While little has been reported about his wealth, a look at Bessent's winning bets while working in finance offer some insight into how me made his fortune.

On Nov. 13, banker Howard Lutnick, who was leading a transition team to vet personnel and draft policy, emerged as a top contender. Lutnick, however, was taken out of the running after Trump nominated him to lead his trade and tariff strategy as head of the Commerce Department.