What is the proximity revolution and how can global allocators leverage these principles to gain further insight into their investment strategies? Are we truly being innovative or repeating past ideas disguised as new strategies?...
Improving Alpha: John Coffee’s blueprint for a shadow SEC and further regulations under a new Trump Administration
Jan 13, 2025 12:13:10 PM
How will regulations for institutional investors change under a Trump presidency? How valuable will a shadow SEC be in helping to identify regulatory issues and avoid systemic risk? In our latest Improving Alpha podcast we...
Improving Alpha Podcast: Top Book Recommendations from Season Two
Dec 17, 2024 7:00:00 AM
Season two of the Improving Alpha podcast featured many diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to asset allocation strategies. How do our guests spend their time reading and listening to other sources of inspiration to...
Improving Alpha: Koray Caliskan on the ‘Data Money’ of cryptocurrency and future applications
Dec 16, 2024 10:23:00 AM
There's a lot of discussion around cryptocurrency and the impact on institutional investing. With almost $2-$3 trillion in market cap, could it ever take on wider adoption in allocator portfolios? Our latest guest on the...
SuperInvestor 2024 Takeaways: Connecting LPs and GPs Across the Private Capital Universe
Dec 10, 2024 7:31:24 AM
Is there a shortage of liquidity in private equity transactions? What effect will tariffs have on activity when Trump assumes office? Will LPs significantly alter their portfolios, and will these changes be beneficial in light of...
Thematic Investors: Plus Tick Management Exploring Old School Hedge Fund Returns
Dec 5, 2024 10:40:08 AM
Exploring distressed equity and credit for opportunities that can generate above average returns for institutional investors isn't always easy. However, if you can identify a catalyst to bring those distressed investments back to...
Vidrio Spotlight: Understanding the importance of the transaction editor for allocators
Nov 13, 2024 9:05:30 AM
How are allocators addressing the technology gaps in trading alternatives? Vidrio's latest spotlight highlights the importance of the transaction editor and how allocators can leverage this tool to shift alternative allocations,...
Improving Alpha: Scott Chan on ‘Gearing Up’ a Collaborative Model to Mitigate Risks and Generate Returns
Nov 4, 2024 8:55:43 AM
What is the future strategy for a $340 billion pension aiming to enhance alpha, cut costs, and manage risks? Scott Chan, the new CIO of CalSTRS, joins Michael Oliver Weinberg on the latest episode of the Improving Alpha podcast....
Preqin Event: Capturing takeaways from the future of alternatives
Oct 31, 2024 2:07:32 PM
What is the future of alternative investments and how will allocations continue to be diversified by leading pensions, endowments, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors? Nick Bourne attends the
Thematic Investors: Will Homan-Russell on Asset Allocation Strategies in Shipping
Oct 14, 2024 11:23:31 AM
Can shipping be a play for leading asset allocators today? How will this theme be impacted by geopolitical tensions and the demand for new ships as we close out the year? Our latest Thematic Investors podcast powered by Vidrio...
Vidrio Attends ALTSUK for Insights on the Allocator Landscape
Oct 8, 2024 7:53:06 AM
To stay ahead in alternative investment trends, attending key events that address current issues affecting various allocators is essential. Vidrio recently participated in the ALTSUK event to gain deeper insights into portfolio...
Improving Alpha: Shivaram Rajgopal on Ways to Eliminate Governance Disengagement and Zombie Organizations
Sep 30, 2024 9:16:06 AM
Do institutional investors want active governance today and should it raise a red flag if it doesn't exist? In this episode of the Improving Alpha podcast we are joined by Shivaram Rajgopal. Listen as he breaks down the pitfalls...
Improving Alpha: Catherine Ulozas on Innovating a Billion Dollar Endowment
Sep 9, 2024 1:00:24 PM
How can a bankers approach in protecting assets help to move a $650 million endowment to over a billion in AUM? In this episdode of the Improving Alpha podcast, we chat with Catherine Ulozas, CIO, Drexel University. Learn more...
Vidrio Spotlight: How Institutional Investors Improve Trading Operations
Aug 6, 2024 3:59:51 PM
How can institutional investors drive innovation in their trade processes and optimize their operations? In this latest blog post, we steer clear of the widely recognized Spiderman meme when discussing the challenges faced in...
Clear Path Analysis Webinar: Vidrio Perspectives on Utilizing Data Volumes
Jul 31, 2024 6:00:00 AM
Clear Path Analysis recently held a webinar delving into a topic close to Vidrio's heart: addressing the data management hurdles faced by allocators. This blog post includes key insights from the webinar, shedding light on the...
Improving Alpha: TC Wilson on Advancing the Practice of Good Medicine through Better Asset Allocation Strategies
Jul 30, 2024 12:33:50 PM
Discover the insights into managing investments at the nation's largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurance company in the latest episode of the Improving Alpha podcast. Join TC Wilson, CIO, The Doctors Company, as he...
Part 1: Vidrio Financials' Gulf Cooperation Council Grand Tour
Jul 25, 2024 2:00:00 PM
This summer, Vidrio Financial has engaged in discussions with various investors throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to gain insights into their challenges and perspectives on the future of institutional...
Improving Alpha: Chris Wiggins Exploring and Exploiting the Value of Artificial Intelligence
Jul 8, 2024 9:13:25 AM
In today's institutional investment market, there is a pressing issue regarding data management and control. While many are turning to artificial intelligence and LLMs as potential solutions, the question remains: can investment...
Thematic Investors: Gavin Baker Blending Sci-fi, History and Literature for Tech Investing Success
Jul 1, 2024 10:08:00 AM
Gavin Baker of Atreides Management, LP, engages in a deep dive with host Kieran Cavanna on his journey to honing a sharp focus in tech investing and explores the potential transformative bubbles looming for institutional...
ALTSNY: Vidrio Perspectives on Portfolio Construction in Private Credit, Digital Assets, Carbon Credits, and Real Assets
Jun 28, 2024 1:00:00 PM
In our pursuit of deeper insights for our institutional investment network, one event shines above the rest. Dive into our newest blog exploring the perspectives shared at the ALTSNY event. Vidrio Financial captures the...
Improving Alpha: Olivier Toubia and the Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence
Jun 24, 2024 8:50:56 AM
Are institutional investors all-in on artificial intelligence (AI), and if so what are some of the immediate guardrails that come in to play when executing an AI plan? In this latest episode of the Improving Alpha podcast,...
Improving Alpha: David Teten on the Future of VC Models and the Portfolio Diversification Game
Jun 17, 2024 4:27:13 PM
How does technology and asset allocation impact the building and scaling of institutional investment practices today? In this latest episode of the Improving Alpha podcast we welcome David Teten to discuss VC models, macro trends...
Targeting Alternative Investments and Digital Assets at the AIM Summit London
May 21, 2024 12:45:00 PM
Curious about how deal flows, regulations, alternative investments, geopolitical tensions, and other factors are impacting allocators today? Vidrio Financial journeyed to the AIM Summit in London, seeking insights into the...
Thematic Investors: Scott Bessent a Global Macro Veteran on the Path Ahead
May 13, 2024 12:54:34 PM
In our latest episode of the Thematic Investors podcast, host Kieran Cavanna sits down with Global Macro legend Scott Bessent to discuss investing, data analytics and AI, the current political environment, and much more. Listen...
Decoding European Allocator Uncertainty from the Private Markets Investor Event
Apr 19, 2024 8:26:33 AM
In Vidrio's latest blog, we recap highlights and sessions from the Clear Path Analysis Private Markets Investor event, where institutional players focus on alternative investing for greater rewards and portfolio diversification...
Improving Alpha: Mazen Jabban on the Dangers of Delegating Away Allocator Innovation
Apr 15, 2024 12:15:00 PM
In this exciting episode of the Improving Alpha podcast, Michael is joined by a special guest, Mazen Jabban, Chairman and CEO of Vidrio Financial. Together, they delve into the current landscape of institutional investing,...
Takeaways from Inside the Bloomberg Power Players Jeddah Event
Apr 14, 2024 2:10:53 PM
Institutional investor interest is accelerating in the realm of sports investing and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role. Vidrio's attendance at the Bloomberg Power Players event will recap some of the...
Thematic Investors: James Davolos on why investors can’t paint-by-the-numbers in real asset investing
Mar 20, 2024 12:21:46 PM
What does it take to become a rising star in the value investing arena and how can you maximize inefficiencies in the volatile markets that we see today? In our latest Thematic Investors podcast we speak to James Davolos on...
Improving Alpha: Karen Yeyinmen on Strengthening the Institutional Investment Toolkit through Action Research
Mar 18, 2024 12:30:00 PM
Global organization leader and executive coach, Karen Yeyinmen join Michael on this latest episode of the Improving Alpha podcast to discuss the unraveling of leadership psychology for asset managers. A must listen as we start to...
Webinar: Discovering the Influences of Data Anomalies on Investor Portfolios
Mar 4, 2024 1:00:00 PM
Why is it crucial for institutional investors to avoid the 'garbage in, garbage out' scenario when it comes to their data management strategies? Why is data transparency increasingly vital for obtaining a comprehensive view of...
Improving Alpha: Ciamac Moallemi on the Black Box of Systematic Investing, Bitcoin, and Neural Networks
Feb 26, 2024 9:55:51 AM
On this episode of the Improving Alpha podcast, we welcome Ciamac Moallemi to discuss the mysteries of decentralized finance and quantitative institutional investing. If you are looking to learn more on Ethereum and the impact of...
Pension Bridge Europe: Perspectives on Hedge Funds, AI, and New Institutional Buzzwords
Feb 16, 2024 3:30:00 PM
Will hedge funds be a tough sell for institutional investors in 2024? What are some of the latest opinions on the use of artificial intelligence from both hedge funds and other allocators? Vidrio brings you some quick takeaways...
Improving Alpha: Russell Carson on the ‘lucky accident’ of a career in Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Philanthropy
Feb 5, 2024 3:33:00 PM
In the latest episode of Improving Alpha, Michael Oliver Weinberg is joined by Russell Carson to discuss how the Carson Family Charitable Trust and WCAS, has assisted in building strong foundations across the healthcare and...
Thematic Investors: Stuart Mitchell on the Investment Sale Across Europe
Jan 29, 2024 11:14:29 AM
Are European investments a bargain in energy, infrastructure, defense, and other themes? Join us on our newest episode of the Thematic Investors podcast as we welcome Stuart Mitchell to share his insights on Europe, and...
Top Book Recommendations from the Improving Alpha Podcast
Jan 24, 2024 7:45:00 AM
In the fast-paced world of institutional investing, where performance and risk management are top priorities, it's no wonder that industry experts seek inspiration and wisdom from other sources. So, where do these experts turn to...
Exploring Data Management Challenges: The Top Concerns for Institutional Investors
Jan 16, 2024 10:49:51 AM
How do institutional investors fix the data management challenges that plague the industry? Vidrio is continuing our investment in advancing data automation processes and controls for the future. Learn more in our latest blog.
Improving Alpha: Sandro Salsano exploring synergies in investments, philanthropy, and deep value strategies
Jan 8, 2024 1:42:10 PM
In our most recent installment, Michael extends an invitation to Sandro Salsano to delve into his astute investment strategies throughout Latin America and the profound impact of humility on his family office success as well as...
Thematic Investors: Alan Bezoza, DigitalBridge on finding the shiny penny in telecom investing
Dec 18, 2023 9:21:32 AM
Discover how the world of telecommunication investing is evolving and whether we have the necessary power to tackle the upcoming wave of innovation. Immerse yourself in the latest podcast episode of Thematic Investors, hosted by...
Improving Alpha: William J. Kelly, CAIA on disrupting data transparency in the institutional market
Dec 11, 2023 10:30:00 AM
Discover the role of data in the alternative asset space, as it intersects with artificial intelligence, regulation, and ESG. Join us as Vidrio Financial introduces William J. Kelly, CAIA, as a guest on the Improving Alpha...
Improving Alpha: Paul C. Sohn on targeting the ‘fat pitch’ in institutional investing
Dec 4, 2023 12:15:00 PM
In the newest episode of Improving Alpha Innovation in Investing, ESG and Technology, Paul Sohn teams up with Michael Oliver Weinberg. Discover Paul's unique perspective on foreign investment opportunities and what he really...
Cybersecurity for institutional investors: separating fear from reality
Nov 28, 2023 3:45:00 PM
In today's ever-changing digital landscape, institutional investors face the daunting task of safeguarding their data from cyber threats, especially those that exploit the power of artificial intelligence. To shed light on this...
Pension Community Perspectives: Insights from the World Pension Summit
Nov 7, 2023 1:29:17 PM
Missed out on attending the World Pension Summit last month? Don't worry, Vidrio Financial is here to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the panel discussions that took place on topics such as sustainable investing,...
Improving Alpha: Christopher Ailman, CalSTRS on Catching the Big Waves in Institutional Investing
Oct 31, 2023 10:34:51 AM
Christopher J. Ailman, CalSTRS is our latest podcast guest with host Michael Oliver Weinberg to discuss the essence of ESG, the future of technology investing, venture capital, China, and a lot more for today's allocators.
Unpacking the European Fund Operator Summit with Vidrio Financial
Oct 17, 2023 1:30:00 PM
How are institutional investors driving growth and efficiencies while exploring new operational trends, industry advancements and innovation? We review the insights from last month's London Fund Operator Summit.
Vidrio Takeaways on the SEC Private Fund Rules: What You Should Know
Oct 3, 2023 4:21:56 PM
Discover the insights from Vidrio Financial on the latest updates to the SEC private fund rules and how we are assisting allocators in managing data, compliance, performance, and more within their multi-asset class portfolios.
Thematic Investors: Why Institutional Investors Should Consider Uranium
Oct 2, 2023 4:45:00 PM
Join our two guests from Azarias Capital Management as they discuss uranium investing with host Kieran Cavanna, and how this energy alternative presents a viable solution to meeting climate change goals.
Improving Alpha: Scott Pittman on Maintaining Convictions and Balancing Portfolio Diversification
Sep 20, 2023 2:34:26 PM
Scott Pittman, Mount Sinai's Endowment sits down with host Michael Oliver Weinberg to discuss risk taking strategies, private markets, regional investment trends across Europe, Asia, and more.
Thematic Investors: Fueling Technological Breakthroughs in Energy Transition
Sep 11, 2023 1:00:00 PM
In our very first Thematic Investors podcast, Todd Kantor, the innovative Founder and Managing Member of Encompass Capital Advisors LLC, embarks on a captivating conversation with Kieran Cavanna about the tactics employed in...
Improving Alpha: Tobias Read on Removing Political Grandstanding from Oregon's Hybrid Pension Plan
Aug 7, 2023 10:48:18 AM
Tobias Read from the Oregon State Treasury sits down with Michael Oliver Weinberg on navigating alternatives, (including private equity investments) across a hybrid pension portfolio.
Improving Alpha: Jose Eduardo Siman on Succession Planning Challenges & Innovating the Family Office
Jul 10, 2023 12:54:36 PM
Jose Eduardo Siman sits down with Michael Oliver Weinberg on navigating fraudulent investments for asset allocation, family office innovation, and separating governance from ownership.
Navigating the Complexities of Private Wealth from the Middle East Forum
Jun 29, 2023 1:07:36 PM
Want to know where the Middle East is headed in terms of institutional investments and how alternatives play in the space? We recap the Markets Group Private Wealth Middle East Forum and overlay Vidrio innovation for your...
Achieving Optimal OCIO Growth Through Better Transparency & Governance
Jun 7, 2023 10:01:54 AM
What do OCIOs and those that are evaluating an OCIO-investor relationship need to be on the lookout for in today's market? Vidrio Financial breaks down some of the trends we're seeing and how discussions are evolving for OCIOs...
Allocator Spotlight Series: Evanston Capital: Concentrated Bets to Tame Complex Markets
Jun 1, 2023 2:26:40 PM
By Susan Barreto, Editor, AlternativesWatch.com
Over 7 Vidrio Takeaways from the BAI Alternative Investment Conference
May 10, 2023 9:23:23 AM
Did you get to attend the BAI Alternative Event last month? Vidrio Financial did, and came away with great insights around portfolio data transparency, private equity strategies, artificial intelligence and more.
Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence for Institutional Investing
May 2, 2023 8:54:50 AM
Vidrio details the finer points of AI and machine learning for allocators, and where the future is headed as we further leverage human expertise and software.
Vidrio on a ‘Clear Path’ for Data and Transparency in Private Markets
Apr 27, 2023 9:13:02 AM
Our recap of the Clear Path Analysis Private Markets Investor event covering challenges with Excel spreadsheets, data integrity and transparency.
Vidrio Takes on ALTS LA Event
Mar 31, 2023 9:21:14 AM
Fresh off the ALTS LA event, the Vidrio team breaks down some key takeaways on the minds of today's allocators.
Improving Alpha: Gitanjali Swamy on Building a Collective Intelligence
Mar 13, 2023 10:37:40 AM
In our latest episode, we speak with Gitanjali Swamy about the ways that those in the asset community can create better intelligence around the topic of diversity.
Allocator Spotlight Series: UBP finds HF opportunity amid a new era at global central banks
Feb 25, 2023 10:30:00 AM
By Susan Barreto, Editor, AlternativesWatch.com
Improving Alpha: Tensie Whelan Discusses Extracting Value from Sustainability
Feb 6, 2023 4:13:35 PM
In our sixth episode, we speak with Tensie Whelan about sustainability for institutional investors and how leaders can drive better financial and societal performance by embedding sustainability into their businesses.
Why is Private Credit Still the Hot Game in Town?
Jan 27, 2023 4:34:16 PM
Vidrio Financial takes a look into the private credit space, how allocators are rebalancing towards this asset class, and how we are assisting these strategies.
Improving Alpha: Greg Steinmetz on History’s Indispensable Asset Owners
Jan 24, 2023 1:25:54 PM
In our fifth episode, we speak with Greg Steinmetz about two of the richest people in history and how their contributions helped shaped the institutional investment arena today.
Improving Alpha: A Zero Sum Behavioral Psychology Approach for Innovative Allocators
Jan 6, 2023 11:59:28 AM
In our fourth episode, we speak with Shai Davidai, Columbia Business School on the psychology of those operating in finance. Listen below.
Vidrio Financial Takes on ALTS MIA Event
Dec 22, 2022 10:29:26 AM
Earlier this month the Vidrio team journeyed to Miami to get the latest downloads on ESG, regional alternative Investment strategies, and future investing trends.
Shadow Accounting: Navigating Investor 'Red Flags' and Improving Transparency
Dec 16, 2022 2:18:17 PM
Investors need to take note and align themselves with technology partners that constantly evolve to improve due diligence workflows and transparency.
Improving Alpha: Jonathan Grabel, LACERA on Consolidating a Strategic Allocation for Growth
Dec 9, 2022 10:34:00 AM
In our third installment, we speak to Jonathan Grabel, Chief Investment Officer, LACERA. Listen below.
Improving Alpha: Ben Samild, Future Fund on Innovating Investments for 35 Million Beneficiaries
Nov 28, 2022 12:53:43 PM
In our second podcast episode, we speak to Ben Samild, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Portfolio Construction, Future Fund. Listen below.
Vidrio Financial Takes on ALTSTX Event
Nov 18, 2022 4:38:19 PM
Check out our recap of the ALTSTX event and see where the future of the 60/40 portfolio, inflation, and ESG risk metrics are headed in 2023.
Improving Alpha: Jeff Mindlin, ASU Enterprise Partners on Engineering a $1.3 billion Endowment for the Future
Nov 14, 2022 10:18:38 AM
Welcome to our first inaugural episode of the Improving Alpha Podcast Series. Learn how ASU Enterprise Partners is encouraging growth and innovation across their endowment.
Vidrio Financial Takes on ALTS Seattle Event
Oct 31, 2022 4:36:34 PM
Check out our recap of the Alts Seattle event and learn where allocators are shifting their investment strategies now.
The New Direction of ESG for Today's Allocators
Oct 11, 2022 10:12:38 AM
We review the latest on the ESG puzzle for allocators while also outlining how Vidrio Financial looks at ESG scoring.
David Barry, Director of Marketing, Vidrio Financial
‘Greenwashing’, is a cringe-worthy term for any allocator...
Uncertainty Takes Hold as Inflation Drives a Need for New Data Sets
Aug 16, 2022 12:48:43 PM
Institutional Investor portfolios are under more scrutiny as volatility continues to climb.
Federico De Giorgis, President, Vidrio Financial
Allocator Spotlight Series: Abrdn takes a tech-informed approach to risk management
Aug 12, 2022 9:31:15 AM
By Susan Barreto, Editor, AlternativesWatch.com
The SEC's New Approach to Private Market Portfolio Transparency
Jul 28, 2022 3:12:23 PM
Will market volatility drastically alter the level of transparency that allocators provide today and how will investors and the SEC respond?
Gygmy Gonnot, Managing Director, Vidrio Financial
Vidrio Financial Recognized in Three HFM Categories for Outstanding Allocator Service
Jul 15, 2022 12:37:01 PM
See how Vidrio has impacted the industry in terms of data management, risk, and innovating our platform for allocators.
By David Barry, Marketing Director, Vidrio Financial
Allocator Spotlight Series: Investcorp-Tages: Data equals alpha
Jul 8, 2022 10:58:41 AM
By Susan Barreto, Editor, AlternativesWatch.com
Transparency Matters: A Risk Conversation with Investcorp-Tages CRO Diego Ferri
Jun 28, 2022 12:30:00 PM
What does the investment process look like in today's market, and how data management is integral to managing risk.
By Gygmy Gonnot, Managing Director and Partner at Vidrio Financial
Improving Portfolio Performance in the Face of 8.6% Inflation
Jun 16, 2022 10:07:12 AM
How CIOs are solving the inflation puzzle with the use of technology.
Reflections from the ALTSLA Conference: The Portfolio for the Future
Apr 14, 2022 8:15:00 AM
I had the pleasure of attending the Annual ALTSLA 2022 Conference at the end of March hosted at JW Marriott in Los Angeles which brought together leading industry experts covering alternative investments including hedge funds,...
Hedge Week in Miami: Reflections from iConnections Global Alts 2022
Feb 9, 2022 5:27:13 PM
Accompanied by Willett Bird and Zac Corona from the Vidrio biz dev team, I recently joined the thousands of investors, managers and industry elite who attended Miami’s so-called Hedgeweek, which saw multiple conferences and...
Making the Grade: Best Data and Information Provider
Oct 13, 2021 3:23:11 PM
We are pleased to have been shortlisted this year for both the AltCredit US and EU awards in the Best Data and Information Provider category. So what makes us top nominees in the category?
Crypto Craze Still Lacks Meaningful Institutional Investor Community
Sep 29, 2021 3:20:48 PM
In our latest Vidrio Views findings, recently covered by Hedgeweek, it is evident that while the craze of interest for crypto currencies and crypto related investment offerings persists to date, there are no meaningful examples...
Demystifying the Data Collection and Handling Process for Allocators
Aug 20, 2021 3:21:01 PM
The data collection and handling process is a critical element in providing a valuable front-to-back office solution that simplifies the overall investment management process for clients. This process can significantly improve...
Due Diligence and Alternatives Allocations: The New Not-so-Normal
Aug 19, 2021 9:54:12 AM
Data integrity in the due diligence and allocation process has never been so important, as evidenced in the August 2021 publication of Vidrio Views, our monthly market survey of global allocators and LPs representing more than...
Rising Inflation Expectations Are a Boon for Alternatives Allocations
Jul 26, 2021 1:48:10 PM
Inflation expectations in the second half of 2021 have been moving higher,though whether this shift is temporary and range-bound is likely to become evident in the coming months as the Federal Reserve maintains its dovish ...
Data Management and the Vidrio Origin Story
Apr 14, 2021 9:36:27 AM
It has been more than ten years since Vidrio first launched to the market, but what many people don’t know is that the concept of Vidrio first emerged two decades ago. In this Q&A with our CEO, Mazen Jabban, we discuss the unique...
Thought Leadership Round-Up: Manager Research and Due Diligence
Mar 28, 2021 9:46:24 AM
It would seem the current trend of Zoom Diligence might be here to stay for some time, so in addition to our own recent thought leadership on the topic, we’ve rounded up the following summary of high value content covering...
An "Unprecedented" Year
Mar 16, 2021 10:04:50 PM
If we’d been told just a few years ago that the industry would be rocked by a global pandemic, our expectation would have been for complete panic across the industry. What we saw instead, just one year ago this week, was only a...
Private Markets Due Diligence in a New Era
Feb 26, 2021 8:46:29 AM
In our latest Coffee and a Conversation, Vidrio's Willett Bird met with Kamal Suppal, Chief Investment Auditor of the Boston-based, Emerging Markets Alternatives. The two discussed the nuances of conducting due diligence on...
Coffee and a Conversation Recap #1: Zoom Diligence
Nov 30, 2020 10:48:07 PM
Appropriately, we kicked off our new virtual Coffee and a Conversation series with a discussion about remote due diligence meetings, aka Zoom Diligence, and presented ideas for allocators who must now adapt their processes to...
Excel in Finance - More than a Tempest in a Teapot
Nov 5, 2020 5:07:07 PM
It has been more than 35 years since Microsoft Excel (originally for the Macintosh!) was first introduced to the world. Yet here we are in 2020 and there are firms across the globe that still use Excel to support at least some...
Adapting Investment Management Workflows to the “New Normal”
Oct 29, 2020 10:45:06 AM
“Workflow” has become an in-vogue term in recent years, generally defined as the sequence of repeatable processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion. For fund allocators, workflows are employed...
Webinar Recap: Managing Risk and Improving Alpha with Customization
Oct 14, 2020 10:16:36 AM
Vidrio's CEO, Mazen Jabban joined a virtual panel of fellow industry leaders for the October 9th Talking Hedge Webinar: Managing Risk and Improving Alpha with Customization. The panel was part of the Talking Hedge Santa Monica...
13F Disclosures – A More Nuanced View
Oct 9, 2020 10:58:47 AM
Nearly three months ago, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) announced the Proposed Rule on Reporting Threshold for Institutional Investment Managers, which proposes an amendment to raise the threshold for reporting...
DIY Allocation?
Sep 1, 2020 7:44:11 PM
In their recently published investor update, Alternative Assets, H2 2020, Preqin reported that investors are not giving up on alternative assets and many expect to increase commitments.
Business as Usual?
Jul 28, 2020 7:53:22 PM
In this post, Antonio Simonini, Vidrio's head of Client Services and member of our senior management team reflects on the effects of the current pandemic on the industry, Vidrio's own preparation and response, and the ways in...
Ready for the "New Normal?"
Jul 28, 2020 7:12:12 PM
When it comes to business continuity and infrastructure readiness, what does your new normal look like today, and are you preparing for whatever tomorrow’s “normal” may be?
Vidrio Advanced Analytics Using Machine Learning
Jun 25, 2020 12:00:00 PM
The application of advanced algorithms and machine learning to the data collection and analytic services we offer is the one of the latest innovations to help clients solve complex allocation needs and build more efficient...
Fund Allocator's Solution Series: Multi-function Single-vendor
Jun 24, 2020 12:54:15 PM
For firms that desire continuity across all their teams, the multi-function single-vendor solution is a reasonable choice for the benefit of reporting alone. This level of centralization helps prevent discrepancies in data,...
Fund Allocator's Solution Series: Multi-vendor
Jun 8, 2020 6:55:38 PM
One of the most widely used solutions capable of catering to an array of individual specialties is a combined patchwork of disparate tools and services for each functional need. While this approach seemingly allows allocation...
Fund Allocator's Solution Series: Custom-built
May 18, 2020 12:04:24 PM
While there are trillions of dollars in the finance world managed on spreadsheets, there are a select few who choose to take on the task of creating their own custom-built software solution for portfolio management.
The reasons...
Fund Allocator's Solution Series: Spreadsheets
Apr 27, 2020 10:50:52 AM
Spreadsheet software such as Excel may be the de facto system for financial institution's portfolio management, but should they be? With increasing staff, volumes of data, assets, and client responsibilities, spreadsheets quickly...
Allocators Face New Obstacles in Pandemic While Redeeming from Funds
Apr 8, 2020 2:34:48 PM
In the current pandemic environment, while some of the funds that asset allocators are invested with are finding ways to profit, many funds are performing poorly. Some will close as a result. Across the board, we see allocators...
Buy vs. Build for Institutional Allocators
Mar 31, 2020 12:00:00 PM
There are both advantages and disadvantages to custom building systems for cross-portfolio asset management vs. buying an existing off-the-shelf vendor solution. Is there a happy medium?
Allocating in a Bear Market
Mar 23, 2020 5:11:28 PM
Covid-19 and a crash in the oil markets have triggered a bear market that may lead to a recession. While the complexion of this bear market is different from 2008-9, there are applicable lessons from the last recession that can...
Holistic Portfolio Management Tools in Times of Market Stress
Mar 3, 2020 12:11:25 PM
Covid-19 has caused businesses of all types to look at their disaster preparedness and business continuity planning. For fund allocators, the market downturn caused by coronavirus fears brought the importance of high-quality...
Conference Notes - Agecroft "Gaining the Edge" 2019
Nov 6, 2019 4:17:08 PM
Year after year, Agecroft does an excellent job bringing together a mix of funds, allocators, and service providers for their hedge fund allocator conference. Here are the top takeaways from Agecroft's "Gaining the Edge" in 2019:
5 Good Reasons You Should Know Vidrio
Sep 11, 2019 12:00:00 AM
Vidrio is a Technology Enabled Service for fund allocators. We collect a full range of data from external managers for our clients so they can focus on more value-added tasks. We use all this data to power a range of functions...
We've Been in Development for 25 Years
Sep 1, 2018 3:24:00 PM
Vidrio is the first Technology Enabled Service for allocators. We’re also undoubtedly the oldest. The origins of Vidrio go back to 1994 when we established one of the early funds of hedge funds. Along the way, we developed...
The “Service” in SaaS
Jul 11, 2016 12:00:00 AM
Investment managers traditionally develop custom internal technology or implement multiple vendor solutions to manage their investments. Historically, these were the only products that could provide mature products across all...
Seeing Both Sides of the Risk Coin
Jun 27, 2016 12:00:00 AM
For investors placing money with hedge funds, calculating the risk of these investments is a multi-faceted problem.
Some risk elements, like standard deviation, are relatively easy to calculate: track performance over time and...