophy. Bridgewater's strategic continuity and commitment to long-term stability are expected to guide the firm through its post-Dalio era [4].

References:
[1] https://www.investopedia.com/ray-dalio-just-sold-the-last-stake-in-the-massive-hedge-fund-he-founded-here-is-why-he-calls-it-a-dream-come-true-11783500
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/ray-dalio-completes-exit-bridgewater-final-stake-sells-2508/
[3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-01/brunei-tweaks-bridgewater-bet-to-a-lucrative-20-firm-stake