Finance is no longer just about numbers—it’s about how technology, data, and strategy drive market performance. The Columbia MAFN 2025 Future of Portfolio Management Conference brings together the most forward-thinking hedge funds, asset managers, and financial innovators to explore the next evolution of trading and investment strategy development. Tickblaze is not only a sponsor of this critical event but also an active participant in the discussions shaping the industry’s future.
“The firms at Columbia MAFN 2025 demand technology that matches their sophistication,” said Tickblaze CEO Sean Kozak. “Tickblaze provides an edge—whether through precision execution, seamless strategy development, or the ability to scale without limits. We’re here to show hedge funds, portfolio managers, and institutions why Tickblaze is the most powerful and flexible platform for professionals who need complete control over their trading infrastructure.”
Columbia University in New York City, image courtesy of Columbia University/X.com
The Thought Leaders Driving This Event
The Columbia MAFN 2025 Conference is hosted by Alexander Fleiss, CEO of Rebellion Research, a top-tier financial research firm and think tank specializing in AI-driven investment strategies, asset management, and market intelligence. Fleiss’s expertise and leadership have made Rebellion Research a go-to resource for machine learning applications in finance, with academic partnerships across Columbia, NYU, UC Berkeley, and Cornell.
Through Rebellion Research’s extensive collaborations, Columbia MAFN serves as a platform where financial institutions, hedge funds, and technology firms gather to discuss the future of investment strategy development, data-driven decision-making, and AI-powered portfolio solutions.
“Columbia MAFN brings together the brightest minds in finance and technology to push boundaries,” said Tickblaze CTO Jon Gomes. “At Tickblaze, we’re not just keeping up—we’re advancing the future of trading infrastructure. Our platform delivers the speed, depth, and flexibility institutions need to stay ahead. The conversations here reinforce why a technology-first approach to markets isn’t optional—it’s essential.”
Alma Mater the “grand old lady” of Columbia University, image courtesy of Columbia University/X.com
The Columbia MAFN 2025 Conference: A Defining Event in the Industry
Columbia MAFN 2025 gathers top executives, researchers, and market leaders from BlackRock, Citadel Securities, JPMorgan, Bridgewater Associates, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, and Deutsche Bank. These firms and thought leaders from organizations such as Fidelity, XTX Markets, and ARK Invest will discuss how investment strategies evolve with advancements in AI, data science, and risk management.
Christina Qi, the founder of Databento, a company that offers affordable access to historical and real-time market data, is another important participant in the event. Databento’s participation highlights the critical role of accessible, high-quality data in the current financial environment, allowing companies to enhance strategy execution, risk modeling, and market forecasting.
A key highlight of the event is a debate between Two Sigma and Balyasny Asset Management on whether human expertise still plays a role in markets increasingly shaped by automation and data-driven decision-making. Industry professionals from Cantor Fitzgerald, Schonfeld, and Johns Hopkins University will also share insights on how firms are adapting to new forms of data and refining strategy execution in complex market environments.
Columbia University opened in 1754, image courtesy of Columbia University/X.com.
Why Tickblaze’s Presence at Columbia MAFN 2025 Matters
The next generation of trading technology and investment infrastructure is being shaped today, and Tickblaze is at the center of that transformation. This event is not just about understanding where the industry is headed but also about actively engaging in discussions to define its future.
Tickblaze delivers a 2-in-1 platform that seamlessly integrates discretionary and strategy-driven trading. With advanced tools for backtesting, optimization, and portfolio execution, as well as scripting capabilities in C# and Python, Tickblaze empowers hedge funds, institutions, and professional traders with:
- Institutional-grade analytics for data-driven strategy refinement
- High-performance execution technology built for precision and efficiency
- Scalability to accommodate evolving market demands
As firms seek more efficient, adaptable, and scalable technology, Tickblaze meets the needs of institutions, professional traders, and strategy developers who demand greater control, precision, and execution capabilities in today’s competitive markets.
Tickblaze: At the Forefront of Market Innovation
As a proud sponsor of Columbia MAFN 2025, Tickblaze remains committed to advancing trading innovation and financial technology. For attendees, this is an academic exercise and an opportunity to engage with the firms and individuals defining the future of market structure, trading infrastructure, and investment strategy development.
By contributing to conversations led by industry leaders like Alexander Fleiss of Rebellion Research and Christina Qi of Databento, Tickblaze reinforces its role in shaping the next evolution of institutional trading and financial market technology.
