Tower Research Capital’s Chief Investment Officer, John Cogman, recently joined a distinguished lineup of speakers at Columbia University’s 2025 Future of Portfolio Management & Artificial Intelligence Conference held on March 20, 2025. Hosted by the university’s Mathematics of Finance (MAFN) Master’s program, the event convened leading portfolio managers and university professors to explore the evolving role of AI and machine learning in financial markets. Designed for students specializing in mathematical finance, the conference served as a bridge between academic theory and real-world financial applications.
John opened the event in a fireside chat with Christina Qi, CEO of Databento & Founder of Domeyard LP. Their conversation focused on whether AI, ML and other tech advancements are helping the incumbent players establish larger moats or whether they are presenting opportunities for newer players to establish themselves. John noted that the rapid pace of innovation requires even seasoned professionals to be alert to newer entrants who have built their businesses using an AI-native approach.
The discussion also touched on career paths in quantitative trading. John shared insights into how individual career goals can influence whether a candidate chooses an established firm or a start-up fund. He highlighted how Tower provides the best of both worlds—25+ years as a leading quantitative trading firm combined with a pod-based structure that enables entrepreneurial trading teams to thrive. John also encouraged entry-level recruits to bring their energy and enthusiasm to future employers and remember that established methods can often benefit from fresh perspectives.
At Tower, we’re proud to support initiatives that inspire the next generation of financial innovators. We believe in the importance of STEM education and value opportunities to mentor and connect with future mathematicians and financial professionals. Events such as these are essential for fostering collaboration between academic institutions like Columbia and the financial services industry, preparing students for long and successful careers.
About Columbia’s MAFN Program
The Department of Mathematics at Columbia University offers a Master of Arts program in Mathematics, with a specialization in the Mathematics of Finance (MAFN). Co-sponsored by the Department of Statistics, the MFAN program draws on the University’s strengths in mathematics, statistics, stochastic processes, numerical methods, and financial applications.