The Alternative Data Podcast

In this episode I speak to Richard Dudley, Senior Portfolio Manager at Railpen, the fifth largest pension fund in the UK.In our conversation, Richard and I talk about a lot of the unusual realities that come from being part of a ten person team managing £7bn systematically from within a pension fund.Separately, I will be on stage at Neudata in London this week, and look forward to seeing many familiar faces there.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Richard Dudley recorded in March 2025. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Richard Dudley and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Liu, Founder of Ideate Capital, is an alternative data expert with a rich background in hedge funds and private equity. He discusses the transformative role of alternative data in corporate settings and the synergy with AI. Liu shares insights on how private equity firms are evolving through data integration, while also highlighting innovative strategies like web scraping and credit card data in investment analysis. The conversation includes challenges in monetizing alternative data and the future potential of AI in revolutionizing business models.

In this episode I speak to Mark Thompson who works in Primary Research for NBIM, the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund with $1.7tn under management.In our conversation, Mark and I discuss many of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing such a large amount of money, and the ways that the relatively lean team at NBIM ingest and use alternative data.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Mark Thompson recorded in January 2025. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Mark Thompson and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Harrington, Founder and CEO of Battlefin, shares insights on the recent acquisition of Exabel, enhancing alternative data discovery. He discusses the growing demand for innovative data sets and the evolving landscape of data events. Tim highlights how the merge will boost Battlefin's community engagement and mentions the fascinating dynamics at finance conferences, blending entertainment and actionable insights. The impact of AI on data science and its applications across various sectors also takes center stage, illustrating a future driven by responsive data strategies.

Matei Zatreanu, founder of System 2, and Alexander Izydorczyk, head of data science at CyberSyn, dive into the future of alternative data during a lively panel discussion. They explore the revolutionary impact of large language models on hedge funds and the landscape of data consulting. The conversation touches on regulatory changes affecting the industry, the potential for market consolidation, and the critical shift in recognizing data teams as profit drivers rather than mere cost centers. Tune in for insights on navigating the complex intersection of AI and compliance!

In this episode I speak to Wenqi Zhou, a quantitative researcher currently on gardening leave after stints at Balyasny and Citi.In our conversation, Wenqi and I discuss the different uses of data on the sellside and the buyside, and her view on the current state of the China market.I will be moderating the New Provider Showcase at Battlefin London on November 21st, do come and say hi if you’re there. DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Wenqi Zhou recorded in November 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Wenqi Zhou and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Liu, founder and CEO of Chinascope, shares invaluable insights into the Chinese market and alternative data landscape. He discusses the evolution of data attitudes in China and challenges investors face in navigating a complex market. Tom highlights advancements in AI and machine learning that are reshaping financial strategies. He also addresses the impact of changing geopolitical views on investment and the significance of smart cities in enhancing urban governance, showcasing the shifting dynamics of China’s data ecosystem.

Abraham Thomas, co-founder of Quandl and a seasoned angel investor, returns to discuss the seismic shifts AI and large language models bring to alternative data and hedge funds. He dives into how these technologies could reshape investment strategies, pinpointing potential winners and losers in the process. Abraham shares his journey as an angel investor, emphasizing data proliferation's impact on business models and the nuances of leadership in an AI-enhanced finance world. He also explores the future of alternative data sourcing and its implications for market players.

In this episode I speak to Tim Baker, a familiar face in the community with a long and storied history in various data and markets roles.In our conversation of two halves, Tim and I start by discussing a court case in which Tim is taking a deep interest, around the fate of the CUSIP identifier. We then discuss Tim’s recent coup in which he swooped to buy the assets of the IEX Cloud platform from his former employer, we discuss what he now plans to do with it. DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Tim Baker recorded in September 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Tim Baker and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Brian Peltonen, longtime Director of Data Analytics at Fidelity and recent co-founder of his new startup, Parcosm.In our conversation, Brian and I talk about his development from computer game programmer to alternative data guru, and how the types of data that is available have changed over the years, as pricing trends and achievable alpha have also shifted.We also discuss the vision for Parcosm.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Brian Peltonen recorded in August 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Brian Peltonen and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.