We believe that there is great value in building customized tools for traders because
no two traders think the same way about analyzing pricing models, P&L, risk, and
position management.
The most successful hedge funds invest money in building proprietary systems for
their traders because without such customization, they would be using tools that are no different than
someone using an off-the-shelf vendor product. Customized tools yield returns by helping traders manage information flow better, react faster to market
conditions, and hedge their risk more effectively.
We have worked with clients in building such proprietary tools, helping them
make money and analyze their portfolio characteristics more effectively. In some
cases we have written complete desktop applications and in others we have transformed
a spreadsheet mess into an organized, structured, Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2008 database-driven solution, leveraging Microsoft Excel as an appropriate front-end.
Examples of trading analytics that we have developed for our clients:
- Convertible bond blotter with analysis of option sensitivities (gamma, delta, vega,
theta), position delta, dollar neutral pricing, live theoretical model invocation,
calculation of implied volatility and implied OAS; comparative analysis of carry,
breakeven, premium, and other relevant measures
- Equity option delta hedging model with real-time pricing, inputs for delta steps,
and interfaces to facilitate order execution of buy/sell rebalancing
- Equity option screening tool to find candidates for spread strategies
- Delta hedging model for foreign index options
- Trading system for FX options
- Many spreadsheet-based models using Bloomberg™ API and data, integrated with internal
systems