DFA was founded in 1981 by David Booth and Rex Sinquefield, co-chairmen, to apply academic research to the practical world of investing. The firm maintains close ties with the University of Chicago Business School and other key research centers. The board members of and consultants to the firm and its family of mutual funds include the University of Chicago's Eugene Fama and Nobel Laureate Myron Scholes, as well as Dartmouth College's Kenneth French and Yale University's Roger Ibottson. As of December 31, 2001, DFA managed more than $24 billion for 125 institutional clients and $12 billion for high net worth investors through professional financial advisors. The firm has offices in Sydney, Chicago and London, in addition to its Santa Monica headquarters.
