Pierre Richert, Agrica CFO – mutual company dedicated to the agriculture sector – still does not invest in quant funds. He considers necessary to enhance transparency, performance attribution and especially regulation for this kind of funds.

Next Finance: You are not invested in quant funds, why ? Would you change your mind?

Peter Richert: No, we do not hold such funds in our portfolios because our investment style is quite traditional. Besides, for the moment, it is not part of our priorities.

What are the expected benefits for this kind of funds? What are their constraints?

The benefits are likely to be found in tactical allocation structuring. Regarding constraints, it is clear that the use of such funds would mark a change in the current practice of tactical allocation, in particular in terms of reporting for example.

What quant strategies could spark your interest?

All quant strategies aiming to deliver absolute returns, regardless of market evolution, are attractive for an investor.

In your opinion, what are the changes to be made for this style of fund management?

In my view, it is important to enhance transparency, performance attribution and especially regulation for this kind of funds.

The french quant market seems pretty deserted.

Pierre Richert, Agrica CFO

Do you have a preference for funds with a long track record? If so, what about the startup asset management firms?

It is clear that fund managers must have a minimum track record so as to have to demonstrate their ability to cope with different market cycles.

What is your view regarding quantitative asset management in France?

In the past, some big names like BAREP (a subsidiary of Société Générale) have managed to take their game. However, after a stand-off period, the french market seems pretty deserted.