The Nico Smuts Episode

About this episode

Mark Fleming-Williams interviews Nico Smuts about his career in data science and the evolution of alternative data.

In this episode I speak to Nico Smuts, a senior data scientist formerly of Citadel now on gardening leave. In our conversation, Nico and I discuss his evolution from a long-short investor in South Africa to a Citadel senior data scientist in London, via an interesting project at Imperial University using Telegram data to find alpha on crypto. We also discuss the impact of AI on hiring and organizations and how the alternative data space has evolved. DISCLAIMER This podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Nico Smuts recorded in May 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Nico Smuts 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…

People in this episode

Host: Mark Fleming-Williams

Guest: Nico Smuts

Topics covered

• data science
• alternative data
• AI impact
• investment strategies
• crypto analysis

Keywords

• data scientist
• Citadel
• Telegram data
• alpha
• AI
• hiring
• alternative data

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Citadel, Imperial University

Places: South Africa, London

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