Jim Leaviss
Jim Leaviss
We are very sorry to share the news that Jim Leaviss passed away on 23 July 2026, aged 55.
The family’s wish is for privacy and funeral arrangements will remain private. For those who would like to make a donation in Jim’s memory, the family has requested that donations be made to Cancer Research UK. We appreciate that there will be a desire across the industry to honour Jim’s life and legacy in the future, and we will liaise with his family at the appropriate time. In the meantime, we have opened this virtual book of condolences for people across the industry to share their memories at this difficult time.
Everyone at M&G is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Leaviss, our former Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income, and a highly respected figure across the investment industry.
Jim joined M&G in 1997 and made an extraordinary contribution over a 27-year career with the firm, playing a central role in building and shaping our Fixed Income business into one of M&G’s key strengths. Known for his expertise, intellect and distinctive voice, including through the Bond Vigilantes blog and Uncle Jim’s World of Bonds podcast, Jim earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, clients and peers across the industry.
He will also be remembered with enormous affection for the impact he had on people. Throughout his career, Jim was generous with his time, knowledge and encouragement, mentoring and inspiring many colleagues and helping to develop generations of investment talent across the business.
On behalf of everyone at M&G, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s wife, sons, family and loved ones. His legacy lives on in the business he helped build, the people he developed and the many lives he touched during his remarkable career.
To read Jim’s own farewell, published when he left M&G two years ago, please see the Bond Vigilantes blog:
Memory wall
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July 29, 2026
I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Jim as a client, and I like to think increasingly as a friend, for many years. In an industry packed with very smart and astute people, he always stood out as not just among the brightest of all, but also as one of the most personally generous and engaging. Despite his brilliance he remained grounded, considerate and warm, and his loss will be felt profoundly. With deepest condolences to Jim's family and friends.
July 29, 2026
So so sorry to hear this news. He was a warm and funny man. 'Uncle Jim's world of bonds' remains one of a kind. Always thoughtful and interesting, his unique take on financial markets is a real loss.
July 29, 2026
RIP JIM
July 29, 2026
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Leaviss at the far-too-young age of 55.
Jim was a true legend of our industry. Quite simply, what he did not know about fixed income investing was probably not worth knowing.
I first met Jim in Dubai in October 2008, at an investment conference held just as the wheels were coming off global markets. Despite the turmoil unfolding around us, what struck me immediately was not only the extraordinary depth of his knowledge, but also his humility, warmth and friendliness. I remember thinking at the time: what an incredibly knowledgeable yet thoroughly approachable person.
Over the years, it was always a genuine pleasure to meet Jim and discuss all things fixed income. His insight was immense, but he wore his expertise lightly and always made time for others.
Jim will be greatly missed by me and by so many across our industry. My thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues at this desperately sad time.
Rest in peace, Jim.
Jim was a true legend of our industry. Quite simply, what he did not know about fixed income investing was probably not worth knowing.
I first met Jim in Dubai in October 2008, at an investment conference held just as the wheels were coming off global markets. Despite the turmoil unfolding around us, what struck me immediately was not only the extraordinary depth of his knowledge, but also his humility, warmth and friendliness. I remember thinking at the time: what an incredibly knowledgeable yet thoroughly approachable person.
Over the years, it was always a genuine pleasure to meet Jim and discuss all things fixed income. His insight was immense, but he wore his expertise lightly and always made time for others.
Jim will be greatly missed by me and by so many across our industry. My thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues at this desperately sad time.
Rest in peace, Jim.
July 29, 2026
So sad to hear the news and my condolences to your family. Jim, you always took the time to speak to anyone no matter how junior or inexperienced they were and helped them understand the subject matter. A true legend who left your mark with your presence and now a void with your untimely departure, you will be sorely missed.
July 29, 2026
I never met Jim. But I always looked forward to his podcast and listened to them as soon as possible. One time I contacted him for some guidance, he took the time to help me out. So glad he had some time to follow his passions. Best wishes to his family.
July 29, 2026
I met Jim a few times after I joined another great retail fixed income business, Invesco Perpetual. We enjoyed lunches and discussed the finer points of convexity, spreads & Indie music. After I retired Uncle Jim's World of Bonds kept me connected to the old world. He was an innovator & a gentleman. Rest in peace & let the KLF Rock Ya.
July 29, 2026
Jim I cannot believe you have gone, taken far too soon, and so early into your exciting and fulfilling post-work plans. I can imagine how difficult this must be for your family losing such a thoughtful, inspiring and just all-round great guy. You were the first fund manager on the invite list for our team 20th anniversary party, the first bond fund manager I'd turn to for something inciteful around the many bond inflection points, and the first I'd bumped into at a Nottingham Forest match - I hope you got to see some of Anderson's world cup performances. Rest easy, your light will live on in so many places.
July 29, 2026
1
I had the privilege of working with Jim for more than a decade. I still vividly remember meeting him for the first time, thirteen years ago, to discuss the possibility of joining M&G. We met at a pizza place in Bushwick, Brooklyn—an unexpected choice. Having lived in New York for over twenty years, I was surprised by his suggestion; most such meetings would typically have taken place in a characterless office or café in Midtown Manhattan. That choice reflected his character: unconventional, unique.
Our conversation was engaging and wide-ranging, covering everything from my experience managing Emerging Market Debt to the latest travails of the Turkish lira. From that very first meeting, Jim struck me as energetic, and deeply inspiring. I did not hesitate a minute in crossing the pond to join his team.
Those qualities remained evident throughout the eleven years we worked together. He had a unique ability to connect with people, bringing warmth, wisdom, and humour to every interaction. In many ways, he was everybody's favourite uncle.
My condolences to the family and friends in this difficult period.
Our conversation was engaging and wide-ranging, covering everything from my experience managing Emerging Market Debt to the latest travails of the Turkish lira. From that very first meeting, Jim struck me as energetic, and deeply inspiring. I did not hesitate a minute in crossing the pond to join his team.
Those qualities remained evident throughout the eleven years we worked together. He had a unique ability to connect with people, bringing warmth, wisdom, and humour to every interaction. In many ways, he was everybody's favourite uncle.
My condolences to the family and friends in this difficult period.
July 29, 2026
Jim was a legend in his own time. My sincere condolences to his home family, his work family and those clients who held him in such high regard and fond affection. Heaven's gain is our loss.
July 29, 2026
Someone who I admired and who inspired me to learn more about markets and economics. Saddened to hear the news. Condolences to family and friends.
July 29, 2026
2
Jim had the sort of dry sense of humour that really tickles me, but also a massive brain and a kind heart. He played an incredibly important role in demystifying markets, and when he wasn't rattling on about 90s music, he spoke very fondly of his family and colleagues, to whom I send my love. This is a huge loss.
July 29, 2026
1
As an IFA I was fortunate enough to meet him in the seminars and webinars over the decades. He was a towering affable gentleman and had a clear passion for Bond investing.
I was shocked to see the headline this am. Far too young to pass away at his age.
The industry has lost a giant in his field.
"Requiescat in pace."
George Migeod.
I was shocked to see the headline this am. Far too young to pass away at his age.
The industry has lost a giant in his field.
"Requiescat in pace."
George Migeod.
July 29, 2026
1
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Jim Leaviss. As an IFA for over 30 years with much of that time involved in investment advice, I have met many fund industry managers, investment directors, economists etc, and Jim Leaviss always stood out for me. He was especially personable, relatable and engaging, and would always make time to chat - we had several, albeit brief, conversations at various meetings over the years, even though he had no idea who I was! He was also of course deeply knowledgeable and had a way of imparting that knowledge and experience in an interesting and informative manner. He will be sorely missed.
July 29, 2026
1
Worked with Jim for about 15 up to 2006.
An absolute legend and gentleman.
What he didn’t know about bonds wasn’t worth knowing.
So sad to hear about his passing at such a young age.
Life is not fair.
An absolute legend and gentleman.
What he didn’t know about bonds wasn’t worth knowing.
So sad to hear about his passing at such a young age.
Life is not fair.
July 29, 2026
1
Didn’t know Jim well, but we overlapped enough for me to be aware of his reputation and personality. An absolute role model for anyone who wanted to break down barriers to understanding finance, erudite and funny:
July 29, 2026
Jim brought bonds to life. He was truly inspiring and his passion was infectious. I always looked forward to seeing him present and always enjoyed his writing.
I hope, and am confident that, he inspired many around him
I hope, and am confident that, he inspired many around him
July 29, 2026
RIP, Jim. A true legend.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim's death, but incredibly grateful to have been influenced by his passion, conviction and outstanding fund management.
What always stood out was his ability to reconcile a belief in social justice with a deep understanding of business and investing. He challenged the idea that successful investing and progressive values were somehow incompatible and encouraged people to think independently and pragmatically.
He held his beliefs with conviction, never followed the crowd, and remained authentic throughout his career. I learned a great deal from him, both professionally and personally.
He inspired me to embrace socialism and be a proud card carrying member of the Labour party - yet still work in our industry.
Above all, my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim's death, but incredibly grateful to have been influenced by his passion, conviction and outstanding fund management.
What always stood out was his ability to reconcile a belief in social justice with a deep understanding of business and investing. He challenged the idea that successful investing and progressive values were somehow incompatible and encouraged people to think independently and pragmatically.
He held his beliefs with conviction, never followed the crowd, and remained authentic throughout his career. I learned a great deal from him, both professionally and personally.
He inspired me to embrace socialism and be a proud card carrying member of the Labour party - yet still work in our industry.
Above all, my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.
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