The Alternative Data Podcast

In this episode I speak to Zach Zboralske, until recently a senior sales representative at Consumer Edge. I subtitle this episode “Confessions of an Elite Alt Data Salesman”.In our conversation, Zach and I discuss the evolution of transaction data, pricing, selling to quants vs discretionaries, and Zach’s new challenge at Stavtar.Correction – when I’m describing the evolution of credit card data with Yodlee I say credit cards when I mean hedge funds, sorry about that.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Zach Zboralske recorded in March 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Zach Zboralske and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Christina Qi, founder and CEO of challenger market data provider Databento and former founder of HFT hedge fund Domeyard.In our conversation, we discuss the challenges of starting an HFT hedge fund, how Databento differentiates itself in the market data space, how AI labs are using market data and the hazards of being based remotely in Utah.As we mention in the episode, we will be on stage together at Quantvision on Thursday, and I will be at Eagle Alpha on Wednesday. I look forward to catching up with familiar faces in New York.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Christina Qi recorded in March 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Christina Qi and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Charles-Albert Lehalle, a professor at Ecole Polytechnique formerly of ADIA and CFM.In our conversation, we discuss Yann LeCun’s theory of AI world models, the differences between working for banks, hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds, how to diagnose why performance is bad, and the dream alpha-generating dataset. More broadly, I never hear any feedback on the podcast so if you have any, please find me on LinkedIn and let me know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evan Reich, a veteran alt‑data professional who has worked at Millennium, SAC Capital, Quandl and Verition, now building AI and product research at BWG Global. He talks about translating between technical and business teams. He covers how data sourcing has shifted from creative discovery to scale, hiring priorities for sourcing roles, exclusivity tradeoffs, overhyped public datasets, and which jobs AI will automate first.

Natalya Dmitriyeva, former senior data strategy executive at Two Sigma and Schonfeld, who built data sourcing and lifecycle functions. She recalls the early hunt for novel datasets and how data teams evolved into curators. She talks Battlefin buzz around AI and governance. She explores agentic AI, entity resolution, crowding risks, and what makes datasets valuable.

In this episode I speak to Conor Taggart, an alternative data veteran who is now in charge of Data Monetization at Eagle Alpha.In our conversation, Conor and I discuss his progress from selling indexes at LSEG, through joining Nasdaq in time for the Quandl acquisition, to a successful four years heading up equities data sourcing at Millennium, to his resting place in his current role.In other news, I will be on the data panel at QuantMinds in London on November 19th, I look forward to seeing familiar faces there. DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Conor Taggart recorded in November 2025. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Conor Taggart and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vlad Johnson, a quantitative researcher specializing in systematic futures at Eisler Capital, shares his insights on the intersection of finance and alternative data. He explores the technological gap between sports analytics and Wall Street, emphasizing the use of weather data without being a meteorologist. Vlad discusses the challenges and complexities of macro futures trading, while highlighting the critical role machine learning plays in alpha generation. He also speculates on the evolving capabilities of AI and the importance of improving data quality in finance.

Mohsen Chitsaz, a portfolio manager and quantitative researcher at Eisler Capital, shares insights from his diverse career in event-driven trading and alternative data. He explains why physicists make excellent quants, and the crucial role of news data and satellite imagery in market analysis. Mohsen discusses the evolution of LLMs and their impact on news interpretation, emphasizing the balance between speed and precision in parsing market-moving headlines. He also highlights the importance of unique data integration to gain a competitive edge.

Join Paul White, CEO and co-founder of QuantBot, as he dives into the nuances of launching a hedge fund in 2009. With a rich background in quantitative research, he shares insights on the evolving landscape of alternative data, machine learning's impact on finance, and the increasing importance of outsourcing for newer funds. Paul discusses the challenges of using shorter-history datasets, the benefits of local market presence in Asia, and his predictions on AI's transformative effect on data analytics. A fascinating look at the intersection of technology and finance!

James Griffiths, General Manager of Flywheel Alternative Data, shares insights on transforming corporate e-commerce data into valuable investment resources. He discusses the evolution of alternative data, emphasizing the shift from brand-focused datasets to investor applications. Griffiths highlights the importance of granular SKU data for hedge funds and the growing expectations from buy-side clients. He also touches on the cautious integration of generative AI in data processes and practical advice for new data vendors navigating this dynamic market.