Improving Alpha: Innovation in Investing, ESG and Technology

Improving Alpha: Scott Chan on ‘Gearing Up’ a Collaborative Model to Mitigate Risks and Generate Returns

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Last year, we were honored to have Chris Ailman as a guest on the Improving Alpha podcast. Fast forward 12 months, and lightning has struck twice for the Improving Alpha team, as we welcome Scott Chan, the current CIO of CalSTRS, to the guest chair. 

As the second-largest pension fund in the United States and the premier teacher’s retirement fund globally, CalSTRS manages over $340 billion in assets. Handling a portfolio of this magnitude requires a sophisticated asset allocation strategy that seamlessly integrates cost-saving initiatives, maximizes returns, and enhances risk management on a grand scale. To date, Scott’s innovative strategies have resulted in an impressive $1.6 billion in cost savings.

Tune in to the newest episode of the Improving Alpha podcast and discover the insights Scott reveals on:

  • how he approaches the ‘reverse pyramid’ structure of his professional career, what he’s inherited from Chris’s tenure at CalSTRS, and the strategic allocation priorities he’s set for the future.
  • navigating the trending opinions on private credit and fixed income, and how it impacts the team’s total portfolio approach.
  • the CalSTRS collaboration model, and how the model is assisting the team to do more sophisticated transactions to boost alpha, including co-investments and joint ventures.
  • ESG and his 3-pronged approach to net zero. 
  • his perspective on investment technology and its power to amplify CalSTRS’ vast reservoirs of data and insights, guiding strategic allocation choices.
  • the current state of interest rates and inflation and whether this period is our new normal or should we expect a ‘reset’ to occur soon.
  • investing red flags and the concept of diversity of thought and risk management.
  • and more.

    • Resources:

    • Improving Alpha: Christopher Ailman, CalSTRS on Catching the Big Waves in Institutional Investing

      • Connect with Scott Chan:

      • CalSTRS
      • LinkedIn: Scott Chan, CFA

        • Connect with Michael Oliver Weinberg: 

        • Michael Oliver Weinberg
        • Vidrio

          • The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Vidrio Financial, and/or our host, Michael Oliver Weinberg. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

          The release date may not correspond to the recording date.

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          Improving Alpha: Innovation in Investing, ESG and TechnologyBy Michael Oliver Weinberg