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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OMERS’ new CIO to focus on in-house management

Bringing externally managed funds under the guidance of the internal investment team is a key component of OMERS’ growth plans, with the fund moving to having more direct control over its investments, according to new chief investment officer, Michael Latimer. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

The hidden risks of risk parity portfolios

The benefits of risk parity portfolios are largely an illusion and contain hidden risks such as confusing volatility with risk and including asset classes that have significant negative skew, which combined with leverage could be painful for investors, according to director of asset allocation at GMO, Ben Inker. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Performance-based pay should be abolished: ICGN

Non-executive directors’ pay should consist solely of a combination of a cash retainer and equity-based remuneration, according to the International Corporate Governance Network’s new guidelines for non-executive director pay crafted over the past several years in consultation with, and on behalf of, many of the largest global shareowners. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Abu Dhabi fund doubles revenue in 2009

Abu Dhabi’s (AED88.5) $24 billion strategic investment arm, Mubadala Development, reaped nearly twice as much revenue from portfolio companies in 2009 than in the previous year. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

High FX costs drag on returns

Higher than expected foreign exchange transaction costs can result in a long-term return drag on a portfolio of up to 2 per cent over 40 years according to new research by Russell Investments, which urges investors to review and measure foreign exchange costs. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Diversity is power, says Zink

A typical pension fund portfolio is so dominated by equity risk that returns will fluctuate widely according to economic conditions which affect equity markets. Amanda White spoke to Rob Zink, portfolio strategist and now consultant for Bridgewater Associates about why most investors have a flawed approach to asset allocation. mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

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