Carson Block is the Founder, CEO, and CIO of Muddy Waters, one of America's most well-known activist short-seller firms. In 2011, Block was ranked as one of the 50 Most Influential Thinker by Bloomberg Markets. He is estimated with a net worth of $260 million.

Block started his career in investment banking, before moving to China to start his self-storage business for high-end consumers. It was during one of the site visits to Orient Paper ($ONP) in Hebei province that initiated his interest in uncovering fraudulent business practices, as the firm demonstrated numerous red flags that contradicted its financial statements. On June 28, 2010, Muddy Waters initiated a strong sell on ONP. Since then, the stock has collapsed more than 84%. Block would later expand his research and this led to the launch of Muddy Waters Capital, his activist short-seller hedge fund.

In 2020, Block announced the launch of Zer0es TV, an internet video channel dedicated to informing investors about the mechanics and processes of short-selling.

Muddy Waters produces three types of research product: Business fraud, accounting fraud, and fundamental problems. The firm's research approach is to combine diverse talents, including forensic accountants, trained investigators, valuation experts and entrepreneurs, many of whom have hands-on experience running businesses in the U.S. and emerging markets.