Tag: Finance

Feature Image Ep 16
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

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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.

Feature Image Ep 10
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

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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.

 

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