Capital Allocators – Inside the Institutional Investment Industry Melanie Pickett – Modern Technology in the Investment Office at Northern Trust (Capital Allocators, EP.281)
Nov 17, 2022
Melanie Pickett, Executive Vice President at Northern Trust, shares her extensive experience in investment operations and technology. She discusses the challenges of integrating modern tech solutions in the investment office and the evolution of Northern Trust’s services for asset owners. Topics include the shift towards a dynamic total portfolio approach, the importance of data science in making informed investment decisions, and the essential role of empathy and collaboration in enhancing client engagement. It's an insightful look into the future of institutional investing.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Career Beginnings
- Melanie Pickett's career began in finance at Bear Stearns, despite a political science background.
- Her path included municipal bond underwriting, a political campaign, and operational roles at Morgan Stanley.
Move to Emory
- Pickett transitioned from Morgan Stanley to Emory University's endowment as COO.
- She was tasked with institutionalizing operations, creating an ODD program, and building a technology stack.
Tech Gap
- Pickett discovered a lack of fit-for-purpose technology solutions for endowments and foundations.
- Many institutions relied on investment manager hand-me-downs and spreadsheets for decision-making.