Defensive Equity, Flex Options, and the Future of Quant at PGIM

About this episode

The episode discusses managing quant strategies at PGIM and the impact of options-based ETFs and AI on investing.

In this new episode of The Derivative, host Jeff Malec talks with PGIM Quantitative Solutions’ Devang Gambhirwala and Lorne Johnson about managing over $100 billion in quant and multi-asset strategies inside a $1.5 trillion asset manager. They break down the boom in options-based ETFs, from covered calls and defensive equity to buffered and defined-outcome strategies powered by flex options, plus what today’s volatility and rate environment mean for investors. The trio also tackles the impact of AI, fiscal imbalances, and even gold’s renewed role in portfolios. SEND IT! Chapters: 00:00-00:46= Intro 00:47-07:25 = From Newark to Quant: Devang & Lorne’s Paths to PGIM and the Rise of a $100B Quant Group 07:26-17:06 = Inside PGIM QSG: Trillion‑Dollar Roots, Quant Investing 101, and the Rise of AI-Driven Models 17:07-28:30 = Options Boom: Democratized ETFs, Flex Options, and the New Era of Defensive Equity 28:31-42:38 = Defined Outcomes, Tail Hedges, and Building Portfolios for an Uncertain Macro World 42:39-56:24 = AI, Gold, and the Future of Risk: PGIM’s Take on What Comes Next for Markets and Jobs Follow along with Devang Gambhirwala and Lorne Johnson on LinkedIn and be sure to…

People in this episode

Host: Jeff Malec

Guests: Devang Gambhirwala, Lorne Johnson

Topics covered

• Defensive Equity
• Flex Options
• Quantitative Strategies
• Options-based ETFs
• AI in Investing
• Market Volatility

Keywords

• quant investing
• options boom
• ETFs
• AI
• portfolio management
• market volatility
• flex options

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PGIM Quantitative Solutions, PGIM, RCM Alternatives

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