The explosion of new alternative datasets emerging every day adds an exciting yet daunting spin for the capital markets industry. The challenges of assessing alt data — such as the wide range of data and types available, lack of historical analysis and alignment of data sourcing — can make it time-consuming and difficult to ingest and take action.

Our esteemed panel of industry experts weighed the opportunities and risks associated with alternative data for options and equities traders as well as quantitative analysts and portfolio managers.

The panelists included:

• Catherine Clay (moderator) Vice President, Global Head of Information Solutions, Cboe
• Michael Izhaky CEO, FT Options
• Henry Schwartz President, TradeAlert
• Barry L. Star CEO, Wall Street Horizon
• Robin Mess CEO, big xyt