Man GLG Expands Machine Learning Operations

Stockholm (HedgeNordic) Man Group has expanded its machine learning operations to its subsidiary Man GLG, the discretionary hedge fund with $28.8 billion in AUM. As previously reported by HedgeNordic, Man AHL launched the Oxford-Man Institute, a machine-learning centre last year together with Oxford University designed to share and leverage machine techniques and data analytics.

In addition, Man GLG has created a new position to oversee the development of its machine learning capacities, which will also incorporate news, social media analysis, breaking market news and the visualization of complex data. William Ferreira, who worked as Technology Manager for Man AHL and Chief Technology Officer for Man Systematic Strategies from 2011 to 2014, will fill the role of “head of machine learning”. Ferreira has also been an executive director at JP Morgan, having previously held roles at Merrill Lynch, GSA and CQS.

“I am excited about the opportunity to build Man GLG’s machine learning capabilities, developing tools to support the firm’s portfolio managers as they run high-conviction active portfolios,” Mr Ferreira said.

Further developing Man GLG’s machine learning capabilities will provide the company’s portfolio managers with tools and techniques to support their analysis and decision-making processes.

“We believe that machine learning techniques present an opportunity for discretionary investment managers, providing them with analytical tools to complement, and further enhance, their decision making processes,” said Teun Johnston, CEO of Man GLG. “We are continually seeking to develop our offering for our clients and, as the amount of data available continues to expand, these techniques can supplement existing rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis. William will work closely with Man GLG’s portfolio managers, as well as leveraging Man Group’s existing machine learning expertise, and I am delighted to welcome him to the firm.”

“We see many opportunities to utilise machine learning across diverse data sets available to the discretionary investment business. Man GLG has a collaborative culture, supported by the sharing of ideas and expertise, and I look forward to working closely alongside the investment teams, supported by Man Group’s existing machine learning capabilities,” Mr Ferreira added.

The development comes on the heels of Man GLG’s launch of a global long-short fund, Man GLG Innovation Equity Alternative. The new fund, managed by Priya Kodeeswaran, is available in UCITS format and focuses on opportunities in companies and sectors undergoing change.

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