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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Quants in need of a makeover

Quantitative investing needs to change, and should do so by scaling up to produce more proprietary data,  reducing excessive numbers of signals and becoming more “market savvy”, according to the global head of equity research at BlackRock, Ronald Kahn.mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Average is OK in active management

At times when markets are moving around more than usual, such as in the past three years, institutional investors tend to pay more concern to the value of active management. New global figures from Mercer show that while they should be concerned there is still value to be found in active management. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content

Controversy dogs Australian system review

The Australian Government released its report of the review into the governance, efficiency, structure and operation of the superannuation system, last week. Some of the recommendations have been met with controversy by industry participants, with continued support of innovative and alternative investments at risk. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Temasek takes long view of Asia

The already heavy exposure to Asia of the S$186 billion ($134 billion) Temasek Holdings will be increased over the next decade as the investor favours the long-term secular growth of Asia over global growth. “Directionally, we are likely to increase our exposure to Asia over the next decade, but will continue to maintain the full

Infrastructure leads in steady alts demand

Infrastructure, commodities and private equity funds of funds (FoFs) were the fastest growing asset classes among alternatives invested by pension funds around the world last year, according to the annual alternatives survey from Towers Watson. The survey, conducted in association with the Financial Times of London, showed continued support for alternatives by institutional investor, although

Sovereign debt’s grave new world

Bonds have been the saviour for institutional investors in the global recovery, but a new bout of risk-aversion induced by concerns about sovereign risk threatens the stability of the traditionally defensive assets. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

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