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, discussing data management challenges, the utilization of artificial intelligence, portfolio transparency, and more. Tune in below to catch all the insight.
Michael Oliver Weinberg, co-founder, Improving Alpha Podcast Series
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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.
Mazen founded Vidrio Financial in 2011 and is responsible for setting strategic direction and the firm’s product development roadmap. In 1994, Mazen founded Focus Investment Group, an alternative investment firm, which incubated the development of the predecessor to the Vidrio Platform. In 1997 he started Focus Europa, one of the oldest European-focused fund-of-hedge-funds and in 2000 he established the Focus Star Fund, a hedge fund seeding program that identified and invested with emerging hedge fund managers. Prior to 1994, Mazen worked in real estate development and investment and later founded a management consulting and information systems company. He is an Adjunct Professor of Finance at NYU’s Stern School of Business lecturing on alternative investments. Mazen received a B.S. in Engineering from the University of California – Berkeley (1978) and an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University, Stern School of Business (1981).
About Our Host: Michael Oliver Weinberg, CFA
For three decades Michael has invested directly at the security level and indirectly as an asset allocator in traditional and alternative asset classes. Most recently he was a Managing Director, Head of Alternative Alpha, on the Investment Committee and a board member at APG, a Dutch pension provider. Previously he was the Chief Investment Officer at MOV37 and Protege Partners. Michael is also an Adjunct Professor of Economics and Finance at Columbia Business School, where he teaches Institutional Investing, an advanced MBA course that he created.
Michael is a published author, having written for The New York Times, international investment books and other publications. Michael has been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, CNBC, Bloomberg and Reuters. He is a frequent panelist, moderator and lecturer for investment banks, institutional and family office organizations and business schools.
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.
