Christopher Messiana
Hedge Fund COO/CFO/Director Of Operations
Darien
Summary
Strategic hedge fund executive with 18+ years of experience across global investment managers. Proven track record in fund launches, operational transformation, and cross-border team leadership. Expert in building scalable infrastructure, optimizing processes, and aligning operations with regulatory and investor expectations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
COO / CFO
Lumenai Investments, LLC
12.2024 - Current
- Launched two Cayman-based Master-Feeder structures for SEC-registered RIA
- Built firm-wide policies and procedures from ground up
- Integrated AI-driven strategies with European research partners
- Led operational due diligence and investor marketing
Hedge Fund Launch Consultant
Independent Consultant
05.2024 - 11.2024
- Advised on fund launches, operational buildouts, and vendor selection
- Drafted fund documentation and negotiated service provider agreements
- Designed scalable middle/back office workflows for domestic and master-feeder structures
- Worked with Compliance teams to create bespoke calendars and alerts designed to meet regulator guidelines
Global Head of Operations / US Site Lead
Airain LLC / G-Research
09.2021 - 03.2024
- Built and led US office for European quant hedge fund
- Oversaw 50K+ daily trades across 40+ markets; managed global ops teams
- Spearheaded automation and STP initiatives using internal and third-party tech
- Member of global leadership team driving institutionalization and scalability
Senior Managing Director, Hedge Fund Ops
Blue River Partners
04.2018 - 09.2021
- Directed outsourced COO/CFO/Middle Office services for 35+ hedge fund clients
- Led onboarding, infrastructure design, and system integrations
- Delivered process improvements focused on automation and STP
Director of Operations & Trading
Quad Capital
02.2016 - 03.2018
- Managed operations, trading systems, execution, and vendor relationships.
- Implemented prime broker integrations and customized trading workflows
- Authored compliance manuals and led TCA coaching for traders
- Managed all counterparty relations (PB, administrator, broker, etc.)
Head of Operations
Marshall Wace North America, L.P.
03.2005 - 01.2015
- Launched and managed US operations for $18.5B European hedge fund
- Oversaw middle office functions for multi-strategy funds
- Led development of proprietary OMS/TMS platforms
- Managed regulatory filings and chaired firm-wide committees
Education
B.B.A. - Finance & Investments
Baruch College
Skills
Data-driven decision making
Hedge fund operations management
Regulatory compliance
Corporate governance
Workforce planning
Organizational development
Cross-functional team coordination
Planning and execution
PRODUCT EXPERTISE
Global Equities, Fixed Income, Derivatives (futures, options, swaps, CFDs), Commodities, FX, Credit
Timeline
COO / CFO
Lumenai Investments, LLC
12.2024 - Current
Hedge Fund Launch Consultant
Independent Consultant
05.2024 - 11.2024
Global Head of Operations / US Site Lead
Airain LLC / G-Research
09.2021 - 03.2024
Senior Managing Director, Hedge Fund Ops
Blue River Partners
04.2018 - 09.2021
Director of Operations & Trading
Quad Capital
02.2016 - 03.2018
Head of Operations
Marshall Wace North America, L.P.
03.2005 - 01.2015
B.B.A. - Finance & Investments
Baruch College
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