Pedram Parhizkari, CAIA, Chapter Executive

Pedram is the co-founder and co-CEO of Beurzbyte. Beurzbyte is a London-based fintech company focused on financial literacy and investment intelligence for retail investors. Previously, Pedram worked at Clermont Group, a multi-billion-dollar private fund, where he managed portfolios across special situations, distressed, quant strategies, and private equity. His expertise also spans into investment banking where he previously worked for Financial Technology Partners, advising fintech companies and banks on M&A transactions, capital raising, and IPOs.

Governance of AI & ML in Financial Services

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), including generative techniques, are revolutionizing the financial services sector. While they present incredible opportunities, they also come with inherent risks. Aaron Johnson, Federal Housing Finance Agency Senior Examiner guided financial professionals through essential risk management principles tailored for AI/ML applications. Dr. Kathryn Wilkens moderated as we touched upon pertinent regulatory guidelines from both the US and Europe.

Kadmiel Onodje, CAIA

Since starting my career in investments, I have been drawn by investments outside of the traditional realm. Given my background in engineering, I have also always been drawn by complexity and more importantly by deconstructing complex ideas/structures. This inclination, in addition to constant intellectual curiosity and an innate passion for global dynamics, naturally led me to pursue the CAIA.

Gabriele Quargnali, CAIA, Chapter Executive, Zurich

Gabriele works as an Investment Manager at AQUIS Capital, covering hedge fund solutions and managing two global multi-strategy fund of hedge funds portfolios, being a member of the investment committee. He joined AQUIS Capital in May 2021 as an Investment Analyst focusing on hedge fund research. Prior to this experience, he worked as an ESG Project Analyst at Vontobel Asset Management, after starting his career in the Global Asset and Wealth Management Research Department at PwC Luxembourg.

Luca Michienzi, CAIA, CFA, Chapter Executive, Zurich

As an account manager, Luca supports the relationship management and business development efforts for Wellington Management’s clients and prospects in Switzerland’s wealth management channel. His responsibilities include assisting clients with long-term investment strategy and resolving day-to-day client issues, as well as regularly participating in meetings with clients to discuss new investment- and business-related issues. He is located in our Zurich office.

Deborah Eggler, CAIA, Chapter Executive, Zurich

Deborah is a Senior Vice President and part of the Client Solutions team EMEA at iCapital. She is focusing on building partnerships with Wealth Managers across EMEA, with a focus on the DACH and Middle Eastern regions. Prior to joining the firm, Deborah has been part of StepStone’s Private Debt Business Development team for the Swiss market. Prior to joining StepStone, she was with Lombard Odier Private Banking on the Strategic Business Development team. Before that, she was a client associate for Private Markets investments at Neuberger Berman (Switzerland) GmbH and Credit Suisse AG.