After a period of downturn, Jaffray Woodriff and his firm, Quantitative Investment Management (QIM), are making strategic changes to reclaim their past financial successes.
Quantitative Investment Management, founded by Jaffray Woodriff, is positioning itself to regain footing in the financial world. The firm, which once managed assets worth $5 billion, saw a reduction in assets due to underperformance over the last decade. Recently, however, there’s a shift in its strategy as it returns to the forefront to seek growth and new investment opportunities.
Woodriff, together with co-founders Mike Geismar and Greyson Williams, remains optimistic about the firm’s future. They have restructured their approach to research, thereby allowing Woodriff to concentrate on innovation and idea generation. This shift has been crucial in addressing past challenges faced by the firm, paving the way for potential growth up to $4 billion.
QIM stands out due to its systematic trading across various financial instruments such as equities, indices, and futures, offering no correlation to traditional stock or bond markets. This unique approach has garnered renewed interest, especially with the firm showing strong returns from its programs, including a remarkable 34% increase in its aggressive offering this year through October.
The firm has also strengthened its team by hiring experts such as Chris Lankford, who has injected new energy and efficiency into the research team. His contributions, alongside those of Seth Oldham and Greg Tylka, have bolstered the firm’s capabilities, providing a robust structure that supports Woodriff’s innovative focus.
Jaffray Woodriff’s longstanding dedication to his work, evident since his college days at the University of Virginia, continues to drive QIM. Despite considering the family-office route during tough times, he emphasizes the value of their research, which has remained promising even through downturns. Their investment in Voloridge, a quant manager led by David Vogel, also highlights their strategic vision and adaptability in diverse market conditions.
Woodriff’s passion extends beyond finance, involving significant contributions to education and sports. Yet, his core enthusiasm remains anchored in investment management, reaffirming his commitment to QIM’s resurgence.
As Jaffray Woodriff and QIM navigate a complex financial landscape, their renewed focus on innovation, team expansion, and strategic investments reflects a steadfast commitment to success.
Source: Businessinsider
