Paradigm Asset Management Celebrates 34 Years of Innovation and Excellence Under the Leadership of James E. Francis
Paradigm Asset Management Co. LLC, formerly Beal Investment Company, is proud to celebrate 34 years of pioneering work in the investment management industry. Founded by James E. Francis and Bernard Beal in 1990, Paradigm has evolved from a visionary concept to an industry leader, renowned for its innovative data-driven investment strategies and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
A Journey of Innovation
It all began in the early 90s when Beal Investment Company became one of the first minority-owned asset management firms as well as the first pure Big Data firms in the industry. These groundbreaking achievements set the stage for decades of innovation, including being the first minority firm to manage money for the Federal Government when it won a mandate to manage money for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
“We started with a bold vision and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of data,” recalls James E. Francis, Founder, President, and CEO. “From day one, our mission was to leverage technology and data to create new paradigms in investment management, and we have stayed true to that mission.”
In 1995, James E. Francis led a management buyout with the assistance of AMG, which the Paradigm team eventually bought out, solidifying their independence and commitment to innovative leadership.
Achievements and Innovations
Paradigm’s journey is marked by numerous accolades and milestones. The firm has consistently delivered reliable performance for its clients, serving 65 of the 100 largest pension funds in the country. Paradigm’s proprietary Active Market Data (AMD) stands as a testament to their commitment to data excellence, providing a sophisticated database loaded with tools like CuSUM, SIA (Style Intersection Analysis), Slicer, and the generative technology D-Minor.
“We have always believed in the power of Collective Intelligence,” explains Gregory Pai, Partner and Managing Director. “Our approach combines human expertise with cutting-edge technology to create investment strategies that are not only data-driven but also highly personalized. This synergy allows us to provide our clients with unparalleled insights and truly customized solutions.”
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion have been at the core of Paradigm’s ethos. As one of the nation’s oldest certified WMBE asset managers, Paradigm is fully committed to racial, gender, LGBTQ, disability, and ethnic diversity. This commitment has not only enriched the company’s culture but also enhanced its performance and client service.
“Our strength lies in our diversity,” says Francis. “By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can create more robust and innovative investment strategies. This is not just a moral imperative but a business imperative.”
Leadership and Team
The leadership at Paradigm, including James E. Francis, Gregory Pai, Jeffrey Marcus, Jarius DeWalt, and Odalisse Sosa, has been instrumental in driving the company’s success. Their combined expertise in technology, finance, and asset management has fostered a culture of excellence and innovation.
Clientele and Market Reach
Paradigm’s clientele is as diverse as its investment strategies. Over the past three decades, the firm has served a wide range of institutional investors, including General Motors, American Express, and Prudential. Paradigm’s ability to rapidly customize product solutions for clients with specific mandates, including ESG and other restrictive criteria, has set it apart in the industry.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Paradigm continues to innovate with its groundbreaking custom on-demand investment strategies, empowering clients to design and manage their own portfolios. This new service represents a monumental leap forward in personalized asset management, fueled by extensive data investments and pioneering work in Collective Intelligence.
“Our vision for the future is clear,” states Francis. “We will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in investment management, leveraging technology and data to create new opportunities for our clients and stakeholders.”
A recent case study exemplifies Paradigm’s ability to deliver tailored and high-performing investment solutions. When approached by a large institutional consultant with a specific mandate, Paradigm created and funded a World Value strategy within three weeks, outperforming its benchmark by 3% over the last 12 months. This success showcases the power and effectiveness of Paradigm’s Collective Intelligence framework.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, James E. Francis adds, “Collective Intelligence is more than just a buzzword for us. It’s a philosophy that underscores our belief that the amalgamation of human insights, data, and technology can achieve more than any one of these elements alone. By leveraging the best of human and machine capabilities, we are redefining what it means to invest in today’s complex and rapidly evolving market landscape.”
Gregory Pai concurs, “Our commitment to innovation and ethical integrity is unwavering. We are proud of our achievements and excited about the future as we continue to set new standards in the industry.”
For more information, please contact: Paradigm Asset Management Co. LLC
