Category: Asset Allocation

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Making Factor Models Work for Investment Teams with Sandeep Varma

Making Factor Models Work for Investment Teams with Sandeep Varma

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Factor models can seem intimidating, but when applied effectively, they transform how investment teams understand risk and return.

In this episode, host Paul Fahey interviews Sandeep Varma, Co-Founder and CEO of Equity Data Science (EDS). Paul and Sandeep discuss how factor modeling reshapes decision-making, performance analysis, and collaboration for managers. Sandeep shares his journey from quant to entrepreneur, why visualization and artificial intelligence (AI) matter, and how EDS empowers firms to integrate research and risk seamlessly.

Sandeep discusses:

  • His journey from Wall Street quantitative analyst to founding Equity Data Science (EDS)
  • How EDS combines research and risk tools to enhance investment management
  • The evolution from simple alpha/beta models to advanced multi-factor frameworks
  • The role of visualization, AI, and real-time collaboration in turning data into insights
  • Why managers should embrace factors as tools for consistency and better communication with investors

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About Sandeep Varma:

Sandeep Varma co-founded Equity Data Science in 2017 and serves as the company’s Chairman and CEO.  His unique experience includes computer science, fundamental analysis, and data science. Prior to founding EDS, Sandeep was a quantitative analyst at Bridger Capital and a quantitative and fundamental analyst at Herring Creek Capital, a hedge fund founded by Steve Galbraith, where he developed a proprietary quantitative platform for idea generation and risk management. Prior to that, he was a quantitative analyst at Credit Suisse, where his responsibilities included portfolio and risk analysis and quantitative modeling for the Prime Brokerage and Securities desks. Before joining Credit Suisse in 2008, Sandeep developed and managed trading and risk management systems at Lehman Brothers and UBS. Sandeep received his Master of Engineering in Computer Science from Cornell University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

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September Market Pulse: Global Shifts and Macro Insights with Louis-Vincent Gave (Market Pulse-Video)

September Market Pulse: Global Shifts and Macro Insights with Louis-Vincent Gave (Market Pulse-Video)

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In this special edition of Market Pulse, host Grant Johnsey, Head of Market Solutions, Banking & Markets, Americas sits down with Louis-Vincent Gave, founding partner and CEO of Gavekal Research, for a deep dive into the forces reshaping global markets. Louis shares his perspectives on China’s dramatic transformation from a real estate-driven economy to an industrial powerhouse and explains how strategic moves in manufacturing and supply chains are challenging Western industries.

The conversation explores the emerging economic integration between Russia, China, and India—and why most investors are missing out on this “boom of epic proportions.” Louis also discusses the implications of global reflationary policies, currency volatility, and the evolving role of gold and banking in a multipolar world. If you want to know more about the future of global markets, this episode delivers actionable insights and bold predictions.

Gavekal Research’s website: https://research.gavekal.com/

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The OCIO Evolution and What’s Next with Katherine McCabe (Video)

The OCIO Evolution and What’s Next with Katherine McCabe (Video)

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In this episode of Faster Forward by Northern Trust Asset Servicing, host Grant Johnsey, Head of Market Solutions at Northern Trust, sits down with Kate McCabe, Head of Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) Solutions at Northern Trust, to explore the dynamic growth and transformation of the OCIO space. From the rise of multibillion-dollar plans to the increasing demand for transparency, technology, and global expansion, Kate shares insights from decades of experience and Northern Trust’s recent “Asset Owners in Focus” global peer study.

Tune in to hear more about:

  • Why OCIOs are scaling rapidly and attracting larger, more sophisticated asset owners
  • How consolidation is reshaping the provider landscape
  • What asset owners are demanding in terms of data, governance, and investment access
  • How Northern Trust is evolving its service model to meet the needs of both OCIOs and asset owners

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About Kate McCabe:

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The OCIO Evolution and What’s Next with Katherine McCabe

The OCIO Evolution and What’s Next with Katherine McCabe

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In this episode of Faster Forward by Northern Trust Asset Servicing, host Grant Johnsey, Head of Market Solutions at Northern Trust, sits down with Kate McCabe, Head of Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) Solutions at Northern Trust, to explore the dynamic growth and transformation of the OCIO space. From the rise of multibillion-dollar plans to the increasing demand for transparency, technology, and global expansion, Kate shares insights from decades of experience and Northern Trust’s recent “Asset Owners in Focus” global peer study.

Tune in to hear more about:

  • Why OCIOs are scaling rapidly and attracting larger, more sophisticated asset owners
  • How consolidation is reshaping the provider landscape
  • What asset owners are demanding in terms of data, governance, and investment access
  • How Northern Trust is evolving its service model to meet the needs of both OCIOs and asset owners

Connect with Grant Johnsey:

About Grant Johnsey:

Connect with Kate McCabe:

About Kate McCabe:

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What’s Driving the Boom in Asset-Based Finance? (Market Pulse – Video)

What’s Driving the Boom in Asset-Based Finance? (Market Pulse – Video)

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey, Americas Head of Market Solutions, Banking & Markets, sits down with Jody Gunderson, Managing Principal at AB CarVal, to unpack the dynamic world of asset-based finance (ABF). From consumer credit and residential lending to data centers and the energy transition, ABF is reshaping how capital flows through the economy – especially as traditional banks step back and private markets step in.

Jody shares insights from her 30+ year career, explains how ABF differs from securitization, and explores the impact of policy shifts like the “Big Beautiful Bill” on renewable energy investment. Jody and Grant explore how private markets are stepping in as banks step back, and what it means for investors, borrowers, and the future of credit.

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What’s Driving the Boom in Asset-Based Finance? (Market Pulse – Audio)

What’s Driving the Boom in Asset-Based Finance? (Market Pulse – Audio)

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In this episode of Market Pulse by Faster Forward, host Grant Johnsey, Americas Head of Market Solutions, Banking & Markets, sits down with Jody Gunderson, Managing Principal at AB CarVal, to unpack the dynamic world of asset-based finance (ABF). From consumer credit and residential lending to data centers and the energy transition, ABF is reshaping how capital flows through the economy – especially as traditional banks step back and private markets step in.

Jody shares insights from her 30+ year career, explains how ABF differs from securitization, and explores the impact of policy shifts like the “Big Beautiful Bill” on renewable energy investment. Jody and Grant explore how private markets are stepping in as banks step back, and what it means for investors, borrowers, and the future of credit.

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Reshaping the Investment Model: Challenges and Shifts for EMEA Asset Owners with Mark Austin

Reshaping the Investment Model: Challenges and Shifts for EMEA Asset Owners with Mark Austin

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The pressure on asset owners is mounting, but so is their influence.  

With shifting regulations, growing data demands, and interest in alternatives, institutional investors across EMEA are being pushed to rethink their strategies from the ground up.

In this episode, host Paul Fahey chats with Mark Austin, Pensions and Insurance Executive, EMEA at Northern Trust, to explore findings from Northern Trust’s global asset owner peer study, “Asset Owners in Focus”. They discuss rising priorities such as liquidity, outsourcing, and data integration, and examine how shifting expectations are redefining strategy in the pension and insurance space across EMEA.

Mark discusses:

  • How asset owners are rethinking liquidity needs amid volatility and alternative investments
  • The growing demand for integrated, timely, and accurate data to support portfolio decisions
  • The evolving role of outsourcing in driving efficiency and value recognition
  • Government-driven consolidation in the UK pension space and its operational consequences
  • Why asset owners are beginning to shape pricing and dictate terms with asset managers and other providers

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June Market Pulse (Video)

June Market Pulse (Video)

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In this episode, host Grant Johnsey, Head of Market Solutions, Banking and Markets, Americas, at Northern Trust is joined by Guy Gibson, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking and Markets at Northern Trust, for an in-depth discussion on navigating today’s market volatility and global trends. The conversation covers lessons from past crises, the evolving role of liquidity and cash management, the rise of alternatives, and the growing impact of data costs on asset managers. Guy Gibson shares insights from his 30-year career, including strategies for building resilient businesses, adapting to shifting market dynamics, and fostering a winning team culture. Listeners will gain timely perspectives on risk, concentration, and the strategic pivots shaping the financial landscape in 2025.

Click play to watch!

June Market Pulse (Audio)

June Market Pulse (Audio)

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In this episode, host Grant Johnsey, Head of Market Solutions, Banking and Markets, Americas, at Northern Trust is joined by Guy Gibson, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking and Markets at Northern Trust, for an in-depth discussion on navigating today’s market volatility and global trends. The conversation covers lessons from past crises, the evolving role of liquidity and cash management, the rise of alternatives, and the growing impact of data costs on asset managers. Guy Gibson shares insights from his 30-year career, including strategies for building resilient businesses, adapting to shifting market dynamics, and fostering a winning team culture. Listeners will gain timely perspectives on risk, concentration, and the strategic pivots shaping the financial landscape in 2025.

Click to listen!

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Navigating Complexity: How Super Funds are Responding to Market Shifts with Leon Stavrou

Navigating Complexity: How Super Funds are Responding to Market Shifts with Leon Stavrou

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Superannuation funds in Australia are evolving rapidly, finding new pathways to optimize returns and manage risks.

How are they leveraging size, adapting their operations, and enhancing their data strategies for better investment outcomes? What can other regions learn from their focus on private markets and technology investments?

In this episode, host Paul Fahey speaks with Leon Stavrou, Head of Australia and New Zealand at Northern Trust, to discuss key findings from Northern Trust’s asset owner peer study, “Asset Owners in Focus”. They explore emerging trends in the superannuation sector, shifts in strategies, and the growing role of technology and data in transforming investment approaches.

Leon Stavrou discusses:

  • The increasing allocation of superannuation funds to private markets, including infrastructure and private credit
  • Challenges and strategies in managing liquidity amid growing investments in less liquid assets
  • Impacts of fund consolidation on insourcing versus outsourcing operational and investment activities
  • How technology and data solutions are enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency
  • The growing interest in alternative assets, including crypto and physical gold, and their integration into portfolios
  • And more!

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