The money and the buzz on each of L.A.’s wealthiest.

THE MONEY: President and portfolio manager of investment firm Oaktree Capital Management holds stake equal to that of co-founder Howard Marks. Oaktree had best year in history thanks to strong returns in high-yield bonds and other asset classes. Karsh also holds more than 1.6 million shares of electrical component company Technitrol. Shares up slightly.

BUZZ: Karsh and attorney wife Martha founded Karsh Family Foundation, education-focused charitable organization. Foundation, which has pledged more than $50 million, gave $3 million last year to local charter school operator KIPP LA. Karsh donated more than $35,000 to Democratic candidates in 2009. Graduated from Duke University and University of Virginia law school. One-time assistant to Eli Broad became managing director of TCW Group Inc. before leaving to help start Oaktree in 1995.

• NET WORTH: $920 million +20%

• LAST YEAR: $765 million

• AGE: 54

• RESIDENCE: Beverly Hills

• SOURCE OF WEALTH: Money management, private equity