The Curious Quant

The Curious Quant series, hosted by Michael Kollo, is a discussion between technically-minded professionals in the financial services, technology and data science fields. It carefully examines the application of new data and new methodologies to common problems in financial markets. The aim is to promote better discussions about these emerging areas, and a better understanding of new technologies.

 

 

Michael Kollo is a seasoned investment professional with a deep passion for the pragmatic discussion and application of quantitative models to solve problems. His PhD in Finance is from the London School of Economics where he lectured in quantitative finance in addition to Imperial College and at the University of New South Wales. He has created models and led quantitative research teams at Blackrock, Fidelity and Axa Rosenberg in the UK before more recently moving to Australia where he established the quantitative team for the $50 billion industry superannuation fund, HESTA. Kollo is an experienced speaker, author, mentor, a keen student of philosophy and more recently, a podcaster. The Curious Quant is a series of conversations with market leaders, deep thinkers and practitioners who deal with the wonder and frustrations of these models and who are on the front line of AI innovation.

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Return targets head downward

The challenging market environment is putting pressure on pension funds. In response, many are lowering return targets, rather than taking on more risk or requesting larger contributions.

Never underestimate quality

USS's COO Howard Brindle is one of the most experienced investment operations executives in the pension industry, he talks about business transformation and the importance of talent.

Board make-up matters

The more political appointees and worker representatives sit on US pension fund boards, the more those funds will respond to incentives that encourage riskier investing, research has found.

McKinsey: Long game is best play

Calls for a long-term investment focus have lacked a sophisticated metric to back them up – until now. The McKinsey Global Institute has found tangible benefits from shunning short-termism.

On the geopolitical horizon

It’s impossible for asset owners to predict the year’s geopolitical upsets. Diversification will be the key to a resilient portfolio.

Bulk of pension assets still at top end

The 300 largest funds, and the seven biggest country markets, continue to control the lion’s share of global pension assets, a Willis Towers Watson study has found.

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