Educational Alpha

In this episode, host Bill Kelly welcomes Joe Simonian, a prominent figure in the world of financial data science and the Chairman of the Financial Data Professional (FDP) Institute. Joe shares insights from his extensive career, spanning over 18 years in global asset management and financial data science. The discussion traverses the evolution of quantitative tools in finance, the nascent but promising applications of generative AI, and the critical need for synthetic datasets in investment strategies. The episode wraps up with an exploration of the FDP Institute, emphasizing the growing need for cross-disciplinary expertise in today's rapidly evolving investment landscape. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly sits down with Mark Anson, CEO and CIO of Commonfund, to explore the evolution of the endowment model and its ongoing relevance in today's investment landscape. Mark shares his extensive experience, from managing the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to leading Commonfund, providing insights into private equity, the growth of interval funds, and the impact of generative AI on portfolio management. Listen in!

In this episode, Bill talks with Chad Braun, co-founder of Fifth Corner, about the nuances of real estate investments. Chad shares his journey from public accounting to leading a public REIT and finally to his work at Fifth Corner. The discussion covers the differences between public and private real estate investments, the concept of irreplaceable corners, and the impact of e-commerce on retail spaces. Chad also explains the importance of demographic data in investment decisions and the benefits of private real estate for high-net-worth and family office investors. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly is joined by Kevin McCreadie, CEO and CIO of AGF Management. They discuss the evolving landscape of asset management, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by market disruptions, democratization, and tax efficiency. Kevin shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting AGF's innovative approach to global investments and the importance of tailored financial products. The conversation explores the significance of active management, the need for better financial education, and the future of investment strategies in a changing economic environment. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill welcomes Cathy Marcus, Co-CEO and Global COO at PGIM Real Estate. Cathy shares her extensive experience in the real estate sector, highlighting the evolution of the market, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion covers the complexities of office space investments, the growing importance of ESG requirements, and the potential of data centers driven by advances in technology. Cathy also addresses the challenges and opportunities in democratizing real estate investments for retail investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding liquidity constraints and the need for robust investor education. Listen in!

In this episode Bill interviews Charles Henry Monchau, Chief Investment Officer at a Swiss private bank, renowned for its innovative approach in the banking sector. Charles shares his extensive international experience and insights into the evolution of private banking, emphasizing the integration of digital assets and pioneering private equity investments. The discussion explores the importance of staying updated with market developments and the impact of technological advancements like blockchain and AI on the financial industry. It also touches on challenges and opportunities that the current economic environment presents, highlighting the strategic approach to asset diversification and investment in emerging technologies. Listen in!

In this episode, host Bill Kelly is joined by Corey Hoffstein, a notable figure in quantitative finance and co-founder of Newfound Research. Corey revisits his unexpected journey from an aspiring video game developer to a financial strategist driven by a passion for quantitative finance.The discussion centers around the concept of "return stacking," a strategy developed to enhance portfolio diversification without sacrificing traditional asset classes. This innovative approach aims to leverage modern financial tools to navigate and harness the complexities of today's investment landscape, enhancing potential returns while managing risk through diversified beta rather than chasing elusive alphas. Listen in!

In this episode, Bill speaks with Kostiantyn Shost, a CAIA Member from Ukraine, who shares his unique perspective on professionalism and resilience amidst the country's ongoing conflict. Born into a military family with a globally diverse upbringing, Kostiantyn details his journey from various global posts to settling in Ukraine. Despite the severe backdrop of war, he maintains a commitment to professionalism and community service through his active participation in the CFA Society of Ukraine. Listen in! https://www.leleka.care/ The Leleka Foundation provides life-saving first-aid kits to frontline embedded medical staff. 

In this episode, Bill interviews Andrew Ang, a former Professor of Business and current investment expert at BlackRock, discussing the nuanced application of factor investing in both public and private markets. Andrew shares his journey from academia to industry, emphasizing the integration of data and technology in investment strategies. The conversation explores the critical aspects of factor investing, the democratization of sophisticated investment strategies for individual investors, and the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing investment models. Listen in!

In this episode Bill sits down with Tim Hodgson, co-founder of the Thinking Ahead Institute, to discuss the transformative journey of the investment industry. Starting from Tim's early career as an institutional investment consultant to the inception of the Thinking Ahead Institute in 2015, they explore the evolution from a business-centric to a more purpose-driven approach. They reflect on CAIA’s most recent collaborative effort with Thinking Ahead Institute, while developing a new framework of ethics principles designed to illuminate the investment industry as an interconnected ecosystem. They talk about the collaboration between asset owners and managers, the pursuit of professionalism in the industry, and the intricate dynamics of private and public market investments. They also address global pension systems, demographic shifts, and the ethical considerations vital for sustaining trust and transparency in the investment landscape. Listen in!