The fund manager who predicted that the credit crunch would rip a hole through the banking sector has been rewarded with £28m (€35m) ($54.7 m) in pay and bonuses, according to Independant Ireland.

Crispin Odey trousered the bulk of the profits made by his Odey Asset Management Group after a hugely successful year with profits soaring from £16m to £55m. Mr Odey, 49, the founder, paid himself £28m. His 11 partners shared the other £27m.

Previously married to Rupert Murdoch's eldest daughter, Prudence, he is now married to Nichola Pease, 47, chief executive and major shareholder in the asset management group JO Hambro. They are reputed to be the UK's 270th richest couple, with combined wealth of £300m (€378m) ($586.8 million).