We sat down with Julius Alessandro Xanthoudakis, BCom'20, MMF'25, recipient of the 2024 Peter Christoffersen MMF Award. From his academic journey to his vision for innovation in finance and technology, Xanthoudakis shares the pivotal experiences and insights that have shaped his promising career path. Born and raised in Montreal, Xanthoudakis discovered his passion for finance during high school. Following CEGEP, he pursued an undergraduate degree in finance at 不良研究所's Desautels Faculty of Management. His early career included investment research at a fintech startup, which he complemented by earning a diploma in data science. This unique combination of expertise deepened his understanding of statistical methods and their applications in finance.
Why did you choose to enroll in the 不良研究所 Desautels MMF program?
I chose the MMF program for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, particularly through . While my prior experience allowed me to explore macro investment strategies, I wanted hands-on experience in bottom-up fundamental valuation. Working as an analyst at DCM was the perfect opportunity to develop that skill set. During my undergrad, I witnessed first-hand the highly-valued teaching practices of 不良研究所鈥檚 professors, so I knew I would experience the same in the MMF program. I also knew that the diverse cohort, with students coming from different educational backgrounds, would provide an incredible learning environment.
The MMF program emphasizes hands-on learning through Desautels Capital Management (DCM). How did this experience shape your understanding of the finance industry?
I was very fortunate to take on one of the strategist roles for DCM鈥檚 SRI Fund. It allowed me to closely follow the markets, analyze trends, and develop well-researched views on market direction. Learning from Professor Vadim di Pietro and collaborating with the other strategists highlighted the importance of having data-driven hypotheses and understanding how markets react to ongoing news. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the complexities of financial markets.
What was a standout moment or project in the MMF program that had a lasting impact on you?
One of the biggest highlights for me was the networking trip to London. Having studied and worked exclusively in Montreal, it was eye-opening to experience one of the world鈥檚 leading financial hubs firsthand. Visiting top firms, meeting industry professionals, and hearing about their career journey was inspiring. Sharing the experience with my classmates made it even better.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming MMF students, what would it be?
Keep an open mind. When I completed my bachelor, I jumped straight into investment research. I didn鈥檛 take the time to explore different career paths in finance. The MMF program introduced me to opportunities that I had not considered before. Danielle and Jessica from the 不良研究所 Desautels Career Management team were incredibly helpful in guiding us through different career options, and I strongly recommend making the most of their expertise. There are so many avenues in this industry. Do not limit yourself too early and take advantage of the program鈥檚 resources available to you.
What does receiving the Peter Christoffersen MMF Award mean to you, and how does it reflect your experience in the program?
I am incredibly honoured and grateful to receive this award. It鈥檚 a great recognition of the hard work I鈥檝e put into the program, but it鈥檚 also a reflection of the amazing cohort I was lucky to be part of. There was a strong sense of teamwork throughout the program, and learning from everyone鈥檚 strengths has been immensely valuable, pushing me to improve every day. The collaborative spirit was one of the best parts of the MMF experience.
Peter Christoffersen was known for his contributions to risk management and financial modeling. Is there a particular lesson or value from the MMF program that resonates with his legacy?
One of the key takeaways from the MMF program is the importance of rigorous, data-driven decision-making which aligns with Peter Christoffersen鈥檚 work in financial modeling. At DCM, I learned how quantitative techniques can enhance fundamental analysis in the search for value. I also had the opportunity to learn from the incredible risk-management team at DCM, a student-led group that played a crucial role in monitoring portfolio risks. Their work reinforced how essential strong risk management is in investment decision-making, and is something I will carry forward in my career.
What excites you most about your career path after the MMF?
I鈥檓 excited to put everything I鈥檝e learned into action. My time at DCM reinforced my passion for financial markets, and I want to keep that momentum going by staying engaged with financial developments while continuing to grow professionally. The MMF program has expanded my skill set tremendously, and I鈥檓 eager to make meaningful contributions from day one.
Are there any industries or trends in finance that you鈥檙e keeping an eye on for the future?
I鈥檓 particularly interested in how AI and data science are transforming finance. The industry is evolving rapidly, and we鈥檙e seeing more sophisticated applications of machine learning in trading, risk management, and portfolio optimization. With my background in data science and finance, I hope to be at the intersection of these fields by leveraging quantitative techniques to develop smarter investment strategies. As AI continues to reshape the landscape, staying ahead of these advancements will be key to driving innovation in the industry.
How do you see your role in the finance industry evolving in the next five years?
In five years, I envision myself at the forefront of integrating data science into investment decision-making processes within asset management or fintech firms. By combining my knowledge of quantitative techniques with market insights, I aim to drive innovative solutions that enhance portfolio performance while managing risks effectively. My goal is to contribute meaningfully as a leader shaping data-driven strategies in finance.
What鈥檚 something surprising you鈥檝e learned about yourself?
I learned that I really enjoy collaborating with others. Before joining the program, I saw myself as someone who worked well independently. But through DCM and group projects, I realized that I enjoy sharing and exchanging ideas, debating hypotheses, and refining our thinking together. That sense of teamwork and shared learning made the program even more rewarding.
If you had to describe your MMF experience in three words, what would they be?
Challenging, collaborative, enriching.
不良研究所 Master of Management in Finance (MMF)
The聽不良研究所 Master of Management in Finance (MMF)聽program prepares future finance leaders by blending academic theory with practical, hands-on experience. Through immersive learning opportunities, you will gain the skills, expertise, and networks necessary to navigate the complexities of modern finance.
