Who Is Michael Milken? Age, Biography and Wiki
Michael Milken was born on July 4, 1946, making him 78 years old in 2025. He is best known for his role in the development of the modern high-yield bond market, often referred to as "junk bonds." Milken's innovative financial strategies transformed the corporate bond landscape, and he became a prominent figure in Wall Street during the 1980s. Besides his financial acumen, he is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, especially in the fields of medical research and education.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1946 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Encino, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Michael Milken's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Michael Milken's height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), and he weighs around 160 pounds (72 kg). Although his specific body measurements are not publicly disclosed, his appearance reflects a healthy lifestyle, which he emphasizes as part of his commitment to well-being and longevity.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Michael Milken has been married to his wife, Lori Milken, for several decades. The couple shares a strong bond and has raised three children together. Their relationship remains private, but they are often seen supporting each other in philanthropy and social initiatives. As of 2025, there have been no public declarations regarding any extramarital relationships, and Milken remains dedicated to his family.
In February 2013, the SEC announced that they were investigating whether Milken violated his lifetime ban from the securities industry. The investigation concerned Milken's allegedly providing investment advice through Guggenheim Partners. Since 2011, the SEC had been investigating Guggenheim's relationship with Milken.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Michael Milken's net worth is estimated to be around $3 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his successful career on Wall Street, investments in various sectors, and his venture into philanthropic efforts, which include significant contributions to cancer research and education. Milken has had a multifaceted career that not only showcases his financial expertise but also his dedication to social causes.
Michael Robert Milken (born July 4, 1946) is an American financier. He is known for his role in the development of the market for high-yield bonds ("junk bonds"), and his conviction and sentence following a guilty plea on felony charges for violating U.S. securities laws.
Milken's compensation while head of the high-yield bond department at Drexel Burnham Lambert in the late 1980s exceeded $1 billion over a four-year period, a record for U.S. income at that time. With a net worth of US$6 billion as of 2022, he is among the richest people in the world.
Career, Business and Investments
Milken's career began at Drexel Burnham Lambert in the 1970s, where he pioneered the concept of high-yield bonds and made significant strides in corporate finance. After facing legal challenges in the 1990s, he re-emerged as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Today, he is involved in a range of business ventures, including investment firms and health initiatives. His focus has notably shifted toward social entrepreneurship and innovative medical solutions, highlighting his commitment to leveraging finance for the greater good.
Milken was indicted for racketeering and securities fraud in 1989 in an insider trading investigation. In a plea bargain, he pleaded guilty to securities and reporting violations but not to racketeering or insider trading.
Milken was sentenced to ten years in prison, fined $600 million (although his personal website claims $200 million) and permanently barred from the securities industry by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. His sentence was later reduced to two years for cooperating with testimony against his former colleagues and for good behavior.
Milken was pardoned by President Donald Trump on February 18, 2020.
Social Network
Michael Milken maintains a robust presence on social media, primarily on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where he shares insights regarding finance, philanthropy, and health initiatives. His digital footprint serves as a channel to engage with younger generations and share knowledge on investment and health topics. His philanthropic organization, the Milken Institute, also maintains an active online presence, disseminating information on various charitable initiatives.
In March 1989, a federal grand jury indicted Milken, Lowell Milken, and Bruce L. Newberg, a former Drexel junk bond trader, on 98 counts of racketeering, mail fraud and securities fraud and sought $1.845 billion in forfeitures.
The indictment included a long list of misconduct, including insider trading, tax evasion, stock manipulation, tax fraud, stock parking (concealing "Drexel's ownership of 6f securities by causing the securities to be secretly purchased or sold through affiliates of Boesky or Princeton/Newport for the purpose of gaining secret and unlawful advantage
s and profits in corporate takeover contests"), and other crimes.
One charge was that Boesky paid Drexel $5.3 million in 1986 for Milken's share of profits from illegal trading. This payment was represented as a consulting fee to Drexel. Shortly afterward, Milken resigned from Drexel and formed his own firm, International Capital Access Group.
Education
Milken pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968. He later received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1970. His academic background laid the foundation for his future successes in finance and business, equipping him with the tools to innovate and lead in the competitive world of investment.
He invested in K12 Inc., a publicly traded education management organization (EMO) that provides online schooling, including to charter school students, for whom services are paid by tax dollars, which is the largest EMO in terms of enrollment.
