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Merger arbitrage has long been seen as a strategy of instinct and judgment — a game for star traders who “just knew” which deals would close. But what happens when you take that gut-driven approach and rebuild it as a systematic process?

In this episode, host Vincent speaks with Martin Brückner, CFA, Co-Founder and CIO of First Private Investment Management. Together they explore how systematic merger arbitrage works, why it challenges the discretionary legacy of risk arb, and how data and algorithms can transform deal investing into a repeatable, scalable strategy.

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Vincent sits down with Benjamin Brodsky, CIO at BlueCove, to explore the rise of scientific credit. They discuss how data, technology, and market expertise are reshaping liquid fixed income—and what it means for investors.

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What does AI really mean for the future of quant investing?

In this episode, Vincent sits down with Jeff Shen, PhD, Co-CIO and Co-Head of Systematic Active Equities at BlackRock, to explore how the world’s largest asset manager is scaling systematic investing through big data, machine learning, and a deep, research-driven culture.

From integrating large language models into real-world investment workflows to building cross-disciplinary teams that blend engineering, finance, and academic rigor, Jeff shares candid insights on what’s working, what’s evolving, and what remains fundamentally unchanged.

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Institutional investors often grapple with the challenge of translating asset allocation theory into real-world portfolio success. In this episode, Resonanz Capital’s Dr. Frederik Middelhoff joins host Vincent to explore how investment committees can bring strategic asset allocation frameworks to life. From tackling the limitations of mean-variance optimization to sharing practical tools and real-world applications, Frederik offers clear, actionable insights for building more resilient and effective portfolios.

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In this episode of Resonanz Spotlight, Vincent sits down with Polina Kurdyavko, Head of Emerging Markets Desk and Senior Portfolio Manager at RBC BlueBay, to unpack one of the most misunderstood—and mispriced—asset classes in global investing: emerging market fixed income.

Polina shares her deeply personal and professional journey, starting from the aftermath of the 1998 Russian financial crisis to managing some of the most prominent EM credit portfolios today. With insights forged from two decades of crisis-tested investing, she discusses how volatility can become an opportunity and why fundamentals always matter more than the latest headline.

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Quantitative Investment Strategies (QIS) are reshaping how investors manage portfolios, offering systematic, data-driven solutions for risk management and return optimization. But how do these strategies actually work, and what makes them so valuable?

In this episode, host Vincent sits down with Michele Cancelli, Global Head of Structuring (Multi Asset Group) and Global Head of QIS Trading and Structuring at Citigroup, to explore how QIS platforms operate, how investors use them, and why they are gaining traction in today’s markets.

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Are alternative markets the future of CTA investing, or do traditional futures still hold their edge? In this episode, I’m joined by Nicolas Mirjolet, CEO and Co-Head of Research at Quantica Capital, to break down the key trade-offs between these two approaches. We explore how the expansion into instruments like OTC power swaps and exotic currencies impacts risk, return, and portfolio efficiency—and whether investors should fully embrace this shift or strike a balance. Tune in for expert insights on navigating the evolving CTA landscape!

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Discover the hidden dynamics of Index Arbitrage on Resonanz Spotlight. Join Vincent as he explores this intricate strategy that thrives on index rebalancing events, revealing opportunities that many overlook in today's passive management era.

Joining the conversation is Grégoire Thomas, Head of Equity Market Neutral at Candriam. With a wealth of experience from Millennium, Bank of America, and Société Générale, Grégoire shares unparalleled insights into how institutional investors can optimize execution and uncover new opportunities in the markets.

Tune in to gain expert knowledge on one of the industry's most specialized strategies and understand why it matters more than ever for portfolio management.

Important information.

This podcast was recorded on November 19th, 2024. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The recipient is not entitled to distribute it without prior written permission from Candriam. It does not constitute an offer to buy or sell financial instruments, nor does it represent a recommendation for investment or conformation of any transaction.

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