Lord Jacob Rothschild, the financier and member of the Rothschild banking family, has died at the age of 87.In a statement on Monday, his family called Lord Rothschild "a towering presence in many peoples' lives".His career began at the family bank, NM Rothschild & Sons, before starting his own wealth management fund. He was also known for his philanthropy.Former Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute to his "dear friend" describing him as a "wonderful human being".Born in Berkshire in 1936, Lord Rothschild was educated at Eton College and went on to study history at Christ Church, Oxford.He joined the family bank in 1963 but left in 1980 after falling out with his cousin Sir Evelyn de Rothschild.He went on to build his own financial empire in the City of London, founding investment trust RIT Capital, which he chaired until 2019.The Rothschild family has an estimated fortune of about £825m, according to last year's Sunday Times Rich List.Lord Rothschild was described as "a superbly accomplished financier, a champion of the arts and culture, a devoted public servant, a passionate supporter of charitable causes in Israel and Jewish culture, a keen environmentalist and much-loved friend, father and grandfather," in a statement released by his family.Lord Rothschild also held roles including deputy chairman at BSkyB Television, director of RHJ International, now known as BHF Kleinwort Benson Group, and was a member of the council for the Duchy of Cornwall for the then-Prince of Wales.Sending his condolences to the Rothschild family, Sir Tony Blair said he would miss his friend immensely."He was of course a towering figure in Britain's Jewish community but his impact was global in his support for great causes, including in the arts and the environment, and in his tireless work to advance peace in the Middle Eaetc
