

Odds on Open
Ethan Kho
Conversations with leading thinkers on trading, betting, and risk. Formerly the Build to Last Podcast.
Hosted by Ethan Kho.
Produced by Patrick Kho.
Hosted by Ethan Kho.
Produced by Patrick Kho.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 28, 2025 • 1h 4min
How the World’s #1 Prediction Markets Trader Finds Edge! - Domer on Trading Global Political Events
Explore the intriguing world of prediction markets trading with insights from the top trader, Domer. Discover how information flow and timing shape strategies in this fast-paced realm, where short-term price movements take precedence over long-term trends. Domer reveals the advantages of focusing on less-crowded micro markets for exploiting mispriced probabilities. Delve into lessons learned from past election losses, the balance of luck and skill in big bets, and the social value prediction markets bring in enhancing public information.

Dec 27, 2025 • 1h 9min
Why SIG Tells Traders Not to Hedge! - Ex-SIG Trader and Moontower Founder, Kris Abdelmessih
Kris Abdelmessih, a former trader at Susquehanna (SIG) and now founder of Moon Tower, shares his unique insights on trading and market strategies. He discusses why SIG advised against hedging, emphasizing the importance of capturing positive expected value. Kris reveals how early experiences in options pits taught him about market-making edges. He explains the significance of centralized risk and aggressive position sizing, and offers wisdom on navigating market shifts, advocating for compounding small daily advantages in both trading and life.

Dec 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
How High Frequency Trading Became “The Most Cutthroat Business!” - Ex-HFT Trader, Annanay Kapila
Annanay Kapila, a former high-frequency trader and quant researcher, shares his insights from the fast-paced world of HFT. He discusses the relentless competition within elite firms and the strategies that set top traders apart. Annanay reveals behind-the-scenes tales from the 2022 FTX collapse, detailing the chaos that ensued. He introduces his new venture, QFEX, aiming to provide a trustworthy exchange platform using crypto-style innovations. Get ready to learn about trading culture, execution risks, and the future of fintech!

10 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 50min
Youngest-Ever Citadel MD: What It’s Like to Work Side-by-Side with Ken Griffin
Michael Watson, former Citadel software engineer and the youngest MD in its history, shares his insider perspectives on multi-strategy hedge funds. He reveals the high-pressure environment at Citadel, highlighting Ken Griffin's exceptional recruiting strategies and talent concentration. Michael discusses the critical role engineering plays in quant trading and how understanding portfolio managers' mental models is essential. He also introduces Hedgineer, his AI-driven platform designed for hedge funds, showcasing how technology can enhance research and operations for emerging managers.

Dec 24, 2025 • 55min
SIG Director: How Susquehanna Trains Top Traders with Poker
Todd Simkin, an experienced trader and head of education at Susquehanna International Group, reveals how poker strategies shape elite traders. He discusses the importance of Bayesian updating in decision-making under uncertainty and shares insights on how SIG teaches new traders through mock trading and real-time market analysis. Todd emphasizes humility and communication as vital traits for success, while outlining the collaborative, meritocratic culture at SIG. He also delves into SIG's innovative projects, like Rivers Edge, highlighting their approach to insurance and prediction markets.

11 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ex–Goldman and DRW Trader on Trading Before Algorithms Took Over
John Knorring, a former Goldman Sachs natural gas trader, shares insights from his extensive trading career and his role in founding Green Tiger Markets. He discusses how the transition from pit trading to electronic markets transformed risk management and liquidity. Highlighting the importance of human judgment amidst algorithmic advancements, John explains the evolution of trading strategies and the impact of regulatory changes like Dodd-Frank. He also dives into opportunities in the Philippines’ electricity market, showcasing how transparent contracts can drive investment.

Nov 11, 2025 • 44min
Ex-AIA Quant Director: Every Hedge Fund That Fails Makes THIS Mistake
In this insightful discussion, Daniel Xystus, a hedge fund manager and former quant director at AIA, shares his extensive experience in launching hedge funds globally. He emphasizes that most hedge funds fail due to operational issues rather than bad trading decisions. Daniel explains the nuances of choosing fund domiciles like Cayman and Singapore, and highlights the significance of compliance and infrastructure. He also delves into the unique challenges of trading in Asia and the evolving role of Middle East family offices in the hedge fund landscape.

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Partners at Versor Reveal Their Quant Strategies Managing $1.4 Billion
DeWayne Louis and Nishant Gurnani, partners at Versor, share insights from their $1.4 billion quantitative investment firm. DeWayne outlines innovative merger-arbitrage strategies, predicting competing bids with impressive accuracy. Nishant dives into the GETT managed futures strategy, emphasizing the role of alternative data and hypothesis-driven research. The duo discusses the importance of clean data, avoiding data-mining traps, and the integration of AI in finance, highlighting how human intuition underpins their machine learning innovations.

26 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 53min
Ex- Citadel Analyst and Millennium PM: What It’s Like Inside Both Hedge Funds
Doug Garber, a former analyst at Citadel and portfolio manager at Millennium Management, now leads Westport Alpha Group. In this chat, he reveals the contrasting cultures of Citadel's structured strategies versus Millennium's decentralized, entrepreneurial approach. Doug dives into the importance of deep research in portfolio construction, the challenges of transitioning from sell-side to buy-side, and the traits that make a successful analyst. He also shares personal insights on balancing high-pressure roles with family life and raising kind children.

Nov 8, 2025 • 1h 25min
Hedge Fund Manager Alix Pasquet: Why Smart People Lose Money
In this engaging discussion, hedge fund manager Alix Pasquet shares his insights on why high IQ can lead to investment failures. He delves into the pitfalls of competing with equally sharp investors and the risks associated with generational wealth transfer. Drawing parallels from poker and backgammon, Alix emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and the dangers of overcomplicating strategies. He also reveals how AI is reshaping the finance landscape, creating 'fantasy stocks' that prioritize hype over substance, urging investors to focus on simplicity and adaptability.


