As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the financial industry, the University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School is strengthening its focus on quantitative finance and machine learning by adding an internationally recognized expert and scholar.
Petter Kolm, who spent nearly two decades leading the financial mathematics program at New York University’s Courant Institute, is joining Miami Herbert this summer to help build and expand its strengths at the intersection of finance, data and machine learning. He previously worked in the Quantitative Strategies Group at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and has twice been named Quant of the Year for his contributions to the field. His influential research spans quantitative trading, portfolio management, financial machine learning, market microstructure and risk management.
For Kolm, the move reflects both a personal and professional shift.
“Life is about experiences,” he said. “This opportunity at Miami gives me a chance to take on exciting challenges and grow in a new environment.”
Kolm said Miami Herbert stood out for its forward-looking vision, particularly its emphasis on integrating machine learning into business education and its commitment to expanding quantitative expertise.
“Being able to build something new, lay the foundational bricks for quantitative finance, is super exciting,” he said.
That focus comes at a critical time. Advances in artificial intelligence and data processing are rapidly transforming how financial markets operate, from trading strategies to risk management.
“Machine learning is a powerful tool for analyzing large data sets, detecting patterns and supporting financial decision-making,” Kolm said. “What we are seeing now is the broad availability of tools that make this accessible to far more people.”
As those tools become more powerful, Kolm said the role of finance professionals is also evolving. Technical knowledge alone is no longer enough; students must also be adaptable and able to think critically about how to apply emerging technologies.
“The most important skill is the ability to adapt to rapid technological change,” he said.
Kolm emphasized that foundational skills in areas such as mathematics, data analysis and communication remain essential, even as AI tools become more advanced.
“Just because a tool can give you an answer, it does not mean you understand it,” he said. “You need that foundation to be able to evaluate and apply it effectively.”
At Miami Herbert, Kolm plans to focus not only on teaching technical concepts but also on inspiring students to explore how those tools can solve real-world problems.
“My goal is not only to teach technical tools, but also to help students develop the judgment and curiosity to keep learning as the field evolves,” he said.
His appointment also aligns with the business school’s broader strategic vision to expand innovation, strengthen academic programs and continue its rise among the nation’s leading business schools.
Looking ahead, Kolm believes the pace of change will only accelerate.
“We are just seeing the tip of the iceberg,” he said.
For students preparing to enter the field, one thing is clear: long-term success will depend on the ability to keep learning and adapting.
