Current Role and Institutional Affiliations
Michael McDonald is currently a professor of finance at DePaul University in Chicago, where he teaches courses on financial modeling, valuation, and emerging technology in capital markets. He also serves as a quantitative finance researcher and consultant, advising institutional investors on AI-driven portfolio construction and risk management Forbes.
He continues to publish research on the intersection of artificial intelligence, asset pricing, and market microstructure, with recent work focusing on large language models and their impact on trading workflows and investment decision-making.
Recent Projects, Publications, and Public Commentary
McDonald has released updated editions of his finance textbooks and authored articles on topics such as generative AI in asset management, ESG integration, and quantitative equity strategies. His commentary appears in major financial outlets, where he explains current market dynamics, valuation frameworks, and the role of data-driven models in modern portfolios.
He frequently contributes to discussions on AI regulation, financial technology adoption, and the future of investment research, often citing specific regulatory filings and market data to support his analysis.
Ongoing Focus Areas and Industry Engagement
His current focus areas include AI-powered alpha generation, alternative data usage, and the practical implementation of machine learning tools in portfolio construction and risk control. He also advises fintech startups and institutional asset managers on model validation and ethical AI deployment.
McDonald remains active in industry conferences and academic collaborations, sharing frameworks for evaluating AI-driven investment strategies and discussing real-world case studies from companies like Tesla and SpaceX SEC EDGAR.
