The Alternative Data Podcast

In this episode I speak to Jared Broad of QuantConnect, the open-source quantitative trading infrastructure.In our conversation, Jared and I explore QuantConnect’s unique model, as it helps a growing stable of smaller quant funds compete with the more established market players, using alternative data.Meanwhile, if you have a notable or new dataset that you would like to discuss on the podcast, get in touch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Barbara C. Matthews of BCM Strategy, the provider of policy-related alternative data.In our conversation, Barbara and I explore how BCM’s data first came about as a result of Barbara codifying the geopolitical advice she was providing to hedge funds, and how it has developed into its current form as an investment dataset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Mathieu Colas of Starz Data, the Paris-based external data community.In our conversation, Mathieu and I discuss the future of data discovery, and how Starz might be the solution the market has needed.I am now back from paternity leave and the cupboard is looking a little bare, so please reach out if you would like to propose yourself or another guest for the podcast, preferably not somebody who has been on already. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Chandini Jain of Auquan, the provider of textual data.In our conversation, Chandini and I discuss the origins of Auquan, the service it provides today and the types of clients served.FYI, I’m on paternity leave now and have left some podcast episodes to be released through the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Edward Igushev of TrueSource, the platform that helps providers to monetize their data.In our conversation, Edward and I discuss TrueSource’s product as well as the development and future of paying for data.FYI, I’m on paternity leave now and have left some podcast episodes to be released through the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Andrea Squatrito of Databoutique.com, the fashion company data provider based out of Milan.In our conversation, Andrea and I discuss the origins of Databoutique (formally known as RE Analytics), the challenges of working with luxury retail data and the education that is required for clients to understand the companies involved. FYI, I’m on paternity leave now and have left some podcast episodes to be released through the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Thanh-Long Huynh of QuantCube, the Paris-based macro data provider.In our conversation, Thanh-Long and I discuss QuantCube’s business model, which involves using alternative data to create macro nowcasts that are used by various client groups, and also QuantCube’s partnerships with government departments and agencies.FYI, I’m on paternity leave now and have left some podcast episodes to be released through the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Antony Tseng of Datayes, a China-based data provider.In our conversation, Antony and I discuss Datayes’s origins, the types of data provided, and some of the differences between the Chinese and western alternative data scenes.FYI, I’m on paternity leave now and have left some podcast episodes to be released through the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Daniel Sandberg of S&P Global Market Intelligence.In our conversation, Dan and I discuss the origins of S&P, his role at the company and the evolution of S&P’s data marketplace vis a vis competitors in the market, and various interesting datasets that Dan has come across. This is the link to the research we discuss in the episode: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/topics/quantamental-researchFYI, I’m on paternity leave now and have left some podcast episodes to be released through the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Rayne Gaisford of Jefferies, the US investment bank.In our conversation, Rayne and I discuss how his role in the market differs from that provided by M Science which is also owned by Jefferies, why some investment banks have been slow to embrace alternative data, and why some hedge funds succeed while others disappear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Auren Hoffman, CEO of Safegraph, Host of 'The World of Daas' Podcast and previously founder of LiveRamp.In our conversation, Auren and I discuss the investment industry’s relationship with data, the future of data discovery, DaaS vs SaaS companies, the regulatory outlook for data and Safegraph’s recent experiences connected with Roe vs Wade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by Chirayu Patel of Rakani Capital, a fund that uses alternative data to provide a 6% set return for its investors.In our conversation, Chirayu and I explore the Rakani model, some of the advantages and challenges of being an emerging manager in this space, the pricing of datasets and the future of alternative data.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Lucas von Reuss, CEO of Quant IP, the Munich-based provider of patent data.In our conversation, Lucas and I discuss why Munich is the patent centre of Germany and Europe, the way patents are produced and what Quant IP does to make the data useful for investors, and the varied use cases for such a dataset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Markus Ebner, Head of Multi-Asset at Quoniam, the Frankfurt-based quant fund.In our conversation, Markus and I discuss Quoniam’s focus on news sentiment data, and how he sees alternative data developing in Europe.In other news, I will be moderating a very well-informed panel about using data to understand geopolitical risk in the markets at Beryl Elites in New York on June 21st, I hope to see many listeners there - https://berylelites.com/4th-annual. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Adam Storch, Leader of the Event and Emerging Risk Examination Team at the SEC, and I welcome back Kelly Koscuiszka of the law firm Schulte Roth & Zabel.In our conversation, Adam and Kelly demystify the recent alternative data-related risk alert, and they give some clarity on what alternative data buyers and providers ought to be thinking about if they want to pursue best practice. In other news, I will be moderating a very well-informed panel about using data to understand geopolitical risk in the markets at Beryl Elites in New York on June 21st, I hope to see many listeners there - https://berylelites.com/4th-annual Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Tansu Demirbilek, an experienced macro quant investor who has previously worked at Campbell and Company, Man Group and Soros Investments. When Tansu and I spoke he was enjoying gardening leave before starting a new role. I asked him about his relationship with alternative data and how it had changed. In other news, I will be speaking at Beryl Elites in New York on June 20/21st, I hope to see many listeners there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak first to the founder of ESG Analytics, Qayyum Rajan, and then (37.32) to Anna-Marie Wascher, the founder of YvesBlue, the ESG platform for investors.In other news, I will be speaking at Beryl Elites in New York on June 20/21st, I hope to see many listeners there - https://berylelites.com/4th-annualQ's blog can be found here: https://altenomics.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Mikhail Samonov of Two Centuries, a quant fund that specializes in finding innovative solutions.In our conversation, Mikhail and I discuss how alternative data and innovation go hand in hand in his team’s process.In other news, I will be speaking at Beryl Elites in New York on June 20/21st, I hope to see many listeners there - https://berylelites.com/4th-annual. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Kirk McKeown, Point 72’s Head of Proprietary Research until last year and recent co-founder of Carbon Arc, a new venture that provides decision intelligence to corporate clients.In our conversation, Kirk and I discuss Kirk's background, the relationship between Primary Research and Alternative Data, Carbon Arc’s business model and the future of data.In other news, I will be speaking at Beryl Elites in New York on June 20/21st, I hope to see many listeners there - https://berylelites.com/4th-annual. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following a rotten start to the year and a calamitous last week for crypto currencies, I speak to two experienced crypto investors – Francesco Filia of Fasanara Capital and Baxter Hines of Honeycomb Digital Investments. First up, I welcome back Francesco who has just raised $350m for crypto and fintech investments with the memorable quote “chaos brings opportunities”.<24.23> Next up is Baxter Hines, CIO at Honeycomb Digital and author of the book ‘Digital Finance: Security Tokens and Unlocking the Real Potential of Blockchain’. Baxter and I spend time discussing the big future that crypto and blockchain could unlock.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Ben Eisenberg of People Data Labs, the provider of B2B and professional data.In our conversation, Ben and I discuss PDL’s evolution and what can be achieved with records covering 1 billion individuals.In other news, I will be moderating a panel at the Beryl Elites conference in New York on June 20-21. I hope to see some familiar faces there. https://berylelites.com/4th-annual Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Ryan Schreiber and Nataliya Bugayova of Vertical Knowledge, a provider of web-scraped data that is particularly suited to serving geopolitical requirements.In our conversation, Ryan, Nataliya and I discuss the situation in Ukraine and how Vertical Knowledge can help investors understand developments and try to look ahead to what will come next, both within the battlespace and in the wider global economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Maksim Balashevich of Santiment, a provider of data for investing in crypto assets.In our conversation, Maksim and I discuss the evolution of the science of crypto investing, the different ways to perform fundamental analysis on bitcoin, ether and others, and Santiment’s offering in an increasingly competitive market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Chris Sappo of Tidal Markets, a provider of short interest volatility data.In our conversation, Chris and I discuss the securities lending market and how Chris’s proprietary volatility formula gives investors access to incredibly powerful short interest data. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Daniel Fieber, VP of Product at Earnest Research, a well-established data provider that has expanded beyond consumer transaction data. In our conversation, Daniel and I discuss the history of Earnest Research, how the company competed in the market by layering more value onto the raw data, and the future growth potential in the space.Wishing all my listeners a very Happy Easter.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Tim Lind of the Depository Trust Clearing Corporation, or DTCC.In our conversation Tim and I discuss the DTCC’s key role in the market, the length and breadth of its data offering, and the various phases of development seen in the capital markets.On another note, it was a pleasure to see so many former and future podcast guests at Eagle Alpha last week, and at our impromptu drinks the night before.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Ajit Desai of the Bank of Canada – Canada’s central bank.In our conversation, Ajit and I discuss how the Bank of Canada is using payments data in innovative ways to make macro predictions, and the outlook for central banks using alternative data.In other news, I hope you can join me at Eagle Alpha’s Unbound event in New York on April 6th, where I will be co-hosting the Hackathon. Additionally if you’re in town on Tuesday and fancy joining for alternative data drinks at 5.30pm, get in touch with me on LinkedIn and I’ll let you know where our small group is meeting.<Disclaimer - The opinions expressed herein are those of the speaker's and do not necessarily reflect those of the Bank of Canada> Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Scott Rosen and Ihsan Saracgil of Visible Alpha.Visible Alpha is a data provider that offers not just consensus estimates, but also the underlying models that show the working as to how the analysts arrived at those estimates.In other news, I hope you can join me at Eagle Alpha’s Unbound event in New York on April 6th, where I will be co-hosting the Hackathon. A breakdown of the last Hackathon with its winner can be found in the previous ‘Hackathon’ episode of the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Yves Lemperiere of Capital Fund Management, a Paris-based hedge fund.In our conversation, Yves and I discuss the relationship between physics and quant investing, why Paris is such a hot spot for hedge funds these days and CFM’s evolving usage of data.In other news, I will be co-hosting the Hackathon at Eagle Alpha’s New York event on April 6th, I hope to meet many listeners there! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Toby Dayton of LinkUp, the provider of job listing data.In our conversation, Toby and I talk from the roots of LinkUp as a job board itself, through compiling a monthly non-farm payrolls estimate which was swiftly relied upon in the financial markets, to being an established alternative data provider in the present day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Niall Hurley of Eagle Alpha. Eagle Alpha, an alternative data aggregator, is one of the more established names involved in alternative data having first started in 2012, and Niall took over as CEO last year. In our conversation, Niall and I explore the whole alternative data market together, along with Eagle Alpha’s place within it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Daniel Sheyner of Chimera Capital.After a career focusing on the consumer sector from various viewpoints, Daniel in 2017 decided to start a consumer-focused hedge fund that would take advantage of the increasing availability of alternative data. Five years later Chimera is established and thriving, and looking to grow into the gaming and lodging sectors.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Robbert-Jan 't Hoen of Robeco.Robbert-Jan is a Quantitative Researcher in the Fixed Income space for Robeco, and in our conversation we discussed the implications of how alternative data can be used to trade corporate bonds.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Florin Tufan of Soleadify, a provider of alternative data around private companies.In our conversation, Florin and I explore the use cases, clientele and functionality of how Soleadify works, along with the burgeoning tech scene growing up in Bucharest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Dan Joldzic of Alexandria Technology.Alexandria was one of the earlier alternative data providers on the scene, and in our conversation Dan discuss the early challenges of explaining NLP data to an unprepared market, and how the alternative data scene has developed in the subsequent decade and a half. Meanwhile, it’s about time I gave a plug to John Farrell’s excellent weekly alternative data newsletter, sign-up link here: https://mailchi.mp/1c0d35628d4b/alt-data-weekly-subscriptions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Carson Boneck, Chief Data Officer of Balyasny Asset Management.In our conversation, Carson and I discuss the challenges of building out a data function at a multi strategy hedge fund like Balyasny Asset Management. In other news, please join me at Eagle Alpha’s virtual Insight 2.0 event on February 2nd, where I will be hosting an interactive discussion around the International Data Landscape. We’ll broadly be trying to establish whether investors should be looking at Europe or Asia for more alternative data growth in 2022. Register here: https://www.eaglealpha.com/2021/11/24/interact-2-0-a-3-hour-virtual-event-february-2-2022/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Herb Blank, all-round alternative data figure of interest.Along with being one of the first investors to use an ETF, Herb boasts extensive experience in alternative data since its very earliest beginnings, and has a particular interest in ESG. We discuss all manner of topics in our conversation. In other news, please join me at Eagle Alpha’s virtual Insight 2.0 event on February 2nd, where I will be hosting an interactive discussion around the International Data Landscape - https://www.eaglealpha.com/2021/11/24/interact-2-0-a-3-hour-virtual-event-february-2-2022/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Ross Fabricant of CenterBook Partners a new investment fund that transforms discretionary insights into systematic strategies. CenterBook is a fund that maximizes the benefit of having a privileged knowledge of a vast number of hedge funds’ investment positions, which it uses to build systematic portfolios adding in its own proprietary technology. In other news, please join me at Eagle Alpha’s virtual Insight 2.0 event on February 2nd, where I will be hosting an interactive discussion around the International Data Landscape https://www.eaglealpha.com/2021/11/24/interact-2-0-a-3-hour-virtual-event-february-2-2022/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Sean Austin and Gerwin Schalk, the CEO and Chief Science Officer of Helios Life, a company on the cutting edge of alternative data types. Helios takes natural language processing a step further by analysing not just the words spoken in, for example, earnings calls, but actually delving into the tone and cadence of the speaker. This technology attempts to reveal what the speaker is actually feeling about what they’re saying, allowing an analyst to expose potential mismatches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Aron Cooper, Head of MidFrequency Alpha at Maven Securities. In our conversation, Aron and I discuss what drove him out of NASA and into quantitative finance, the quant quake, how much alternative datasets are worth and whether data reliability is the key issue, and what he means by ‘market-leading’.On a more topical note, wishing all my listeners a very happy and prosperous new year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season's Greetings!In this episode I speak to Masashi Tsujinaka, CEO at Nowcast, the pre-eminent alternative data provider in Japan.In our conversation, Masashi and I explore the alternative data scene in Japan: the types of data that are available, the types of customers looking to get hold of it, and value that can be extracted from it.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Vera Shulgina of SigTech, a software platform for quantitative investors. Vera has recently joined SigTech having previously enjoyed a successful career on the operations side of hedge funds including Two Sigma and Citadel.In our conversation, Vera and I talk about the recent trend of buysiders moving across into product companies, SigTech’s offering, and some of the challenges Vera faces in creating a new US office.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Joe Hung, an analyst who has enjoyed an active career in alternative data at funds including Point 72.In our conversation, Joe and I talk about the way alternative data usage has gone below the top line and is increasingly enabling a deeper analysis of a company’s past, present and future.In other news, join us on zoom this Wednesday at 3pm London time for an interactive conversation about all things alternative data, with a focus on Synthetic Data, led by Jason Hills formerly of Facteus and Fabiana Clemente of YData. Join the LinkedIn group for more details: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9059921/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Vivek Viswanathan of Rayliant Global Advisors, a US quantitative fund that focuses on the Chinese markets.In our conversation, Vivek and I explore the shape of the Chinese investment scene, and discuss the relative penetration of alternative data and its likely future in China.In other news, join me and other guests this Wednesday 8th December at the delayed Leading Point event where we will be discussing “Is Alternative Data Still Alternative?”. London in-person and virtual tickets are available here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-data-kitchen-tm-is-alternative-data-still-alternative-tickets-203242171807 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Jason Hills, former Chief Revenue Officer of Facteus, an alternative data provider that sells synthetic data.In our conversation Jason and I explore his journey into synthetic data, and his next plans. In other news, join me and other guests on Wednesday 8th December at the delayed Leading Point event where we will be discussing “Is Alternative Data Still Alternative?”. London in-person and virtual tickets are available here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-data-kitchen-tm-is-alternative-data-still-alternative-tickets-203242171807 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Fabiana Clemente, Founder and Chief Data Officer of YData https://ydata.ai/ - the first data platform with synthetic data generation.In our conversation, Fabiana and I talk through a full introduction to synthetic data.In other news, join me and other guests on Wednesday 8th December at the delayed Leading Point event where we will be discussing “Is Alternative Data Still Alternative?”. London in-person and virtual tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-data-kitchen-tm-is-alternative-data-still-alternative-tickets-203242171807 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Seth Leonard, winner of the hackathon at the most recent Eagle Alpha conference. In our conversation Seth and I talk through exactly how he won, combining multiple alternative datasets to forecast the next inflation figure. As a mild warning, this is more technical than other episodes.In other news, I will be speaking at the HFM European Quant Summit on Wednesday 17th November alongside Rani Piputri of NNIP, where we’ll be discussing ‘Acquiring and Combining Alternative Datasets’: https://www.hfmeuquantsummit.com/agenda Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Bradley Saacks, Hedge Fund Reporter at Business Insider.In our conversation, Bradley and I talk about the effect the GameStop story had on the hedge fund industry, the past present and future of alternative data, and how it feels to be a buyer at an alt data conference.Separately, I will be speaking at the HFM European Quant Summit on Wednesday 17th November alongside Rani Piputri of NNIP, where we’ll be discussing ‘Acquiring and Combining Alternative Datasets’: https://www.hfmeuquantsummit.com/agendaThe link to Bradley’s favourite piece: https://www.businessinsider.com/hedge-fund-data-buyers-at-alternative-data-conference-battlefin-2019-6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Vinesh Jha, CEO and Founder of ExtractAlpha, a provider of curated alpha signals and alternative datasets to investors. In other news, I will be speaking at the HFM European Quant Summit on Wednesday 17th November alongside Rani Piputri of NNIP, where we’ll be discussing ‘Acquiring and Combining Alternative Datasets’ - https://www.hfmeuquantsummit.com/agenda Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I spoke to Michael Watson, founder of Chained Metrics (https://chainedmetrics.com, discord channel: https://discord.gg/pXs9bJpE) and former Managing Director in Equities Engineering at Citadel.In our conversation, Michael and I talk about the engineering challenges faced by a major hedge fund trying to remain competitive with alternative data, before then going on to explore his new project which sees him moving company KPIs onto the blockchain.Separately, I will be speaking at the HFM European Quant Summit on Wednesday 17th November alongside Rani Piputri discussing Acquiring and Combining Alternative Datasets - https://www.hfmeuquantsummit.com/agenda Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.