The Future of Investing: Artificial Intelligence in Asset Management

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the investment landscape. From portfolio construction and risk management to research and operational efficiency, AI is transforming how asset managers generate insights and make decisions. Join us for a panel discussion featuring senior leaders at the forefront of applying AI and data science in investment management. Our panelists will share practical insights on how firms are integrating AI into their investment processes, the opportunities and limitations of current technologies, and the skills investment professionals need to remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven industry. The discussion will explore topics such as: • How AI is being used today in asset management • The role of data science in modern investment processes • Opportunities for improving research, portfolio construction, and risk management • Practical challenges firms face when implementing AI solutions • What the future of AI in investing may look like Melanie Zhao, CFA, Vice President Data Strategy & Solutions Team, BlackRock | She leads GenAI enablement and strategy for the firm’s Portfolio Management Group (PMG). In her role, Melanie is responsible for driving institutional adoption of GenAI across investment process, translating rapidly evolving AI capabilities into scalable, governed, and production ready solutions. She partners closely with portfolio managers, researchers, product strategists across all asset classes to integrate GenAI into PMG’s workflows—balancing near term impact with long term architectural strategy. Prior to joining BlackRock, Melanie worked as a Software Engineer and Data Scientist at NCR, where she focused on machine learning, data processing, and cloud native architectures. Melanie holds a B.A. in Computer Science, a B.S. in Biology, and an M.S. in Computer Science from Emory University. She brings a unique blend of technical depth, investment domain knowledge, and platform leadership to advancing GenAI adoption in asset management. Brian Timberlake | Head, investment Process & Data Science, Voya Investment Management | In this role, Brian oversees the investment process, partnering with the CIO and investment teams to refine and elevate investment processes, enhance capabilities, measure the effectiveness of investment components, and optimize alpha generation for clients. Previously at Voya, he was the head of quantitative research where he helped develop an integrated, automated tool for interest rate hedging, created multifactor risk models, and was integral to the design and monitoring of customized client portfolios. Prior to that at Voya, he was a senior quantitative analyst. Brian earned a PhD in chemical engineering and an MS in quantitative and computational finance from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland. He is a CFA® Charterholder. Ben Nye | Chief Investment Officer, Narwhal Capital Management | Ben arrived at Narwhal from a small investment firm in Eugene, Oregon, where he cut his teeth investing in individual stocks, bonds and derivatives. He earned the right to use the CFA designation in 2016, holds his Series 65 license and is a certified Financial Risk Manager. Ben received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Washington and a MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School. In his free time, he plays competitive tennis, mentors for Mentoring for Leadership and is a frequent contributor to The Investing Podcast. Juan Méndez, CFA, Director and Portfolio Manager, Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions (MASS), BlackRock | He is the Americas Lead for MASS Portfolio Management Technology. He is responsible for driving the development of scalable, automated investment workflows and analytics that enhance alpha generation and operational efficiency. Prior to joining MASS, Juan was a Portfolio Manager on the Fundamental Fixed Income team, focusing on U.S. Investment Grade Credit. In this role, he contributed to alpha sourcing through fundamental credit analysis and trade implementation, while also driving the automation of portfolio construction and risk monitoring processes. Earlier in his career at BlackRock, Juan served as a Taxable Fixed Income Product Strategist, specializing in multi-sector strategies for retail clients. Juan began his career at GE Capital as part of the Risk Management Program before moving to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, where he worked as an Investment Analyst within the Trust Investments group. He holds a degree from the University of Puerto Rico and is a CFA Charterholder.