The Billionaire Math Geek Who Turned AI Into a Money-Printing Machine
By Alexander Osipovich | April 23, 2026 | The Wall Street Journal
LONDON — Before ChatGPT and similar AI tools became common, Alex Gerko changed finance with AI. Gerko, a billionaire and mathematician, started XTX Markets. He built a strong trading system that pairs advanced AI with geothermal-powered supercomputers.
Founded in 2015, XTX Markets took its name from a math formula. This name shows Gerko’s love for numbers and algorithms. In contrast to hedge funds that depend on human judgment, XTX uses deep learning. It employs powerful Nvidia chips to scan market data and predict price moves with great care.
Gerko depends not only on smart software but also on robust hardware. The firm’s AI system runs on supercomputers in Iceland. Iceland’s geothermal energy powers these machines. This setup makes calculations fast and cost-effective. It also gives XTX an edge in fierce electronic trading.
The results are clear. XTX Markets shows that AI can bring steady profits in finance. Many call it a “money-printing machine” because it uses its own AI models to capture tiny price gaps in markets worldwide.
By working with AI for over ten years, Gerko gained great wealth. He also became known as an innovative leader. His work marks a turning point in trading. It proves that mixing advanced math, AI, and sustainable energy can turn theory into real profit.
Today, XTX Markets moves forward. It expands its AI methods as technology grows. It also takes advantage of major shifts in market behavior in our digital world.
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