FinTech

OptiRisk Systems specializes in optimization and risk analytics and is renowned for its research and development of models and software systems in these domains. The company has researched and published the Handbook of News Analytics in Finance and the Handbook of Sentiment Analysis in Finance. The third Handbook of Alternative Data for Finance is under preparation. OptiRisk has a track record of successfully delivering tailored applications in finance and logistics.  

OptiRisk started as an optimization ‘shop’ and became a leader in finance. The company is a certified global partner of IBM. In the area of decision-making under uncertainty, its developments of models and software tools for Stochastic Optimization is well acknowledged. Following this, OptiRisk has developed a family of Algebraic Modelling Language (AML) tools, which are specifically designed for modelling, and solving a wide range of stochastic programming and robust optimization problems. These optimization tools constitute the backbone of the company's daily trading signals product, Sentiment Enhanced Signals (SES). This signals product leverages the approach of second-order stochastic dominance (SSD) for asset allocation suitable for all asset classes under all market conditions. SES and SSD are innovative and market-leading products, and have been successfully monetized by OptiRisk's hedge fund and quant fund clients. 

 

Bringing Innovation to Financial Analytics  

Since its inception, OptiRisk's mission has been to deliver novel yet tailored optimization and risk analytics solutions worldwide by exploiting cutting-edge research. The company's vision is to lead the innovation of optimization, risk modelling, and financial analytics solutions. OptiRisk's values motivate it to maintain a culture of research, innovation, co-operation, commitment, and trust. The company has its roots in academia and passionately believes in research and innovation, making it a research and talent hub. OptiRisk has also set forth to excel in applied research focused on the finance domain and monetizing its research knowledge. 

 

An Exemplary Leadership Fostering an Advantageous Edge 

Gautam Mitra is the Founder and Managing Director of OptiRisk Systems. He is an internationally renowned research scientist in the field of operational research, computational optimisation and modelling. Gautam has developed a world-class research group in his area of specialization with researchers from Europe, the UK, the USA, Brazil and India. Besides, he has published five books and over 150 research articles. He is an alumnus as well as a visiting professor of UCL in the department of computer science. 

In 2004, Gautam was awarded the title of ‘distinguished professor’ by Brunel University for his contributions in the domain of computational optimization, risk analytics and modelling. He headed the Mathematics Department (1990-2001) and subsequently founded the Centre for the Analysis of Risk and Optimisation Modelling Application (CARISMA). He is also an emeritus professor at Brunel University. 

At OptiRisk Systems, Gautam directs research and actively pursues the company's development as a leader in the financial analytics domain. He is also the Founder and Chairman of the sister company UNICOM seminars. OptiRisk Systems and UNICOM Seminars have subsidiaries in India. Along with India, both companies are going through a period of organic growth in Southeast Asia as well. 

 

Empowering the Financial Services Landscape 

OptiRisk, in partnership with its sister company and marketing arm UNICOM, organizes workshops and training for the fintech community. The company also regularly sponsors conferences. These events began in 2005 and with over 15 years, their themes have been trend following, capturing the innovations and major developments in the fintech industry. Today, these are considered to be leading events in the finance world, including "Financial Evolution: AI, Machine Learning & Sentiment Analysis" that takes place every year around multiple geographies like the UK, Europe, India, China and Switzerland. This series of events is focused on the BFSI sector, bringing together thought leaders and practitioners in this domain. Further, distinguished speakers from fintech present use cases and latest research results in the area of finance in general along with applications of AI, ML and sentiment analysis. The participants have found this platform extremely helpful for knowledge sharing and valuable networking. 

 

Innovating Through Research and Market Dynamics  

OptiRisk constantly explores market changes and frequently redefines the research agenda. The company strives to stay updated with the ongoing research in finance. It has set up its goal to monetize the knowledge gained from applied research in this field. For this, OptiRisk has invested heavily in the applications of mathematics, statistics, economics, AI & ML and more recently data science, all focused on the finance domain. The company also regularly publishes whitepapers and considers them as the engine of the company's research-driven agenda. 

Further, OptiRisk partners with data providers to research new data. The company is soon going to publish its Handbook of Alternative Data. The knowledge gained during the process of compiling the book will help the company with the expertise and recognition in the trending area of Alternative Data in finance. OptiRisk treats its clients as partners. The company customizes its products based on individual client requirements and has a very high satisfaction rate. 

 

Overcoming Barriers to Stay Ahead in the Game 

According to Gautam, OptiRisk's employee base is diverse. The company has employees from countries like the UK, India, Kazakhstan, China, Italy, Brazil, and others. Though OptiRisk has offices in London and India, it has always encouraged remote work culture. While adapting to this working culture takes time, the company continuously tries new, innovative platforms for team-building and collaboration. Gautam further cites that another major challenge for OptiRisk comes owing to its research-oriented outlook. "Finding investment/funding in the long periods of background research is quite challenging," he said. 

 

Remarkable Recognition and Achievements 

OptiRisk has been awarded BS EN ISO 9001:2015 certification, an internationally recognized standard for the quality administration system of a business. The company has a well-developed HR strategy for involving and empowering its employees. In recognition of this, OptiRisk has also been awarded as the Investor in People Standard (Silver), demonstrating its commitment to realizing the potential of its people. The company's management and staff also showed great commitment to the program that created a substantial impact on Investor in People. 

 

The Future Outlook 

OptiRisk ran a series of ‘On-Line Panels’ after the onset of the pandemic and has realized that there is an emerging landscape of financial markets; its participants and asset classes. The company has witnessed the following trends in the industry:  

  • Data Science and AI are bringing new challenges to the analysts and fund managers. 
  • Mathematical Models of Options and Derivatives were harnessed in the innovation of VIX, the ‘Fear Index’.  
  • The use of VIX at the time of market turmoil, both for investing and hedging, will become imperative.  
  • Political, economic, societal and technological (PEST) issues will determine the directions of global economies, thereby the financial markets.