For more than three decades, Crispin Odey has reigned over London’s hedge fund scene as an eccentric with a reputation for delivering enormous returns as well as devastating losses. Odey Asset Management, his firm, was once one of Europe’s largest hedge fund companies and Odey, the man, a character from a bygone era of finance. An imposing figure at over 6ft tall, he cultivated an image as an unapologetically posh gentleman rebel. This newspaper once described him as “a large puppy in a pinstripe suit”. He used his wealth and influence to boost the country’s Conservative party, back Brexit and cultivate friendships with former prime minister Boris Johnson, among others. Although Odey’s assets under management have fallen from their $13.3bn peak several years ago, he has maintained his reputation as one of London’s last hedge fund mavericks.