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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Oxford seeks global property opps

Oxford Properties Group – the real estate arm of Canadian pension fund OMERS – has an ambitious growth plan that includes expanding its footprint globally and growing its portfolio of properties to more than $30 billion. Oxford’s president and chief executive Blake Hutcheson (pictured) says that the fund is patiently building out its portfolio of

How sovereign risk hits equities

The severe impact of the European debt crisis on financial markets has spurred EDHEC-Risk Institute to investigate whether equity investors can earn a premium through sovereign risk. Professor Nöel Amenc, EDHEC-Risk Institute director, speaks about the emergence of what could be a new risk factor and other research focusing on Asia.

State Street: DC plans better by default?

After seeing more than a decade of change in the role of defined contribution plans in the US, the pace of innovation will continue unabated as funds look to diversify their investment approach and improve fund structures, State Street Global Advisors predicts.mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Norway’s SWF 8.8% loss in Q3

The Norwegian Government’s 3055 billion kroner ($544.9 billion) pension fund lost 8.8 per cent during the third quarter of this year, on the back of falling share markets. But its fund manager says most of the fund’s new capital inflows are still being pumped into global share markets.mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

Pensions and protests demands action

Sitting on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, looking over the sea of tents “occupying” the forecourt, I wondered what 2011 would be remembered for. Certainly this movement is highlighting that the people on the street see a disconnect between the financial and real economies. But what are pension funds doing to take action?mrec4inarticleinline

Funds look to consolidate equity managers

Funds are expecting to push for a further consolidation in the number of equity managers they use but intend to add alternative asset managers, a new Callan Associates survey reveals.mrec4inarticleinline Sponsored Content scnative1 scnative2 scnative3

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