Scientific Beta

Scientific Beta's European conference concluded in Paris on 25 March, 2026. The two-day event brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest research on machine learning, international diversification, market concentration, factor diversification, commodities, ESG and Climate investing.

Scientific Beta's flagship conference concluded in Paris on 25 March, 2026. The two-day event brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest research across a range of topics through plenary sessions, roundtables and case studies.

Highlights included sessions addressing the challenges of international diversification in such a concentrated market, the use of machine learning in factor investing and also how to improve risk forecasts with machine learning; the design of factor strategies to manage absolute and benchmark-relative risks and the role of sustainability data in enhancing portfolio performance.

Further sessions explored how to harvest commodity factor premia through improved multi-asset diversification; optimal allocation between US and non-US equities to restore the benefits of international diversification and how to address controversial weapons in equity portfolios.

Case studies examined how investors can build robust, evidence-based sustainability metrics and how to design climate indices that reduce exposure to assets with high transition risks while capturing emerging opportunities. We also demonstrated the benefits of Scientific Beta’s 130/30 single-factor indices and how they can be used to enhance equity portfolios.

In addition, we had the pleasure of welcoming two sessions, hosted respectively by iEdge on thematic indices, and by SGX on its futures product suite.

The event also featured two roundtable discussions with investment professionals. The first focused on overcoming the challenges posed by black box AI algorithms and included Maxime Ricomes, Allocation & Selection Director at Mercer, a Marsh business; and Robinson Rouchie, Chief Investment Officer for Systematic and Quantitative Investments at BNP Paribas Asset Management.

On the second day, the roundtable addressed US dominance in international equity benchmarks and featured Michael Ashworth, Head of Investments (Public Markets) at Greater Manchester Pension Fund; Olivier Rousseau, Consultant and former Co-CEO of FRR (Fonds de Réserve pour les Retraites); and Corrado Tiralongo, Chief Investment Officer at Canada Life Investment Management.

A huge thanks to all our speakers, panellists and participants for making this two-day event a success!