The Company

smn is a private, independent financial services company headquartered in Vienna, Austria. The company is licensed as an Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) by the Austrian Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Founded in 1996 by Alexander Svoboda, Christian Mayer, and Michael Neubauer, smn provides client-focused innovative financial solutions, either packaged in fund structures or offered through product or advisory concepts.

The company specializes in Managed Futures and serves as the exclusive distribution partner for the products of the Geneva-based private bank, Union Bancaire Privée, in Austria. All products managed by smn utilize a fully systematic investment process, where all investment decisions are based on objective, quantitative criteria, devoid of human discretion. This principle is upheld throughout all stages of the investment process.

Significant investments in the company’s funds by the founding partners, managers, and employees ensure alignment of interests between investors and the company. Client orientation and the highest standards of transparency towards our investors are integral to our corporate culture.

Christian Mayer

Christian Mayer is a co-founder of SMN and is responsible for all activities in Operations, Sales, and Business Development. He began his career in finance in 1989 at Girozentrale (Bank der österr. Sparkassen AG) as a member of the securities department, catering to international institutional investors for Austrian and Eastern European equities and derivatives.

In 1996, Christian Mayer, Alexander Svoboda, and Michael Neubauer co-founded SMN. Alexander Svoboda left the partnership in 2015.

Mag. Joseph Waldstein, CFA, FRM

Since 2021, Joseph Waldstein has served as Managing Director for Quantitative Research and Risk Management. He began his career in the alternative investment sector as a hedge fund analyst at HVB Alternatives. His subsequent positions included roles as a hedge fund analyst and fund manager for fund-of-hedge-funds at HVB AI in New York and BAWAG AI in Vienna. In 2007, he assumed the role of Senior Global Market Analyst at smn, and in 2014, he was promoted to Deputy Head of Quantitative Research and granted power of attorney for the company. He holds the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and FRM (Financial Risk Manager) designations.

Mag. Michael Neubauer

Michael Neubauer is a co-founder of SMN and is responsible for Quant Research & Development, Portfolio Management, and Finance. He began his finance career in 1989 at Girozentrale (Bank der österr. Sparkassen AG) as a member of the Equities and Derivatives Trading Department. In 1991, he joined Erste Bank as an Equity Trader and Market Maker for stocks and options. Michael Neubauer holds a degree in Business Administration from the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

smn's sustainability strategy aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), smn is committed to adhering to ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
For further details about our approach to these topics, we refer to our two documents: (a) smn Information according to Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 ("ESG Disclosure") and (b) smn ESG Whitepaper, both available on our website. As a UNPRI signatory, smn also publishes ongoing reports (starting 2020), which can be accessed on the UNPRI website at www.unpri.org (keyword "Transparency Reports").

Our partners, Union Bancaire Privée and SEB, also integrate sustainability into their asset management products. More information can be found at the following link: www.ubp.com/de/nachhaltigkeit-umsetzen.