Feng Ji, founder and CEO of Baiont, a leading quantitative (quant) fund in China, emphasizes the transformative influence artificial intelligence (AI) is having on quantitative trading. Ji believes that quant trading should be approached primarily through the lens of AI and computer science rather than traditional finance. This is reflected in Baiont’s team composition, which mainly consists of young computer scientists without conventional financial backgrounds. Established just four years ago, Baiont has rapidly become a disruptor in China’s quant sector by innovatively leveraging AI. The firm employs an all-encompassing AI-driven model that covers every stage of the trading process—from factor identification and signal generation to strategy formulation—all rooted in a single foundational AI model. This methodology streamlines operations and boosts both efficiency and effectiveness. Currently managing close to $970 million in assets, Baiont operates with a relatively lean team of 30 employees. Notably, two-thirds of the staff are dedicated exclusively to algorithm research, underscoring the company’s commitment to enhancing its AI capabilities and quantitative methods. Ji confidently predicts that quant trading firms that fail to incorporate AI technologies within the next three years will find it difficult to compete and likely face market exit, highlighting the rapid pace at which AI is revolutionizing the financial services industry, particularly quantitative trading. Baiont’s trading strategy centers on short-term, high-frequency trading and relies solely on trading data rather than traditional fundamental financial data.

This enables the firm to capitalize on real-time market information and AI-enhanced analytics to generate signals and execute trades with remarkable speed and agility. Beyond the technical and operational aspects, Ji describes quant trading as an ideal fusion of cutting-edge technology and steady, reliable revenue streams. This distinctive combination has attracted top AI talent, fueling Baiont’s ongoing innovation and growth. Looking forward, Baiont aims to expand its global presence and scale operations internationally. In addition to its core quant trading business, the company plans to branch into broader computing ventures. Ji regards the achievements at Baiont not merely as ends in themselves but as foundational steps toward developing a wider range of technological innovations capable of impacting multiple industries. In summary, Baiont’s trajectory highlights the profound changes AI is bringing to quant trading, marking a shift from traditional financial expertise toward a technology-first model. Feng Ji and his team are leading this transition, proving that the future of quant trading depends on integrating advanced AI and computer science techniques to deliver smarter, faster, and more effective trading solutions. Their model is setting new benchmarks in China’s financial markets and holds significant potential for global influence as these technologies evolve.