Bigger markets, more alpha: Capstone’s Paul Britton on running a derivatives hedge fund
Feb 28, 2025
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Paul Britton, Founder and CEO of Capstone Investment Advisors, delves into the evolution of the derivatives market and the art of managing risk. He shares his experiences from the 2008 financial crisis, emphasizing the need for strong risk frameworks. The conversation highlights the current low VIX amidst economic turmoil and the competition between hedge funds and private assets. Britton also discusses leadership qualities, balancing curiosity with consistency, and the impact of AI in finance, all while maintaining personal values like humility.
Paul Britton highlights the critical evolution of the derivatives market, creating significant opportunities for institutional investors despite increased competition.
The importance of robust risk management frameworks, reinforced by experiences from past market crises, is emphasized for navigating unpredictability in finance.
Deep dives
Origins of Capstone Investment Advisors
The founder and CEO of Capstone Investment Advisors started the firm in 2004, driven by insights gained from his background in the options market. Recognizing the shift towards a technology-based competitive landscape in market making, he aimed to create a global investment firm that could handle various asset classes. This vision was fueled by a desire to provide clarity on global market dynamics and meet the needs of institutional investors. As a result, Capstone successfully grew to manage approximately $11 billion in assets over the years, underscoring the effectiveness of that foundational vision.
Navigating Market Challenges
Capstone's journey has been marked by significant moments that tested its investment strategies, particularly during the financial crisis of 2008. An early successful trade in January of that year instilled confidence, but subsequent volatility exposed weaknesses in risk management protocols. Reflecting on these experiences, the CEO emphasized the importance of establishing a robust framework for risk management, which proved beneficial during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This experience highlighted the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of market unpredictability.
Impact of Derivatives and Market Evolution
The podcast discusses how the derivatives market has become increasingly mainstream over the last two decades, leading to new opportunities for institutional investors. As more participants enter the derivatives space, there is a greater volume flowing through markets, enhancing the potential for alpha generation. The CEO notes that while competition has grown, the unique strategies employed by Capstone can capitalize on various market dynamics that other participants may overlook. This evolution represents both a challenge and an opportunity, enabling the firm to extract value in an ever-expanding market context.
Capstone’s founder and CEO Paul Britton discusses evolution of the derivatives market, how he thinks about managing people and risk, and why the VIX is relatively low against a tumultuous economic backdrop. For more insights from great investors, listen to previous episodes from our Great Investors series.