Risk management and diversification is the clear focus of the upcoming Pinnacle Awards in Chicago, which highlights the best and brightest risk managers in an industry all about risk mitigation.

One of the industry's leading researchers, Kathryn Kaminski, presents a fascinating look at Volatility cycles in managed futures. An MIT PhD who coined the phrase "crisis alpha" to describe managed futures strategies, Kathryn worked with Professor Andrew Lo as part of the MIT Laboratory for Financial Engineering and as a lead researcher for RPM, the Stockholm-based alternative asset management firms.

In addition to the Pinnacle Awards kicking off the Managed Fund's Association (MFA) annual Chicago event, the FIA's International Derivatives Expo is set to take place in the middle of Europe - just as sovereign debt derivatives throughout the Eurozone could take center stage.

Perspectives, opinions, subjective industry talk.

Congratulations to Alpha Metrix’s Jason Leffakis, promoted to Managing Director, Hedge Fund Sales.

MF Global has been a tough road for the futures and options industry.

Cantor Fitzgerald's John Trammell takes a realistic look at deflation, government budgetary concerns and points out areas where family offices are considering a hedging strategy.

In a deflationary environment focus on investments not dependent on rising asset prices, but rather investments independent of economic strength might rule the day.

Five little discussed aspects of protecting ones margin deposit from becoming victim of the next MF Global are revealed.

The focus is on an emerging manager with an eye towards risk and volatility management.

Is the Federal Reserve signaling its discontent with potential bailouts of large banks with a EU debt crisis on the horizon? The real story: MF Global investigation finally begins. CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler's relationship with Jon Corzine. The curious case of the CFTC Whistleblower.

Mathematical Modeling for Quantitative Trading Strategies

Connections Made, Industry Issues Discussed

Proposals to Enhance Investor Protections Come from Regulators