About Us

COFOUNDER

Before founding Fractal Investments, Michael Farrell was the Head of Barings’ U.S. Public Equities Strategies. He was responsible for managing the firm’s Master Limited Partnership, Global Natural Resources, Special Situation and other strategies. He was also the lead manager in the firm’s Blend and Balanced Asset Allocation funds as well as the Disciplined Growth and Disciplined Value funds. Michael has worked in the industry since 1987 and his experience has encompassed econometrics, economic analysis, quantitative modeling, registered fund management, the creation of structured equity products and long/short hedge funds. He was recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 mutual fund managers by Barron's in 2007 and 2006. Prior to joining the Barings in 2000, he worked as an economist and portfolio manager at Aeltus Investment Management. Michael holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, an M.B.A. from Fordham University, and has served as an adjunct professor of Finance at the University of Connecticut.

COFOUNDER

Before founding Fractal Investments, Chris Cao was a managing director and portfolio manager at Barings LLC. He was responsible for managing the Enhanced Core, Enhanced Core Growth, Enhanced Core Value, and Asset Momentum strategies. Chris has worked in the investment industry since 1998 and his experience has encompassed portfolio management, equity research, trade execution, and long/short equity funds. Prior to joining Barings in 2001, he served as a senior analyst at INVESCO, where he was responsible for the development of data-driven investment strategies and risk management capabilities. Before INVESCO, he worked as an analyst at Aeltus Investment Management, where he focused on building analytical models for active stock selection. Chris holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Michigan and published several research papers in top mathematical journals. Chris is a CFA® charterholder.