
The Derivative
Welcome to The Derivative by RCM Alternatives, where we dive into what makes alternative investments go, analyze the strategies of unique hedge fund managers, and chat with interesting guests from across the investment world. Hosted by RCM Managing Partner, Jeff Malec, join us to take a ride through the world of alternative investments.
Latest episodes

Jul 13, 2023 • 59min
The World of Equity Hedging, Part II with Jason Buck
Jason Buck is back in this follow-up, Part II episode rehashing all the goings on at Global EQD '23, and he's continuing the conversation on equity market hedging, not to mention interest rate, currency, and more hedging – plus volatility markets and investment strategies with host Jeff Malec.
Jason and Jeff discuss what was discussed, including the influence of Fed policy, abnormally low volatility in equities, cross-asset volatility, and the relationship between skew and put options. Tune in to discover the risks associated with high-frequency trading (HFT) firms in the
zero-day-to-expiration market and gain insights into balance and risk
management.
Explore supply and demand dynamics, black swan events, and the perspective of market makers. Gain valuable knowledge on the interplay between institutional and retail traders, the importance of diversification in building portfolios, and the comparison between systematic and discretionary approaches to investing — SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-01:31=Intro
01:32-10:07= Leaders in Vol – Monetizing Vol, Skew vs puts & commodity Vol can’t be suppressed
10:08-26:00= The volume of ODTE options & when retail flow becomes toxic
26:01-32:55= Complexity, probability & path dependency: Building a resilient portfolio
32:56-48:43= Systematic vs discretionary, the importance of dispersion
48:44-58:54= Fixed income factors and a panel too short
In case you missed it: Check out Part I of this EQD Breakdown here!
Follow along on Twitter with Jason @jasoncbuck and @MutinyFunds for all updates and also check out the website mutinyfund.com for more information.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Jun 29, 2023 • 1h 27min
Volatility (LIVE IN VEGAS) panel discussion
We're doubling down on the knowledge and taking you through the high-stakes world of Volatility with a special "Derivative Podcast" straight from the world's entertainment capital, Las Vegas. Join host Jeff Malec and our panel industry heavyweights Cem Karsan, Luke Rahbari, and Zed Francis as they delve into the intriguing market dynamics and risk management world.
From the role of Volatility as an asset class to the impact of retail platforms like Robinhood and TikTok, our panelists explore the ever-evolving trading landscape. Discover the power of probabilistic decisions in options trading, uncover the significance of liquidity, and gain insights into the art of positioning for success. These experts also shed light on the challenges of managing risk in an unbalanced options market, examine the role of market makers, and analyze the implications
of the Federal Reserve's actions.
This episode provides a jackpot of insight surrounding the fascinating interplay between Volatility and macroeconomics, providing valuable perspectives on inflation, fiscal policy, and market trends — SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-01:23=Intro
01:24-12:57= Approach to Volatility & its role in a portfolio
12:58-27:32= Playing the game & options liquidity
27:33-45:32= OTDE Options, hedging your risk, & who blows out in this market?
45:33-01:05:12= Art or Science? Systematizing a strategy / Effects of hedging Vol & short-term Vol in the markets
01:05:13-01:27:13 = Opening up for questions: Constraints on the Fed, Protection on the tails, Are the giants (large funds) in control?
Follow along on Twitter with Cem Karsan @jam_croissant, and Luke Rahbari @luke_rahbari for all their updates and for more information visit kaivolatility.com, equityarmorinvestments.com, & convexitas.com
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

6 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 1h 19min
Replicating Babies, Trend Following, Hedge Funds, and Warren Buffet with Corey Hoffstein
If a replicant in the 1980s sci-fi classic Blade Runner was a genetically engineered, bio-enhanced person with para-physical capabilities, "composed entirely of organic substance," created for slave labor – what does that make Corey Hoffstein and his takes on replicating? On this episode of The Derivative, we're joined by the model flirting, possible replicant, Corey Hoffstein, who takes us through the intricacies of replication strategies, comparing different approaches and digging deep into the pros and cons of indices vs strategies vs replication. Learn about the challenges faced by replicators in the hedge fund industry, the
importance of benchmarks, and the complexities of dispersion in managed futures.
Corey and Jeff provide insights into the factors that drive trend-following performance in different markets, explore the potential of alternative markets for
managers, and delve into the replication of Warren Buffett's strategy, decoding its secrets. Plus, Corey discusses risk weighting, the role of market makers in
the ETF ecosystem, and the integration of AI in various domains. This conversation goes beyond robots writing catchy descriptions. Get ready to become a replicant — SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-02:04= Intro
02:05-04:13= Babies are easy
04:14-22:20= Efforts in Replication & Leveraged equity
22:21-33:14= When did CTAs, MFs, and Trend Following, become synonymous? Explaining Dispersion
33:15-41:52= Two ways to replicate a strategy, first up: Top Down
41:53-56:07= Replicating a Strategy: Bottom Up
56:08-01:04:29= The immaculate rebalance & not everything needs to be in an ETF
01:04:30-01:10:09= Chat GPT – Good, bad, or ugly?
01:10:10-01:19:21= Word association
Follow along with Corey on Twitter @choffstein and for more information on Newfound Research visit thinknewfound.com. Also make sure to check out Corey's podcasts Flirting with Models & Pirates of Finance!
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Jun 8, 2023 • 59min
Global EQD ’23 Breakdown with Jason Buck (part 1)
Didn’t get the chance to head to Vegas for the Global EQD conference. No worries. We’ve got you covered.
We're teaming up with the one and only Jason Buck of Mutiny Funds, he of many volatility-focused podcasts and manager of a long vol fund of funds. Together, Jeff and Jason walk through their notes from attending the annual equity derivatives-focused conference put on by the good folks at EQD. Make sure to head over to www.eqderivatives.com and signup for their official notes. Meanwhile, they go deep on many topics, from accessing commodity markets and traders in China, addressing liquidity concerns on execution desks, and exploring the nuances between variable annuities and index-linked
annuity products.
Jason and Jeff delve into alternative correlated hedges with cheaper volatility, examine volatility strategies in ETFs, and analyze the role of leverage in finance. Jason also shares his hot takes on various topics, including the allure of Las Vegas to the fascinating world of greenflation and energy, where wind farms and Dr. Copper play a significant role. No EQD stone is left unturned — SEND IT!
P.S. Mark your calendars for Part 2, dropping over on Jason’s Mutiny Investing podcast, where Jeff and Jason will take you even deeper into the
fascinating world of finance, energy, and investments.
Chapters:
00:00-02:04= Intro
02:05-7:20= Vegas Hot takes: $200 mins = inflation, 6 to 5<> 3 to 2
07:21-21:21= Greenflation/Energy: Windfarms, Dr. Copper, Commodities, & trouble areas
21:22-40:57= Institutional Hedgers, Insurance hedging, the sticky nature of assets & finding alts with cheaper vol
40:57-59:29= Volatility in ETF Wrappers: Not all strategies are created equal with ETFs, Too small/too big, & branding matters
From the episode: Check out Jason on the Mutiny podcast and make sure to subscribe to catch Part II of this episode premiering soon!
Follow along on Twitter with Jason @jasoncbuck and @MutinyFunds for all updates and also check out the website mutinyfund.com for more information.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Jun 1, 2023 • 1h 11min
The Current state of Commercial Real Estate: Armageddon or Overblown? Setting things straight with Matt Lasky of Equity Velocity Funds
We’re back! Hitting first up with the question of where the current state of Commercial Real Estate is at since COVID. Is the market coming back? Were the hits too hard with everyone out of the office? We’re looking at all the aftermath with Matt Lasky of Equity Velocity Funds, where the pain points are, who kept afloat, and how the market has changed since the vacancy or ‘phantom occupancy’ of Commercial buildings. In this episode, we talk with Matt about the commercial real estate bubble bursting, inflation & debt cliff, leverage factors, new lending standards, the difference between debt and equity & the challenges of bringing on new supply in real estate.
Were there any success stories in all of this mess? Find out as we dive in with Matt as he gives us a closer look at just what is going on in the current state of Commercial real estate. SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-02:40=Intro
02:41-10:32= Commercial real estate services/wellness, growth markets & did Red States during COVID save businesses?
10:33-24:21= Big Trouble? Real estate Armageddon viewpoint: Where’s the pain? Cost of Cap, Loss of Value & Phantom occupancy
24:22-39:37= Equities getting hammered, Leverage factors, short-term living spaces & the move to SOFR
39:38-50:26= Dead funds “loan to own”, Private Credit, Yield alternatives & bringing new supply to real estate
50:27-01:06:18= Leaders in real estate, Conversions, Diversification with Managed futures & Healthcare locations
01:06:19-01:11:07= Real Estate Market Outlook
Follow along with Matt on Twitter @MattLasky & check out equity.net for more information!
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

May 11, 2023 • 1h 17min
Adding Spreads and Options to Trend Following, with Moritz Seibert
Exploring trend following strategies, spread data, and options trading. Debating market opinions, portfolio diversification, and painful trade entries. Discussing exotic risks, structured products, and the value of trend following in trading. Sharing insights on optimizing crude oil contracts, managing risks with options, and navigating trading psychology. Exploring the benefits of trend following in portfolio management and discussing ski resort experiences.

May 4, 2023 • 1h 31min
AI isn’t coming…it’s already here, with Adam Butler and Taylor Pearson
How fast is the fast moving world of AI moving after the launch of Chat GPT and crazy pace of new apps and tools. It turns out…. Really Fast! There’s AI tools that can write blog posts, create images, act like a hedge fund lawyer, review a disclosure document, and more. All of it brings up many questions. Are we living in a world where these AI machines take over our jobs? Can we expect better market research, analytics, trading signals, and alpha? Can humans and AI coexist in the finance industry? On this episode of The Derivative, Jeff Malec sits down with Adam Butler of Resolve Asset Mgmt and Taylor Pearson from Mutiny Funds to discuss all that’s happened and is happening in the AI space lately.
From machine learning to natural language processing, the conversation covers various topics related to AI's role in finance, including its impact on job opportunities, ethical considerations, and the potential for innovation. Pearson and Butler also share their insights into how AI can help improve everything from day to day tasks to investment strategies. Take a listen to learn more about AI's influence on the finance industry and whether it's a friend or foe to finance professionals on this episode of The Derivative - SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-02:00= Intro
2:01-15:15= A low adoption to ChatGPT, RHLF Tuned sophisticated models & A.I. emerging from our input
15:16-27:50= Theory of Mind: Replicants? Content advancements that are changing the world
27:51-40:29= Exploring the tools of ChatGPT, is A.I. getting too much of our info? We’ve just scratched the surface
40:30-54:02= Is ChatGPT use stretching morality? A better understanding of how to correctly use ChatGPT in moderation
54:03-01:05:51= Has ChatGPT helped with machine learning? Creating conditions for A.I. to thrive / Opening Pandora’s box
01:05:52-01:18:04= The Multi-Polar trap, proof of personhood & who owns the training data?
01:18:05-01:25:33= How ChatGPT affects the hedge fund world? Is Big Tech holding back? & the human component
01:25:34-01:30:50= Last thoughts – Good, bad? Who will run this tech? Living in the Dystopia we deserve
Follow along with Adam Butler @GestaltU and Taylor Pearson @TaylorPearsonMe on Twitter and also make sure to check out their websites Resolve Asset Management & Mutiny Funds for more information!
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Apr 27, 2023 • 1h 45min
Alt (Digital) Trend Following with Sarah Schroeder of Coinbase Asset Mgmt.
How do you get a job at a top quant shop? With a little love from grandma?! How do you navigate a systematic strategy in the fast-moving world of digital assets? On this episode of The Derivative, Sarah Schroeder of Coinbase Asset Management (formerly One River Digital) covers a range of topics related
to crypt/digital assets, including the formation and vision of One River Digital, its purchase by Coinbase, the importance of counterparty risk management,
trend-following and directional strategies, allocation to digital assets, central bank digital currencies, and the role of women in the hedge fund space.
Schroeder shares insights into her experience working at AQR as a portfolio valuer and discusses the unique alpha models for different tokens, investment strategies, and fundamentals in the digital space. The conversation also touches on the potential for significant directional shifts in digital assets, the barrier to
entry into the space, the personal and professional use of crypto, and the role of central banks launching their own coins. Shroeder closes the episode with
advice for young women getting into the hedge fund space and the importance of having good mentors in one's career — SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-01:42=Intro
01:43-13:13= Go Grandma! Playing chicken with Goldman & AQR
13:14-24:08= Alt Market Trend Following @AQR to Crypto Curiosity
24:09-35:15= One River Digital bought by Coinbase / Asset Mgmt for Institutional investors
35:16-45:27= FTX Crisis, counterparty risk, an urgency to trade & choosing your vessel for choppy seas
45:28-01:00:18= A unique model to Trend Following, shifting risks, monetizing trends & driven by retail
01:00:19-01:14:30= Directional Strategies, going short with digital & finding liquidity in the tokens
01:14:30-01:26:26= Trend allocators in long token exposure, mixed connotations about “Crypto” & having a slice of digital in your portfolio
01:26:27-01:34:38= A coin for everyone: Central banks & digital currencies – Does privacy go away or is it a social good?
01:34:39-01:44:58= Women in the hedge fund space: Curing periods, credibility & good counsel
Visit oneriveram.com, coinbase.com and the coinbase blog for more information
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Apr 13, 2023 • 1h 46min
Stories for Traders: A Trend followers’ journey through it all with Andrew Strasman of Totem Asset Group
Have you ever wondered how successful traders make their fortunes in the markets? In this episode of The Derivative Podcast, we explore the world of trend following with a master in the field, Andrew Strasman. Here first-hand about his journey as a trend follower, from his early days in the trading pit to his experience in the real estate market and the birth of high-frequency trading.
Throughout the discussion, Jeff and Andrew talk about the importance of risk management, position sizing, and having a stop order in place. We'll also dive into the problem of shorting cryptocurrencies and trying to predict market winners.
Uncover the significance of monitoring trades from inception to conclusion and implementing stop orders, and delve into the no-nonsense approach towards the financial crisis of 2008, the global impact of central bank digital currency, the utilization of CTA indices, the methods by which conventional trend followers generated alpha, and a plethora of other captivating topics — SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-01:29=Intro
01:30-12:52= The turtle Quiz & Skiing creekside
12.53-36:47= First taste of Trend Following, Board of Trade shenanigans, early days of high-frequency trading
36.48-54:00= A French Trading company, DRW days & You vs. Yourself
54:01-01:19:53= Earning your stripes, 40in20out: importance of stop-orders & your pure dollar at risk
01:19:54-01:30:58= Totem: the spark between boldness & humility / Central Bank high jinx
01:30:59-01:46:26= Vol targeting: Last year’s darling is this year’s heel & Side-stepping Trend Following
Check out Andrew's websites for more information at totemasset.com & 40in20out.com & follow along with Andrew on LinkedIn for all the latest news.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Apr 6, 2023 • 1h 8min
What are the Options for tech employee Options, With Bryce Emo of Sidecar Financial
Today’s episode we are passengers on Bryce Emo’s rig, as we ride along and chat about how his company Sidecar Financial assists in providing private company shareholders the knowledge and network to find what can be life-changing liquidity. Bryce explains why stock option-based employees at big tech companies need the “lending hand”, and covers all the avenues available in helping navigate their journey to success with education on the options for their options.
Bryce & Jeff are climbing the wealth ladder chatting about “unicorn” tech companies, what recent layoff’s in this space did to the buy and sell side of secondary markets last year, thoughts on the advancement in A.I., and also don’t miss both of their Half-baked investing ideas that are surprisingly not too shabby. So, take a seat next to us, hear about Bryce being a leprechaun at Notre Dame, and get ready for an entertaining discussion! SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-02:23 = Intro
02:24-06:29 = Leprechauns to Unicorns?
06:30-18:24 = Public stock vs private stock & finding liquidity
18:25-34:00 = Why aren’t companies looking for the carrot themselves?
34:01-50:44 = Equity lending, Sellers, Institutional buyers & Secondary markets
50:45-57:12 = Companies biggest pitfalls & thoughts on A.I.
57:13-01:08:09 = Half-baked Ideas – what’s a drunk elevator?
For more information please visit sidecarfinance.com or follow Bryce & Sidecar Finance on LinkedIn.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, follow us on Twitter at @rcmAlts and our host Jeff at @AttainCap2, or LinkedIn , and Facebook, and sign-up for our blog digest.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not an offer to buy or a solicitation to sell a security the podcast is a discussion pertaining to one or more investment strategies and or asset classes and is not a discussion of any specific offering past or present of securities. As a reminder, there is no guarantee that any investment or strategy will perform as targeted. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance and any investment involves risk of the loss of some or all principal invested. The podcast contains statements intended for educational and hypothetical purposes only, and is not to be construed as a primary as a promise of performance. information presented herein reflects the opinions of the speakers and is from sources believed to be reliable that all information is subject to change. You should always speak to your finance and or tax professional prior to investing Securities offered through Emerson Equity LLC Member FINRA coppice. Only available in states where Emerson equity LLC is registered Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication.
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