The Alternative Data Podcast

In this episode I speak to Mohsen Chitsaz, Portfolio Manager at Eisler Capital, a hedge fund.In our conversation, Mohsen and I discuss uses of news data, satellite data, LLM developments, differences between working on the buyside and sellside, and why physicists make good quants.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Mohsen Chitsaz recorded in October 2025. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Mohsen Chitsaz 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 James Griffiths, General Manager of Flywheel Alternative Data, a provider of e-commerce data.In our conversation, James and I talk about the advantages and challenges of creating an alternative data provider from within a large established corporation, Flywheel’s development through time and changes in the alternative data space overall.Separately, I will be in Hong Kong during the first week of June, so any interesting data providers there please do reach out. Also check out my appearance on the JP Morgan Making Sense podcast if you’re interested in hearing about my role at CFM and more of my views on alt data.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with James Griffiths recorded in May 2025. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of James Griffiths 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 Richard Dudley, Senior Portfolio Manager at Railpen, the fifth largest pension fund in the UK.In our conversation, Richard and I talk about a lot of the unusual realities that come from being part of a ten person team managing £7bn systematically from within a pension fund.Separately, I will be on stage at Neudata in London this week, and look forward to seeing many familiar faces there.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Richard Dudley recorded in March 2025. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Richard Dudley 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 Mark Thompson who works in Primary Research for NBIM, the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund with $1.7tn under management.In our conversation, Mark and I discuss many of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing such a large amount of money, and the ways that the relatively lean team at NBIM ingest and use alternative data.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Mark Thompson recorded in January 2025. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Mark Thompson 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.

This is the first ever live recorded episode, which took place at Neudata’s Winter Summit in New York on December 5th.For the panel, I was fortunate to share the stage with Matei Zatreanu of System 2, Tjeerd van Cappelle of aiLiftoff, Alexander Izydorczyk of CyberSyn and Kelly Kosciuszka of Schulte, Roth & Zabel, as we embarked on an attempt to predict the Future of Alternative Data in five years time.In our conversation we covered topics like innovation in datasets, the impact of LLMs, the new US administration’s regulatory plans, consolidation in the space, the structure of hedge funds, and more.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with recorded in at the Neudata Winter Summit Event in December 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the event panelists 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 Tom Liu, founder of ChinaScope and invaluable guide to the Chinese market.In our conversation, Tom and I discuss his data offering and the development of China’s attitudes towards data, as well as the buyers and sellers of alternative data in China today.In other news, I will be moderating the New Provider Showcase at Battlefin London on November 21st. If you are a new data provider and would like to enter, please do get in touch with me.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Tom Liu recorded in November 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Tom Liu 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 Tim Baker, a familiar face in the community with a long and storied history in various data and markets roles.In our conversation of two halves, Tim and I start by discussing a court case in which Tim is taking a deep interest, around the fate of the CUSIP identifier. We then discuss Tim’s recent coup in which he swooped to buy the assets of the IEX Cloud platform from his former employer, we discuss what he now plans to do with it. DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Tim Baker recorded in September 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Tim Baker 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.