evidence: George Soros is one of the most successful and influential investors in history. He is also known for his philanthropic and political activities, as well as his controversial views on various issues. But perhaps his most famous achievement was his role in the 1992 currency crisis that forced the British government to withdraw from the European exchange rate mechanism (ERM) and devalue its currency, the pound sterling. [...] Key Takeaways - George Soros is said to have "broken" the Bank of England and precipitated "Black Wednesday" in the U.K. in September 1992 as a result of massive bets he made against the British pound. [...] George Soros became very wealthy, but also infamous for his role on Black Wednesday. He was praised by some as a genius and a visionary, and criticized by others as a greedy and ruthless speculator who exploited the weaknesses of the system and caused harm to millions of people. He also was accused of having a political agenda behind his actions, as he was a vocal supporter of European integration and a critic of Britain’s reluctance to join the euro.