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Michael Vaknin
Investing in public & private capital markets
Professional Background
Michael Vaknin is a distinguished investment leader who brings an impressive two decades of buy/sell side experience to the financial sector. Renowned for his expertise in global macroeconomic trends, asset allocation, and thematic investments, Michael has built a career that underscored the importance of thorough research and innovative thinking. These principles not only guide his strategic decisions but also foster deep engagement with clients, ensuring they derive maximum value from their investments.
During his tenure at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Michael held several pivotal roles, including the head of investment research & strategy and chairman of the firmwide investment committee. His leadership in these roles allowed him to shape the investment strategies for a vast array of clients, guiding them through a complex financial landscape with confidence and expertise. Prior to this, Michael made significant contributions at Goldman Sachs as a senior market strategist, where he focused on developing and implementing cross-asset global macro strategies, further polishing his analytical skills and market insights in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Achievements
Michael Vaknin's academic foundation is as robust as his professional career. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics and Finance from Columbia University, where he also completed his M.A. in Economics and Finance. Prior to these advanced degrees, he earned a B.A. in Economics and Computer Science from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His education not only provided him with a solid grounding in the principles of economics but also equipped him with quantitative skills that have proven invaluable in his investment strategies.
In addition to his academic pursuits, he also contributed to the academic community as a lecturer on International Finance and Monetary Economics while at Columbia University. Here, he played a pivotal role in mentoring students and shaping future thinkers in economics. He further enhanced his research credentials working as a research assistant alongside notable figures such as former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, Richard Clarida, and Nobel Laureates like Joseph Stiglitz, which further refined his analytical abilities and broadened his perspective on economic policy.
Current Endeavors
In his current capacity, Michael advises ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families globally on asset allocation and thematic investments. His ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends in areas such as software as a service (SaaS), climate technology, life sciences, and infrastructure technology has enabled him to deploy nearly $100 million successfully. Michael’s proactive approach to investment—characterized by deep research and a focus on original thinking—ensures that his clients are well-positioned in today’s dynamic market.
Michael's true passion lies in empowering underserved communities through education. He actively supports the ISEF Foundation as a board member, where he champions education initiatives aimed at providing opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds. This commitment to social responsibility is a testament to his belief that education is a powerful tool for social change and economic mobility.
Notable Roles and Contributions
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael has held a series of influential roles:
- Global Macro and Venture Strategist at Inertis: Michael contributed significantly to crafting investment strategies with a focus on macroeconomic trends impacting various sectors.
- Board Member at ASTERRA: His strategic insights have helped guide the direction of this innovative organization.
- Chairman of Brokerage Committee at J.P. Morgan Private Bank: In this capacity, he was instrumental in overseeing brokerage strategies and ensuring that the bank remained at the forefront of market trends.
- Investment Committee Co-Chairman at J.P. Morgan Private Bank: Here, he collaborated with other leaders to formulate overarching investment strategies that aligned with clients' goals and market dynamics.
- Chief Economist and Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank: His extensive experience in economic research and analysis provided valuable insights that informed the bank's investment strategies.
- Senior Economist and Executive Director at Goldman Sachs: Michael honed his ability to interpret global economic conditions and advise on investment opportunities.
- Emerging Markets Strategist at Goldman Sachs: Focused on identifying and analyzing market movements in growth economies, Michael played a key role in shaping the firm's emerging markets strategy.
- Research Fellow at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem: Contributed valuable insights that helped further academic discourse in economics.
Conclusion
Michael Vaknin stands out not only for his exceptional investment acumen and extensive experience in the financial sector but also for his commitment to fostering educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. His impressive qualifications and deep dedication to client success make him a sought-after advisor in the realm of high-net-worth investment management. Michael’s dedication to leveraging research for actionable insights ensures that he remains at the leading edge of the evolving financial landscape, continuing to drive remarkable results for his clients while also giving back to society through education initiatives.
tags':['investment leader','global macro','asset allocation','thematic investments','investment research','J.P. Morgan','Goldman Sachs','economics','Columbia University','education initiatives','UHNW families','climate tech','SaaS investments','life sciences investments','infrastructure technology'],
questions
How did Michael Vaknin develop his expertise in global macro and asset allocation strategies?
What strategies does Michael use to empower underserved students through education?
What insights has Michael gained from his experience at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs that inform his current investment advice?
How does Michael Vaknin identify emerging trends in thematic investments for UHNW families?
What role does research play in Michael Vaknin's investment strategy?
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