Behind every billionaire there is a story!

Arpad Busson, a hedge fund ‘hippy’

ARPAD BUSSON was 10 minutes late. As the 44-year-old financier (who is also actress Uma Thurman’s boyfriend) hobbled through the door of his Mayfair boardroom, it became apparent why.

“I’ve done my back in,” said Busson, in a hoarse French accent. The injury is an old one acquired on the ski slopes.

Born in France and educated “between France and Switzerland”, Busson skied as soon as he could walk. At the age of 13 he begged his mother to let him go professional — in downhill racing — but she wouldn’t allow it.

“I’m happy that I didn’t go professional,” he said, shifting his weight from one side to the other, trying to get comfortable.

Back pain is not the only problem for Busson, known to his friends as “Arki”. In a few weeks he will host the annual Ark gala dinner.

Absolute Return for Kids is the charitable foundation he set up six years ago for underprivileged children around the world and has raised about £60m. Its annual dinner has become a showcase event, attracting stars from Busson’s Hollywood contacts book and London’s wealthy hedge-fund community.

Last year, the event raised £27m. With the credit crisis

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