Career
Chandler got his start in business in 1986, when he and brother Christopher sold their parents' retailing business to invest in Hong Kong real estate. They cofounded investment firm Sovereign Global, focusing on emerging economies in Russia, Latin America, Asia and eastern Europe. After split with brother in 2006, he started Orient Global in Singapore, which invests in emerging markets. Renamed fund R.F. Chandler earlier this year. Has $100 million fund aimed at improving education in the developing world; established Freedom to Create prize in 2008 to foster artistic expression.
Since 1986 to 2006, Sovereign invested in companies and governments in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe, and in industries including telecommunications, electric utilities, steel, oil and gas, banking and oil refining.
Chandler's investment style has been described as deep value investing, primarily in global emerging markets and especially in distress situations.