Quantitative Finance

Alex Chen

// Mathematician · Developer · Researcher

Building rigorous mathematical models at the intersection of finance, statistics, and machine learning. Focused on alpha generation, risk management, and market microstructure.

Strategy Performance — YTD
+24.7%
↑ vs. benchmark +11.3%
2.14
-7.2%
58.4%

// career_stats.json

0
Models Deployed
0yrs
Experience
$0B+
AUM Impacted
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Publications
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Languages

About

I'm a quantitative researcher and developer with deep expertise in statistical arbitrage, derivatives pricing, and systematic trading. My work sits at the convergence of rigorous mathematics and production-grade software engineering.

I believe the best alpha comes from original research — not recycled factor models. My approach emphasizes first-principles thinking, robust backtesting methodology, and careful attention to transaction costs and market impact.

Outside of markets, I contribute to open-source quantitative finance tools and occasionally write about topics like microstructure, regime detection, and the mathematics of risk.

// core_competencies

Python / NumPy / pandas
Statistical Modeling
C++ / Low Latency
ML / Deep Learning
Stochastic Calculus
Risk Management

Research & Projects

01 // STRATEGY

Cross-Sectional Momentum with Regime Filtering

A systematic equity strategy conditioning standard cross-sectional momentum on HMM-identified market regimes, reducing drawdowns 40% vs. naive momentum.

PythonHMMBacktesting
02 // PRICING

Neural SDE for Implied Volatility Surface

Calibrated a neural stochastic differential equation to SPX option data, achieving superior smile interpolation over classic parametric models like SVI.

PyTorchSDEOptions
03 // MICROSTRUCTURE

Optimal Execution via Reinforcement Learning

Trained a PPO agent to minimize market impact during large order execution, outperforming TWAP and VWAP across various liquidity conditions.

RLMarket ImpactC++
04 // RISK

Tail Risk Estimation with Extreme Value Theory

Applied GPD-based EVT to model portfolio tail losses beyond VaR, providing more reliable stress testing under fat-tailed return distributions.

EVTVaRR
05 // MACRO

Yield Curve Dynamics via Functional PCA

Decomposed term structure movements into orthogonal factors using FPCA, revealing stable level/slope/curvature drivers and predictive macro signals.

PCAFixed IncomeJulia
06 // TOOLS

QuantKit — Open Source Backtesting Engine

A vectorized backtesting library with realistic slippage modeling, event-driven simulation, and portfolio-level risk attribution. 600+ GitHub stars.

Open SourcePythonFinance

Experience

2023 — Present

Quantitative Researcher

// Meridian Capital Management

Research and deployment of systematic equity and derivatives strategies. Developed signal generation pipeline processing 50TB+ of alternative data. Improved Sharpe ratio of flagship fund by 0.4 through regime-aware position sizing.

2021 — 2023

Quantitative Analyst — Derivatives

// Vega Partners LLC

Built volatility surface calibration and exotic option pricing models. Reduced model risk P&L by 18% through improved SVI and SABR parameterizations. Implemented real-time Greeks computation system in C++.

Summer 2020

Research Intern

// Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Researched intraday liquidity dynamics in the Treasury market using TRACE data. Findings contributed to an internal working paper on market fragility during stress periods.

Education

M.S. Financial Mathematics

// University of Chicago

Thesis: "Optimal Portfolio Construction Under Estimation Risk via Shrinkage Priors." GPA 3.97. Teaching assistant for Stochastic Calculus and Numerical Methods.

B.S. Mathematics & Statistics

// Carnegie Mellon University

Double major with honors. Relevant coursework: real analysis, measure theory, time series analysis, econometrics, numerical linear algebra.

CFA Level III — Passed

// CFA Institute

Comprehensive training in portfolio management, derivatives, fixed income, and equity valuation frameworks.

FRM — Certified

// GARP

Financial Risk Manager certification covering market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, and operational risk frameworks.

Contact

Interested in discussing research opportunities, quantitative finance problems, or potential collaborations? I'm always open to thoughtful conversations.

contact.py
$ python contact.py
Loading profile...
name = "Alex Chen"
role = "Quant Researcher"
location = "New York, NY"
status = "open_to_opportunities"
 
$ send_message()
→ Awaiting input