Quantcast – a Risk.net Cutting Edge podcast Laura Ballotta Risk Master’s Series
Nov 21, 2025
Laura Ballotta, Director of the Masters in Quantitative Finance at Bayes Business School, dives into the fusion of rigorous theory and practical industry experience in finance education. She discusses the curriculum's shift towards machine learning and climate risk modeling, emphasizing a balanced approach between theory and practical assessments. Laura also highlights the importance of coding skills in Python and MATLAB and explores the role of AI in enhancing student projects. Her insights into the international applicant landscape provide a glimpse into evolving trends in finance education.
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Theory Tied Directly To Industry Practice
- Bayes combines rigorous theory with practical, industry-informed teaching.
- Visiting lecturers, alumni and industry projects keep learning applied and current.
Curriculum Shifts Toward ML And Climate Risk
- The program has shifted more hours toward machine learning and algorithmic trading.
- New topical electives like climate risk modeling and ESG reflect industry demand.
Show Skills Through Applied Coursework
- Assessments prioritize applied coursework and group projects over purely theoretical exams.
- Use projects to demonstrate real-world skills like valuing structured products and measuring portfolio risk.