On 3^rd December 2019, the Cass AIR-Q Society and the Cass Trading Society co-organised “The Cass AIR-Q Trading Forum”. The panel consisted of our keynote speaker Michal Katrencik, Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio Manager VP at Blackrock, as well as Dr Ravel Jabbour, former Regulatory Policy Manager VP at HSBC and Mr Ian Schneider, VP Cash Equities Sales and Trading at Morgan Stanley. The speakers provided exceptional insights on their day-to-day activities, innovations in the industry, current regulations and emerging industry trends.

More than 100 people attended, including master’s students, alumni and professionals from the industry, were delighted with the insightful and interactive panel discussion regarding the future of trading and its regulation, moderated by Dr Simone Krummaker, Course Director for the MSc Insurance and Risk Management.

Keynote speaker Michal Katrencik

Our keynote speaker Michal Katrencik opened the conference with a perceptive analysis of bond markets. He very practically explained how bond yields have been affected by changes in inflation rates and GDP rates in emerging markets. The presentation was followed by a round of challenging questions about the impact of climate change on investments and the use of artificial intelligence in daily trading processes.

The attendees were interested in learning about what the speakers referred to as green incentives and brown disincentives such as carbon taxes and the impacts these incentives have on long-term investments in areas such as tech.

With such vision deeply discussed by the panel according to VPs expertise, the audience was able to get a glimpse of what is currently happening in the world of trading and what to expect to happen.

AIR-Q society

As a Co-President of the Cass AIR-Q Society, I always enjoy hosting events such as the Cass AIR-Q Trading Forum. It offers the Cass community a dynamic and rewarding educational experience which bridges the gap between master’s students and high-profile professionals working in the field. Our attendees get the chance to resolve any queries they may have about their career and get the opportunity to learn.

Concerning the use of artificial intelligence and the skills needed to adapt to a changing society, the speakers highlighted the importance on how traders position themselves. It is essential to be able to foresee, accept and adapt to changes. Ravel Jabbour indicated “that is the main difference with automation. Humans have instinct, got feelings and know how to position themselves.”

The event was a great success and our attendees stayed on after the talks to network. It was well accomplished thanks to the disposition and collaboration of the keynote speakers, the support of Cass’ events team, the co-organisation with the Cass Trading Society and the outstanding teamwork of the Co-Presidents of the Cass AIR-Q Society.

I look forward to meeting more students and professionals in our upcoming forums and workshops over the next semester!

Rocio Plasencia Alva, MSc Insurance and Risk Management (2020)