From Academia to Alpha

In this special episode of FinTech Focus TV, recorded live from Quant Strats US, co-host Oli Knight sits down with a powerhouse panel of thought leaders in the quantitative finance world. The guests — Michael Hayes, Executive Director at MSCI Inc., Samir Shah, Managing Member, CEO & CIO at MBS Mantra, Revant Nayar, CIO at FMI Technologies, Ilya Voytov, SVP at Lazard Asset Management, and Amrita Tiwari, Investment Analytics at New York Life Investment Management— bring unique perspectives on the evolution of quant roles, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the challenge of bridging academic theory with practical, alpha-generating strategies.

In a discussion that ranges from recruitment challenges to first-principles thinking, the panel outlines what the future looks like for both the quantitative finance jobs market and for innovation within the space. If you're hiring, building a team, or looking to enter the industry, this episode offers direct, actionable insight into where the field is heading — and what kind of mindset will succeed.

Transitioning from Academia into Quant Roles

One of the key themes from the discussion is the journey many professionals take from academia into quantitative finance jobs. Michael Hayes reflects on his own transition, noting that in earlier days, the industry was populated by individuals from physics, engineering, and mathematics backgrounds. With few formal programs in quantitative finance at the time, firms recruited based on raw analytical ability.

Today, the hiring landscape has evolved — but that transition from academic rigor to financial practicality remains central to many careers. Samir Shah points out that much of the traditional economic and financial system still operates under apprenticeship models, where thinking differently is often discouraged. He emphasizes the value of coming into the space with a fresh perspective and a commitment to thinking from first principles — a mindset that’s particularly valuable in an industry that can become too reliant on past models and patterns.

Thinking from First Principles: Why It Matters

Thinking from first principles means approaching a problem by breaking it down to its most basic truths and building solutions from the ground up. Samir shares how this has defined his own career across asset classes, including fixed income, MBS, and now equities. Instead of inheriting flawed models, he approaches each investment with a clean slate — and this is precisely the kind of thinking that makes a quant successful.

Revant Nayar expands on this by highlighting the dangers of conformity within academic training. New PhD graduates are often trained to make incremental progress based on existing literature, which doesn't always translate well into the fast-moving world of quant investing. For teams building out their strategies, having individuals who are bold, independent thinkers is essential.

That mindset isn’t easy to find — but it’s something firms must prioritize when tackling quantitative finance recruitment. It's not just about hiring people who can solve problems, but those who seek out new problems, challenge assumptions, and can handle failure. As Ilya Voytov notes, “Eight out of ten projects fail” — a stark reminder that resilience and adaptability are critical attributes in any successful quant.

Hiring for Impact in Quantitative Finance

When it comes to building a team in this space, many hiring managers face a familiar problem: too many qualified candidates on paper, too few with the right mindset.

Michael Hayes discusses this reality candidly. For junior roles, it’s not uncommon to receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications — most of which reflect strong technical proficiency. But only a small subset of those candidates show the motivation and soft skills necessary for long-term success. This is a recurring challenge across quantitative finance staffing, and one that continues to frustrate even the most experienced hiring teams.

The real differentiators? Candidates who are motivated by impact, who want to solve real-world problems, and who can eventually evolve into business-savvy communicators. These are the individuals who can navigate complexity, present ideas to stakeholders, and influence strategy. And in a highly competitive hiring environment — particularly in hubs like New York — these skills separate the good from the great.

For companies working with quantitive staffing in New York, understanding how to identify and attract this kind of talent is crucial. It’s not just about matching résumés to job specs. It’s about identifying potential, curiosity, and drive — traits that are often hard to assess but are vital to long-term success.

AI, Alpha, and the Changing Tools of the Trade

Another major theme from the discussion is the growing role of artificial intelligence in quant investing. As Amrita Tiwari notes, AI is no longer just a buzzword — it has arrived in full force. Whether it's used in data acquisition, modeling, or strategy execution, AI is reshaping how firms approach both risk and opportunity.

Michael Hayes shares insights from his own work around the correlation between equity and credit markets, and how liquidity gaps are eroding thanks to improvements in electronic trading. These changes, accelerated by AI-driven tools, are unlocking new avenues for alpha generation.

Still, with all this innovation, the panelists stress the importance of fundamentals. AI is powerful, but it’s only as good as the questions being asked and the hypotheses being tested. That’s why strong quant teams still rely on rigorous thinking, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to challenge norms — all of which ties back into effective quantitative finance recruitment.

Culture, Collaboration, and Mentorship

The importance of culture and mentorship was another powerful takeaway. Amrita emphasizes the need for both men and women to take an active role in supporting junior talent, especially in environments that can be heavily male-dominated. A simple “How’s your day going?” can open the door to more meaningful mentorship and support.

Ilya also shares his experience working at Lazard, where the ability to move across teams and collaborate cross-functionally has been key to his professional development. Unlike siloed environments at some firms, Lazard’s structure allows for more fluidity and knowledge sharing — something that benefits both individuals and the broader organization.

This kind of open, connected culture is becoming a competitive advantage in FinTech staffing, where retaining top talent is just as important as hiring it. In a field where innovation thrives on cross-pollination and shared learning, fostering strong internal communities makes a measurable difference.

Unlearning and Relearning for Real-World Impact

Another major point discussed is the need for PhDs and academically trained individuals to “unlearn” some of what they’ve been taught. Revant explains how most academic training revolves around equilibrium models and structured frameworks — tools that are often poorly suited to the chaotic, non-stationary realities of financial markets.

Whether it's shedding reliance on specific mathematical models or rethinking how to approach uncertainty, the best quants are those who can relearn quickly and apply abstract knowledge in practical, sometimes messy environments. That’s why the first six to twelve months in a quant role can be so transformative — they’re often spent dismantling old assumptions and building new instincts.

For hiring managers and firms navigating quantitive finance staffing, this highlights the importance of long-term onboarding and development. It's not enough to hire a high-potential candidate — firms must invest in the support, flexibility, and cultural integration required to unlock that potential.

The Value of Events Like Quant Strats US

Throughout the conversation, it’s clear that events like Quant Strats US play an invaluable role in connecting talent, sharing ideas, and exploring the challenges shaping the industry. Whether it's new trends in AI, evolving approaches to multi-asset class investing, or the intricacies of quantitative finance jobs, these gatherings offer a chance to step back and see the bigger picture.

Oli Knight reflects on the value of being on-site, meeting people face-to-face, and digging into real conversations. For companies involved in FinTech staffing or quantitative finance recruitment, it’s also a powerful reminder of the importance of staying visible, engaged, and ahead of the curve.

From a recruitment standpoint, participating in these events can enhance employer branding, provide direct access to top-tier candidates, and surface new trends that will shape future hiring strategies.

Building a More Inclusive, Resilient Quant Workforce

As the episode wraps up, one final message rings clear: the quant world is changing. Whether you’re leading a team, launching a new strategy, or stepping into your first role, success in today’s market requires more than just technical skills.

It requires the ability to think independently, challenge conventions, collaborate openly, and communicate clearly. It requires firms to look beyond résumés and see the full picture of what a candidate can bring. And it requires the industry as a whole to keep evolving — not just in how it invests, but in how it builds its people.

For firms and professionals focused on quantitive staffing in New York, or anywhere with competitive talent markets, the stakes are high — but so is the opportunity. The future of quant is being written by those who dare to think differently, act boldly, and build intentionally.

Final Thoughts

This episode of FinTech Focus TV offers more than just a snapshot of the industry — it’s a masterclass in what it takes to thrive in quantitative finance today. From academic transitions to the rise of AI, from mentorship to mindset, the conversation is filled with practical insight and honest reflection.

For those involved in quantitative finance recruitment, whether as hiring managers, recruiters, or candidates, the takeaways are clear: hire for mindset, think long-term, and create environments where bold ideas can take root.

For those navigating the market for quantitative finance jobs, the message is just as clear — the future belongs to those who can learn fast, communicate well, and think from first principles.

At Harrington Starr, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this evolving landscape. As a leading specialist in quantitive finance staffing, FinTech staffing, and quantitive staffing in New York, we understand the real challenges firms face when it comes to identifying and hiring exceptional talent. Our deep market expertise, global network, and commitment to long-term relationships set us apart — helping both companies and candidates thrive in this fast-moving sector.

Whether you're building teams, searching for your next opportunity, or simply passionate about the future of finance, this episode is a must-watch — and a reminder of why the quant space remains one of the most dynamic corners of the financial world.