Managing Director, Optima Fund Management
Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and how you ended up in your current role?
Optima is a research and investment group focused exclusively on hedge funds. I have 20+ years experience in financial systems development. In my current role, I am responsible for developing systems which help to run our entire business. These systems are used for portfolio construction and valuation, due diligence research, reporting, performance calculations, financial risk modeling, and financial products creation and distribution.
What is the biggest challenge you face within your role today, and how are you looking to tackle it?
The pace of technological advances in cloud-computing and data analytics (AI, deep-learning, etc.) far outpaces our ability to test and adapt these technologies quickly but, at the same time, avoid disturbing our current technological eco-systems. To adapt these technologies effectively, I seek support from business teams to make sure we deliver what is needed most and encourage technology training in my group.
Biggest success you achieved for 2018/ 2019 so far?
Successful launch of long/short equity fund which are based on computational models I’ve developed.
What are your Key Objectives for attending the upcoming event?What are you currently most inspired about in regards to AI & Emerging Tech for Finance?
Predictive analytics.