Category: Uncategorized

Improving Alpha: Mazen Jabban on the Dangers of Delegating Away Allocator Innovation

Improving Alpha: Mazen Jabban on the Dangers of Delegating Away Allocator Innovation

Navigating the world of technology innovations as a chief investment officer or portfolio manager is akin to a thrilling game of high-stakes poker or a graceful tango. Your success hinges on your ability to not just welcome incoming innovations but also effectively implement them, enhancing data transparency, boosting portfolio returns, and more.

In this episode of the Improving Alpha podcast, Michael Oliver Weinberg is joined by Mazen Jabban, Chairman & CEO, Vidrio Financial. Mazen details his journey on what led him to create Vidrio Financial, and how allocators should look at the paradigm shifts occurring in innovations across the investment community. 

Mazen further highlights: 

  • how the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLM) could shape the landscape for institutional investors.
  • the continued significance of transparency within the GP-LP relationship and the transformative influence of technology on these dialogues.
  • the investment for allocators to dedicate resources towards purchasing or constructing infrastructure to enhance data management practices..
  • how can institutional investors successfully implement a comprehensive portfolio strategy when faced with segmented teams spanning private equity, real estate, and hedge funds, each with their unique risk, data, and performance methodologies.
  • insights on private credit and the transformative potential of technology advancements for this asset class.
  • And more.

Resources:

Connect with Mazen Jabban:

Mazen Jabban is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vidrio Financial, a New York-based company that provides institutional investors managing alternative investments with investment management solutions on a single platform. He is responsible for setting strategic direction and the firm’s product development roadmap. 

As an entrepreneur at heart, with years of experience in investment strategies, IT systems, management consulting, real estate development, and investment he is always looking for new ways to grow.

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

The release date may not correspond to the recording date.

Improving Alpha: Karen Yeyinmen on Strengthening the Institutional Investment Toolkit through Action Research

Improving Alpha: Karen Yeyinmen on Strengthening the Institutional Investment Toolkit through Action Research

Can a culture of growth and experimentation in institutional investing unlock deeper-level benefits to improving alpha? Would you be able to risk the old conception of yourself or your organization by exploring new forms of action and inquiry to help identify the best talent through due diligence or to combine two cultures post-Merger & Acquisition?

In the latest installment of the Improving Alpha podcast, Michael Oliver Weinberg speaks with global organization leader and executive coach Karen Yeyinmen to unravel the intricacies of leadership psychology for asset managers (particularly Private Equity firms) and allocators. 

Together, they delve into the transformative power of understanding one’s internal motivations and behaviors to foster sustainable organizational change. Through the lens of action inquiry, Karen provides listeners with a roadmap to align their developmental stage with the challenges of their leadership roles.  

Karen highlights: 

  • her early intellectual awakening to the delicate balance between influencing behaviors and eroding trust.
  • how a practice of action inquiry can be applied in the investment world to accelerate growth and create value through enhanced performance.
  • versatility of the action-inquiry toolkit and how it can be applied holistically or modularly to address specific growth and performance challenges.
  • Understanding center of gravity action logics and how these can be deployed and developed for team success.
  • and more

Resources:

Connect with Karen Yeyinmen:

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

The release date may not correspond to the recording date.

Improving Alpha: Ciamac Moallemi on the Black Box of Systematic Investing, Bitcoin, and Neural Networks

Improving Alpha: Ciamac Moallemi on the Black Box of Systematic Investing, Bitcoin, and Neural Networks

Is bitcoin a ‘safe-haven’ or still too risky for institutional investors to include as part of a larger portfolio allocation? How is systematic investing changing today with the influence of neural networks and artificial intelligence? 

Michael Oliver Weinberg, host of the  Improving Alpha: Innovation in Investing ESG, and Technology podcast invites Ciamac Moallemi, William von Mueffling Professor of Business Decision, Risk, and Operations Division, Columbia Business School, to unravel some of the mysteries behind decentralized finance (DeFi) and quantitative investing. Cimac will detail his expertise and how his ‘agnostic’ career interests have led him from early beginnings in science to financial applications in hedge funds, and more.

Ciamac discusses: 

  • the definition of stochastic control, and how it is applied to blockchains and decentralized finance.
  • how neural networks have changed both in technological computing power and the investment costs to run that power today.
  • what was the catalyst for writing the paper, “Monopoly without a Monopolist: An Economic Analysis of the Bitcoin Payment System”, and what Cimac believes Bitcoin really is at its core.
  • the technology perspective of Ethereum and how that is different from the Bitcoin framework. Will one prevail over the other as we move forward?
  • an academic and practitioner background when it comes to systematic investing today. What are the three main pieces of systematic investing, and why it shouldn’t be thought of as a black box.
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Ciamac Moallemi:

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

The release date may not correspond to the recording date.

Improving Alpha: Sandro Salsano exploring synergies in investments, philanthropy and deep value strategies

Improving Alpha: Sandro Salsano exploring synergies in investments, philanthropy and deep value strategies

When it comes to geopolitical risk, company risk, or even balancing the costs of capital with the desire for quick profits, institutional investors are now taking a long-term approach to their future investments. How does this perspective impact the risk-reward dynamic for future returns, and are there sectors that may not be as flashy but offer better opportunities for generating alpha?

To answer these questions and more, Michael Oliver Weinberg, host of the Improving Alpha podcast invited Sandro Salsano, President of the Salsano Group, to get a sense of what he’s seeing in the world of emerging markets, private equity, philanthropy, and more.

Sandro discusses: 

  • the fascinating story behind his family office and Goldman Sachs interactions, and his insights into his innovative global strategies in the realm of private equity, emerging markets, and more.
  • his core sectors and investment horizon, and how they’re delivering alpha and positive cash flows in this market.
  • how he views partnerships with larger institutions to assist in putting capital to work for longer periods of time.
  • his view of the Latin American markets (including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru) and how inflation plays a role in his strategic investments across the region.
  • balancing investments across philanthropic ideas and how these moves led him to a seat on the Board of Trustees at the University of San Diego. 
  • how he applies a measure of psychology to investing, and how being humble in life and investing has led to his overall success.
  • And more!

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

Connect with Sandro Salsano:

About Sandro Salsano:

Sandro Salsano has been at the forefront of successful initiatives in investments, philanthropy, and education for more than two decades. Forbes called him the Warren Buffett of Central America on its cover and one of the world’s most iconic visionary and financial titans. The World Economic Forum named him Young Global Leader for his exceptional vision, courage, and influence to drive positive change in the world. In 2014 he formalized his philanthropy by co-founding the Salsano Shahani Foundation to focus on education. He is a Chairman of Global Dignity, a Member of the Judging Academy for the World’s Best School Prize, a Partner of the Tent Partnership for Refugees, a Member of the Academy for Global Teacher Prize, a Steering Committee member of 1640 Society, and pledged his support to TerraCarta. Sandro is President of Salsano Group, a multi-billion dollar private conglomerate holding company investing in private equity, real estate, and technology globally and he is President of Salsano Family Office. Sandro serves as a Trustee for the University of San Diego California and is on the Investment Committee for the Endowment of the University. A graduate of Bocconi University Milan with full grades, he also studied at Harvard, Oxford, and Princeton University. He and his wife Johanna have been married since 2014 and have two children.

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

The release date may not correspond to the recording date.

Improving Alpha: William J. Kelly, CAIA on disrupting data transparency in the institutional markets

Improving Alpha: William J. Kelly, CAIA on disrupting data transparency in the institutional markets

As institutional investments become increasingly intricate, it is crucial to bring transparency (and perhaps even enlightenment) to both GPs and LPs. Large data sets and the scale of innovative technology shows no signs of decelerating for those seeking alpha. Serving as a cautionary tale for this installment of Improving Alpha, a famous quote by renowned British Economist Ronald H. Coase once said, “ if you torture the data long enough, it will confess to anything”.

Join Michael Oliver Weinberg as he sits down with William (Bill) J. Kelly, CAIA, President & CEO of the CAIA Association, in this captivating episode. In just :40 minutes, Bill shares his insightful perspectives on the ever-increasing regulation of private markets and the importance of data transparency. Dive into the fascinating world of AI and large language models, and explore the latest trends in ESG. Don’t forget to click on the audio play button at the top of this page to uncover even more valuable insights.

Further highlights cover

  • a brief overview of CAIA and FDP, explaining their origins and their roles in the alternative investments industry
  • the critical importance of being able to upskill and cross-skill the cast of characters that define the investment process, and how the process has changed over the last 10 years.
  • will artificial intelligence ever be able to build a comprehensive mosaic around cash flow, manager letters, and more.
  • learning what’s on the minds of larger allocators when it comes to increasing regulation by the SEC, and would real opinions be presented better with a ‘truth serum’ cocktail on data transparency.
  • the huge potential of doing well at one pillar of ESG, while simultaneously nuking another pillar. 
  • And more!

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

Connect with William (Bill) Kelly:

About William (Bill) Kelly:

William (Bill) J. Kelly, CAIA is the President & CEO of the CAIA Association. Bill has been a frequent industry speaker, writer, and commentator on alternative investment topics around the world since taking the leadership role at the CAIA Association in January 2014. Previously, Bill was the CEO of Boston Partners and one of seven founding partners of the predecessor firm, Boston Partners Asset Management which, prior to a majority interest being sold to Robeco Group in Rotterdam in 2002, was an employee-owned firm. Bill’s career in the institutional asset management space spans over 30 years where he gained extensive managerial experience through successive CFO, COO, and CEO roles. In addition to his current role, Bill is a tireless advocate for shareholder protection and investor education and is currently the Chairman and lead independent director for the Boston Partners Trust Company. He has previously served as an independent director and audit committee chair for ’40 Act Mutual Funds and other financial services firms. He is also currently an Advisory Board Member of the Certified Investment Fund Director Institute which strives to bring the highest levels of professionalism and governance to independent fund directors around the world. A member of the board of the CAIA Association, Bill also represents CAIA in similar capacities via their global partnerships with other associations and global regulators. Bill began his career as an accountant with PwC and is a designated Audit Committee Financial Expert in accordance with SEC rules. 

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

The release date may not correspond to the recording date.

Improving Alpha: Paul C. Sohn on targeting the ‘fat pitch’ in institutional investing

Improving Alpha: Paul C. Sohn on targeting the ‘fat pitch’ in institutional investing

Mastering the timing of investment markets is a formidable challenge that demands unwavering commitment to a well-defined methodology. It entails navigating through risks, optimizing volatility, and steering clear of managers who adopt a reckless “spray and pray” approach. 

Today, allocators must carefully consider the current market cycle, strategically position their incentives, and strike the right balance between liquid and illiquid assets. By embracing this approach, they can shield themselves from the anguish of overallocating in underperforming asset classes.

Join Michael Oliver Weinberg as he engages in a captivating conversation with Paul C. Sohn, Chief Investment Officer at Mont Alto Capital, in the latest episode of the Improving Alpha podcast. Paul provides his front-row insight and expertise on what he has observed over the last 20 years in hedge fund investing, macro portfolio management, and the formation of his family office, Mont Alto Capital. Listen to Paul as he discusses:

  • his background and what strategies he’s specifically leveraging to capitalize on ‘fat pitches’ in institutional investing.
  • his thesis on the Greek recovery trade, what Kyriakos Mitsotakis leadership means for the future of the country, and what the US could learn from his examples.
  • how his family’s timber business influenced Paul’s beliefs on ESG and why ESG in its current form is very similar to child brain thinking.
  • where is private equity allocations moving now that the wind in the sails has died down in comparison to the last decade of returns.
  • if commercial real estate will be a ‘whimper’ or a ‘bang’ in the coming years and does that create an opportunity for distressed buyers.
  • And more!

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

Connect with Paul C. Sohn:

About Paul Sohn:

Mont Alto Capital is the family office of Paul Sohn. Paul spent 15 years as a portfolio manager at Soros Fund Management, Kingdon Capital Management, and Duquesne Capital Management. Areas of focus included tech, media, consumer, and macro. Mont Alto Capital seeks out proprietary deal flow in early and growth-stage private companies. Basic investment tenets include a search for asymmetric return profiles, a contrarian desire to be active in areas where other pools of capital are not, and an ability to execute a time arbitrage strategy that can focus on long-term returns. 

Paul Sohn takes an active role in a variety of investment projects. Vertical areas of focus include tech, media, natural resources, intellectual property, and real estate. The portfolio page includes a sample of projects where Paul Sohn has either a founding, board, investment, or advisory role.

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

Improving Alpha: Christopher Ailman, CalSTRS on Catching the Big Waves in Institutional Investing

Improving Alpha: Christopher Ailman, CalSTRS on Catching the Big Waves in Institutional Investing

Since its establishment in 1913, CalSTRS has been fully committed to maximizing the retirement benefits for its extensive network of educators throughout California. With a staggering $310 billion in assets under management through its defined benefit plan, the pension scheme continuously strives to strike a harmonious balance between achieving targeted returns and addressing industry-wide challenges such as diversification, innovation, potential warning signs from managers, global investment prospects, and much more.

Experience the latest episode of the Improving Alpha podcast, where Michael Oliver Weinberg is joined by Christopher J. Ailman, Chief Investment Officer, CalSTRS. With an impressive 40 years of experience in the business, Christopher’s unwavering passion for constant learning in the face of market volatility and seeking alpha strategies shines through. Don’t miss out on this insightful podcast episode – click on the media player above to hear Christopher’s valuable insights on:

  • what is the true essence of ESG and how will it impact CIOs in the next seven or twenty years? Explore the potential opportunities, risks, and the global CapEx needed so we don’t fry the planet. Discover Christopher’s perspective on whether exclusion or engagement is the preferred approach when navigating these waters.
  • why governance experiences natural fluctuations and how CIOs can play a crucial role in driving the movement towards enhanced investment board diversity. According to Christopher, it’s the concept of “iron sharpens iron” that fuels this dynamic process.
  • how is technology being leveraged across CalSTRS portfolio, especially being a division of the state of California, and how is an environment of continual learning helping their investment teams in approaching the next Tesla.
  • how he navigates the world of venture capital investments in California, where stringent disclosure laws prevail.
  • the insights into CalSTRS’ perspective on the role of China in institutional investments – friend or foe? .  
  • And more!

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

Connect with Christopher Ailman:

About Christopher Ailman:

Christopher Ailman has been the chief investment officer of CalSTRS since October 2000. He leads an investment staff of more than 200 and oversees a portfolio valued at $307.9 billion as of September 30, 2023​​​​. He has more than 37 years of institutional investment experience.

He has served on several boards and advisory boards in the U.S. and U.K. He represents institutional investors on the MSCI Index Editorial Advisory Board, the PRI Asset Owners Advisory Committee, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Investor Advisory Group, and the Toigo Foundation. He is the chair of the 300 Club and co-chair of the Milken Global Capital Markets Committee. In 2016, he was part of the first cohort to achieve a Fundamentals of Sustainable Accounting (FSA) credential.

Ailman is recognized as one of the top CIOs both in the U.S. and globally. He has received numerous awards and recognitions: the Institute for Fiduciary Education’s CIO of the Year in 2000, the Richard Stoddard Award for service in the investment of public pensions in 2003, the Distinguished Service Award for Advancement of Latinos in Business from the New American Alliance in 2006, and Institutional Investor magazine’s Large Public Fund Manager of the Year Award in 2011. In 2013, aiCIO magazine named Ailman the No. 3 CIO in the world and Investment Innovator of the Year. In 2017, Ailman received Institutional Investor magazine’s first Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2018, he was named the top CIO in the world by Chief Investment Officer magazine. He is a regular guest on television and radio and is frequently quoted in major financial publications.

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

Improving Alpha: Scott Pittman on Maintaining Convictions and Balancing Portfolio Diversification at Mount Sinai’s Endowment

Improving Alpha: Scott Pittman on Maintaining Convictions and Balancing Portfolio Diversification at Mount Sinai’s Endowment

In today’s ever-changing investment landscape, not all institutional investors can conform to a one-size-fits-all approach. This is particularly evident in the healthcare endowment sector, where our esteemed specialist oversees a staggering $2.3 billion portfolio of endowed funds and long-term capital. When you add in the support for insurance-related assets, totaling approximately $4.0 billion, and benefit plan assets amounting to around $6 billion, it becomes clear that strong investment convictions are essential for navigating diversification challenges and driving innovation.

In this highly anticipated episode of the Improving Alpha podcast, join Michael Oliver Weinberg as he engages in a compelling conversation with Scott Pittman, SVP and Chief Investment Officer at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Gain valuable insights into Scott’s visionary objectives for the future and discover how he strategically harnesses the power of research, fundamental and quantitative analysis to drive exceptional performance and unlock investment value.

Scott discusses:

  • his career evolution and how his passion for investing and science led him to Mount Sinai’s endowment.
  • how a medical endowment compares and contrasts against other allocators and how the complexity of the healthcare industry impacts the team’s investment decisions.
  • where do directional risk taking strategies help to improve alpha across public and private markets, non-equity markets, and even credit.
  • his insightful perspective on diversification and its correlation with manager relationships, encompassing market exposure and active fees.
  • what sort of sector and industry trends does Mount Sinai research before diving into the regional investments in Europe, Asia, and other areas.
  • the significance of ESG considerations and the effective two-step process employed to align Mount Sinai’s views on ESG with their future investments
  • And more!

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

To learn more about our host visit: https://www.vidrio.com/blog/improving-alpha-podcast-scott-pittman-convictions-diversification-mount-sinai-portfolio

Connect with Scott Pittman:

About Scott Pittman:

Scott Pittman joined the Mount Sinai Health System as the SVP and Chief Investment Officer in December 2008.  The Investment Office is charged with managing the institution’s $2.3 billion endowment and long-term capital.  The office also helps advise on $5.0 billion of insurance-related assets and $5.5 billion of benefit plan assets.  Scott serves as the Chairman of the FOJP Investment Committee as well as the Investment Committee Chairman for Healthfirst.  Scott also serves on the Investment Council for TIAA-Nuveen.

Prior to joining Mount Sinai, Scott was the Director of Investments at Baylor University.  He also served as an instructor in the Hankamer School of Business and taught Baylor’s Portfolio Practicum course where students actively managed a $6.5 million investment portfolio.  Before joining Baylor’s Investment Office, Scott taught Corporate Finance and Economics at the University’s business school, and he spent several years in the healthcare industry.

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

 

Improving Alpha: Jose Eduardo Siman on Succession Planning Challenges and Innovating the Family Office

Improving Alpha: Jose Eduardo Siman on Succession Planning Challenges and Innovating the Family Office

Given the continued volatility and inflationary pressures in the financial markets, many family offices are looking to shift their asset allocation to help provide better performance and lower overall risk. With pressures mounting, we wanted to get a sense of how global family offices are answering the innovation question for not only their current technology solutions but also in terms of succession planning.

In our latest episode of Improving Alpha: Innovation in Investing, ESG & Technology, Michael Oliver Weinberg sits down with Jose Eduardo Siman, President, Intradeco Inc. who talks about what is needed for family offices to succeed today, in terms of governance, innovation and more.

Jose discusses: 

  • how the Warren Buffet model of decentralization from holding company to subsidiaries may be a future innovation.
  • how Jose strives to reinvest 70% of the profits while allocating 5% into socially responsible projects.
  • innovation by way of improving his retail sales operations, recycling textiles, and reducing overall sanitation costs through these processes.
  • succession planning and how to separate governance/ownership from management for the next generation of professionals to take over operations.
  • fraud and how he dealt with an investment that didn’t turn out to be what was expected even following lengthy due diligence discussions.
  • And more….

Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

To learn more about our host visit: https://www.vidrio.com/blog/improving-alpha-podcast-jose-siman-family-office-challenges

About Jose Eduardo Siman:

Born in San Salvador, El Salvador. Mr. Siman received an MBA from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, New York, New York in 1969. Mr. Siman began his professional career with Procter and Gamble in Toronto, Canada, before joining his family’s business in 1979. Since, this business has grown from one department store in San Salvador, El Salvador to a multinational business group with significant operations in retailing, consumer finance, apparel manufacturing and real estate in twenty six countries throughout the Caribbean, Central America and the United States currently living in the United States. Mr. Siman is President of the Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation (SAHF), Miami, Florida. 

 

The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.