Tarun Bhatia : Empowering Cutting-Edge Financial Management With AI
Tarun Bhatia
CEO
However, using traditional methods to keep track of investments spread across various portfolios, the nonstop flow of news, and analyzing diverse data sources becomes overwhelming and stressful even to a well-experienced pro - fessional.
As a skilled asset manager plays a crucial role in overseeing investments for individuals, institutions, and funds, analyzing market trends, assessing risks, and making strategic decisions to optimize returns while ensuring regulatory compliance, having access to cutting-edge AI-powered finance models is the key to streamlining these complex processes.
Tarun Bhatia, CEO of QFINTEC, is piloting a mission to provide solutions to all the above challenges with products that leverage AI, ML, and data science to enhance portfolio construction, enabling asset managers worldwide to optimize fund performance with innovative trading strategies.
Tarun has extensive expertise in quantitative research and machine learning applied to trading and portfolio optimization.
He leads QFINTEC, delivering high-impact model portfolios and customized AI solutions tailored for institutional performance enhancement and diversi -fication.
Tarun envisions empowering clients with cutting-edge analytics, predictive signals, and customized investment strategies that align with their unique visions.
He holds an M.S. in Computer Science (Machine Learning) from the prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology. Tarun is with us for an exclusive interview, where in he talks about his journey, mission and future.
Could you tell me about the inception story of QFINTEC?
QFINTEC was founded from an unusual mix of personal struggle and a professional realization. As an algorithmic trader and machine learning expert, I spent years managing complex portfolios, first for myself, then for institutions.
Despite my experience and access to top-tier tools, it increasingly became difficult to keep track of investments spread across brokerages, process the nonstop flow of news, and analyze diverse data sources.
Even for professionals, investing felt overwhelming and stressful. This made me think about everyday investors. I saw my friends, family, and colleagues, ambitious and intelligent people, struggle with uncertainty, lacking the time and tools to invest confidently. The gap between institutional-grade technology and what individuals could access was clear. That’s when QFINTEC was born to fill the gap.
QFINTEC is more than a platform, it’s a mission to make smart investing accessible and empowering. Today, our brand stands as a trusted financial guide, who is intelligent, approachable, and empowering. We use AI to deliver clear, actionable insights, break down complexity into plain language and put control back in the hands of investors so that anyone can invest smarter.
What key lessons did you learn at Georgia Tech that helped you with your venture, and what is your most memorable experience there?
At Georgia Tech, I sharpened essential skills, such as building the confidence to solve complex problems, staying calm under tight deadlines, and applying first-principles thinking to minimize bias. Having direct access to world-class faculty, including Nobel laureates and pioneers in large language models and their openness and encouragement through office hours created a rich environment for deep learning.
I especially benefited from Professor Thad Starner’s engaging flipped-classroom approach, which promoted active participation, and from working closely with Dr Tucker Balch, both a professor and Managing Director at JP Morgan, who offered valuable insights at the intersection of academia and industry.
A defining moment came during a financial prediction research project where each team member tackled the same problem using different methods. Assigned the hardest approach, my professor told me, “You’ll probably fail, and that’s okay”. Embracing the challenge, I worked relentlessly and succeeded. I learned the value of persistence and bold problem solving.
How do you perceive technology intervention in financial consulting and support services?
Customer service should be fast, responsive, and instantly accessible. Traditionally, support through call centers is limited by human avail ability and responsiveness. AI solves this by enabling 24/7 support through virtual assistants and chatbots, significantly reducing wait times and operational costs. These tools can handle large volumes of queries in realtime. Banks now use chatbots to assist with tasks like password resets, card blocking, balance checks, and issuing check books or new cards.
Additionally, AI can analyze customer behavior and preferences to deliver personalized support and targeted loan offers. With multilingual and voice support capabilities, AI can engage a broader customer base. Sentiment analysis tools further enhance service by interpreting customer feedback and messages helping improve satisfaction. This improved service experience ultimately drives greater customer loyalty and increased business per- fomance. In financial consul- ting AI and data analytics are transforming how advisors assess risk, identify investment opportunities, and tailor financial strategies.
Robo-advisors use algorithms to provide portfolio recommen - dations based on individual goals and risk tolerance, making advisory services more accessible. Consultants now use machine learning models to analyze market trends, macroeconomic indicators, and client behavior to deliver more informed, forward-looking advice. These tools reduce bias, enhance precision, and allow consultants to spend more time on strategic guidance rather than manual analysis.
What does the technology intervention mean for the future of finance, and how will it revolutionize risk management?
Digital technology has revolutionized the financial sector in many ways. A key transformation has been the widespread use of mobile internet banking and UPI, which have extended financial access to even the most remote regions, enabling unprecedented levels of financial inclusion and bringing essential services to under banked populations.
With QR codes and contactless payments now widely preferred, India has even surpassed many developed countries in digital financial adoption. Cloud computing has enhanced efficiency while reducing costs, and AI and machine learning have automated back-office
I especially benefited from Professor Thad Starner’s engaging flipped-classroom approach, which promoted active participation, and from working closely with Dr Tucker Balch, both a professor and Managing Director at JP Morgan, who offered valuable insights at the intersection of academia and industry.
I Believe People Are An Organization’s Greatest Asset And I Lead With Empathy, Integrity, And Respect
A defining moment came during a financial prediction research project where each team member tackled the same problem using different methods. Assigned the hardest approach, my professor told me, “You’ll probably fail, and that’s okay”. Embracing the challenge, I worked relentlessly and succeeded. I learned the value of persistence and bold problem solving.
How do you perceive technology intervention in financial consulting and support services?
Customer service should be fast, responsive, and instantly accessible. Traditionally, support through call centers is limited by human avail ability and responsiveness. AI solves this by enabling 24/7 support through virtual assistants and chatbots, significantly reducing wait times and operational costs. These tools can handle large volumes of queries in realtime. Banks now use chatbots to assist with tasks like password resets, card blocking, balance checks, and issuing check books or new cards.
Additionally, AI can analyze customer behavior and preferences to deliver personalized support and targeted loan offers. With multilingual and voice support capabilities, AI can engage a broader customer base. Sentiment analysis tools further enhance service by interpreting customer feedback and messages helping improve satisfaction. This improved service experience ultimately drives greater customer loyalty and increased business per- fomance. In financial consul- ting AI and data analytics are transforming how advisors assess risk, identify investment opportunities, and tailor financial strategies.
Robo-advisors use algorithms to provide portfolio recommen - dations based on individual goals and risk tolerance, making advisory services more accessible. Consultants now use machine learning models to analyze market trends, macroeconomic indicators, and client behavior to deliver more informed, forward-looking advice. These tools reduce bias, enhance precision, and allow consultants to spend more time on strategic guidance rather than manual analysis.
What does the technology intervention mean for the future of finance, and how will it revolutionize risk management?
Digital technology has revolutionized the financial sector in many ways. A key transformation has been the widespread use of mobile internet banking and UPI, which have extended financial access to even the most remote regions, enabling unprecedented levels of financial inclusion and bringing essential services to under banked populations.
With QR codes and contactless payments now widely preferred, India has even surpassed many developed countries in digital financial adoption. Cloud computing has enhanced efficiency while reducing costs, and AI and machine learning have automated back-office
operations, cutting manual effort and improving turnaround times. Data analytics has enabled the creation of personalized financial products and tailored investment portfolios, enhancing customer experiences.
Decentralized finance(DeFi) is emerging as a strong alternative to traditional systems, while big data and predictive analytics offer valuable customer insights, driving business growth and improving risk management. Security has also advanced, with biometric authentication, en - cryption, and behavioral analytics ensuring safe and compliant transactions.
In risk management, AI plays a crucial role by using predictive analytics to forecast potential issues and accelerate decision-making without human bias. Machine learning models can identify anomalies, prevent fraud, and improve portfolio, market, and operational risk oversight. These tools continue to evolve, making finance smarter and more secure.
Could you describe your leadership style?
I believe people are an organization’s greatest asset. I lead with empathy, integrity, and respect. Our work environment is highly collaborative and non-hierarchical, where everyone is encouraged to communicate openly and support one another. Team members can freely reach out for help, share their opinions, and contribute to decision-making.
When making important decisions, we encourage a balanced evaluation by discussing the pros and cons, followed by all- hands meetings where every viewpoint is considered. To ensure everyone is well- prepared, we allocate time before the meeting for team members to review any materials, such as memos or briefs.
While helping others may not always be part of one’s formal responsibilities, we actively foster a culture of mutual support. This approach not only drives organizational progress but also creates a positive environment where young professionals feel empowered to learn, grow, and take initiative.
What are your thoughts on incorporating Gen Z into the workplace?
I believe Gen Z brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the workplace. They are highly connected, tech-savvy, and unafraid to embrace new AI tools and technologies. While they may not have as much experience as older generations, their openness to experi - mentation and eagerness to learn set them apart.
This willingness to explore new ideas and adapt quickly is incredibly valuable in today’s fast-evolving, AI-driven world. Gen Z contributes with innovative thinking and a forward looking mind set, making them an essential part of any organization aiming to stay relevant and grow in this rapidly changing environment.
Tarun Bhatia, CEO, QFINTEC
With over a decade of experi - ence in software development, AI and ML, Tarun leads QFINTEC as CEO. His mission is to empower clients with cutting-edge analytics, predictive signals, and customized investment strategies that align with their vision. He holds an M.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Hobbies: Reading, exploring new investment strategies, martial arts, and traveling.
Favorite Travel Destination: Switzerland
Favorite Cuisine: Indian and Mediterranean.
Awards and Recognition:
Featured in the top 10 most downloaded scientific research paper list by SSRN for Investment Journal.
Recognized as an academic mentor for MIT's data science and machine learning program.
Promoted as the youngest Vice President of Quant and AI Research at Neuravest.
Decentralized finance(DeFi) is emerging as a strong alternative to traditional systems, while big data and predictive analytics offer valuable customer insights, driving business growth and improving risk management. Security has also advanced, with biometric authentication, en - cryption, and behavioral analytics ensuring safe and compliant transactions.
In risk management, AI plays a crucial role by using predictive analytics to forecast potential issues and accelerate decision-making without human bias. Machine learning models can identify anomalies, prevent fraud, and improve portfolio, market, and operational risk oversight. These tools continue to evolve, making finance smarter and more secure.
Could you describe your leadership style?
I believe people are an organization’s greatest asset. I lead with empathy, integrity, and respect. Our work environment is highly collaborative and non-hierarchical, where everyone is encouraged to communicate openly and support one another. Team members can freely reach out for help, share their opinions, and contribute to decision-making.
When making important decisions, we encourage a balanced evaluation by discussing the pros and cons, followed by all- hands meetings where every viewpoint is considered. To ensure everyone is well- prepared, we allocate time before the meeting for team members to review any materials, such as memos or briefs.
While helping others may not always be part of one’s formal responsibilities, we actively foster a culture of mutual support. This approach not only drives organizational progress but also creates a positive environment where young professionals feel empowered to learn, grow, and take initiative.
What are your thoughts on incorporating Gen Z into the workplace?
I believe Gen Z brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the workplace. They are highly connected, tech-savvy, and unafraid to embrace new AI tools and technologies. While they may not have as much experience as older generations, their openness to experi - mentation and eagerness to learn set them apart.
This willingness to explore new ideas and adapt quickly is incredibly valuable in today’s fast-evolving, AI-driven world. Gen Z contributes with innovative thinking and a forward looking mind set, making them an essential part of any organization aiming to stay relevant and grow in this rapidly changing environment.
Tarun Bhatia, CEO, QFINTEC
With over a decade of experi - ence in software development, AI and ML, Tarun leads QFINTEC as CEO. His mission is to empower clients with cutting-edge analytics, predictive signals, and customized investment strategies that align with their vision. He holds an M.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Hobbies: Reading, exploring new investment strategies, martial arts, and traveling.
Favorite Travel Destination: Switzerland
Favorite Cuisine: Indian and Mediterranean.
Awards and Recognition:
Featured in the top 10 most downloaded scientific research paper list by SSRN for Investment Journal.
Recognized as an academic mentor for MIT's data science and machine learning program.
Promoted as the youngest Vice President of Quant and AI Research at Neuravest.