FinFest Preshow: Matt Leibowitz

Before founding Stake with Dan Silver in 2017, Matt Leibowitz was a trader and senior partner at high frequency trading firm Optiver. It was there, while heading up the Index Trading team in the Chicago office, that Matt gained a love for the U.S. markets.

What’s your day to day like in your role?

It’s pretty varied day to day for me. I’ve got to be across what’s happening and moving in the actual financial markets; constantly looking at the customer needs and where we can be better in product and processes; providing clarity to a growing team; managing any corporate items that always seem to pop up; and all while trying to maintain some semblance of a normal and healthy existence outside of work with family and friends… So really it’s a combination of covering all those things each day. The percentage I spend on each area is what is different day to day!

What was your very first investment?

I can’t quite remember my very first investment, but I think it was an ASX mining stock in the late 90s while at uni. I don’t think it ended that well. But I’m still at it, and still in love with the markets, investing and learning. 

What would you tell your younger investing self (other than stock picks)?

I don’t think it would have mattered what I could tell my younger self. I don’t think I listened to anyone older than me when I was a teenager… Maybe I’d try to tell young Matt to listen and soak up the wisdom and experience of others.

Can you sum up your personal investing style?

My investing style is pretty simple: I look for asymmetry in the pay-off. Lowish risk, high upside investments. In the listed space, this means growing fundamentals matched with a strong technical setup (I won’t buy a downtrend, for example). When investing in an early stage business or startup, I just back the founder that’s a winner. Winners find a way to win. It’s that simple.

Name a stock you’re watching right now and why.

I don’t give tips, but I will explain my rationale for an investment I’m in… So come chat with me at FinFest.

What will you talk about at FinFest?

I’m not sure what they have me yapping about. I’m truly surprised (and somewhat honoured) that someone wants to hear me talk.

Hear Matt speak at the Stake Main Stage, 11:30 am.

FinFest will be held at The Cutaway, Barangaroo, Sydney, on Saturday 15 October 2022. Tickets are selling fast.

This does not constitute financial advice nor a recommendation to invest in certain stocks. As always, do your own research before manking any investment decisions.