Emanuel Derman

Emanuel Derman, emeritus professor of financial engineering and former Wall Street quant, reflects on moving from particle physics to finance. He discusses how models differ from theories, why markets change when models are used, and the ethics of disclosing model limits. Conversations touch on programming’s role in early quant work, the rise of quants, and how AI and humility reshape modeling.

Emanuel Derman, a Columbia University professor and author who transitioned from physics to finance, shares his insights on the nature of truth in the sciences versus finance. He critiques traditional economic models, highlighting their limitations in capturing market complexities, especially during crises. The discussion also touches on the relationship between theories and models, emphasizing their distinct roles. Derman offers valuable career advice for aspiring quants, urging a balance between theoretical knowledge and the unpredictable nature of the finance world.