Marouane Anane, a Portfolio Manager within Point72’s Cubist business, joined us to talk about his journey from a small island in Tunisia to leading a global systematic equities portfolio, the curiosity that underpins his work, and how diving and travel help him recharge.

Tell us about your role at Point72.

I’m a Portfolio Manager within Cubist, focused on systematic equity strategies. My team manages a globally diversified portfolio across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., using quantitative models to forecast stock movements and construct portfolios.

Our work balances two core areas. One is ensuring our models and systems are operating as expected. The other and larger area of focus is research—developing new strategies, exploring new datasets, and continuously adapting our models as markets evolve. What worked in the past may not work today, so curiosity and creativity are essential.

How long have you been with the firm?

I joined Point72 about a year and a half ago. Prior to that, I spent several years at ExodusPoint and about a decade at BNP Paribas. Altogether, I’ve been working in quantitative trading for nearly 15 years.

What is your academic background, and how did you get into quantitative trading?

I grew up in Tunisia on a small island called Djerba. I’ve loved mathematics for as long as I can remember—problem-solving, brain teasers, anything analytical. In high school, I was selected for Tunisia’s national mathematics team and competed internationally, including the International Mathematical Olympiad and the African Mathematics Olympiad, where I won a gold medal. That experience helped me secure a scholarship to study in France.

There, I completed an engineering degree in mathematics, followed by a master’s and a PhD. During my studies, I became increasingly interested in applying mathematical theory to real-world problems. That led me to an internship at BNP Paribas, where I worked on predictive models and began my transition from academia into quantitative finance.

You’re now based in Dubai. What led to that move?

I spent many years in France building my career, and when I joined Point72, my team continued to operate across Paris, London, and Hong Kong. Relocating to Dubai made sense both professionally and personally. It offers strong financial infrastructure while also providing an outdoor-oriented lifestyle that’s been a great fit for my family. We’ve been here for over a year now, and it’s worked very well for us.

What’s the most important career advice you’ve received?

One of the most important lessons I took from my PhD was the value of understanding your own limitations.  In our field, it’s risky to assume you have all the answers. Markets are complex, and models are approximations. Being comfortable saying “I don’t know” keeps you curious, humble, and open to learning—qualities that have helped me throughout my career.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a Portfolio Manager one day?

You need both a strong technical foundation and the right mindset.

From an academic perspective, focus on mathematics, statistics, and analytical thinking. Be rigorous in how you learn and approach problems. From a personal standpoint, stay humble and hungry to learn. Seek feedback, ask questions, and remember that continuous learning is essential in this field.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Diving and spearfishing have been passions of mine since childhood. Being in the water is both challenging and calming—it’s a completely different environment that helps me disconnect.

I also love traveling with my family and exposing my daughter to different cultures. Experiencing the diversity of places around the world leaves a lasting impression and broadens perspective, which I think is valuable both personally and professionally.