Mr. Karl Lewis | Network Finance Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Karl Lewis , Bank of Valletta , Malta

Karl Lewis, born on January 16, 1999, in Malta, is a quantitative business analyst with a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Statistics & Operations Research from the University of Malta. He currently works at Bank of Valletta plc, where he develops quantitative models and ensures model governance. His previous experience includes roles as a mathematician at Green Jade Games, a data analyst at Curmi & Partners, and customer service positions at Paddy Power Betfair and Ta’ Marija Restaurant. Proficient in programming languages such as R, Python, MATLAB, and SQL, Karl also has strong communication and team-working skills. Beyond his professional endeavors, he has a keen interest in music, holding a piano and music theory diploma, and enjoys photography and football.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

🎓Education:

Karl Lewis pursued his education at the University of Malta from 2017 to 2022, where he earned a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Statistics & Operations Research. His coursework included Probability Theory, Stochastic Processes, Bayesian Statistics, Financial Mathematics, Risk Modelling, Linear Algebra, and Graph Theory. He completed his thesis on “Optimizing Financial Trading Strategies using Dynamic Bayesian Networks.” Prior to university, Karl attended St Aloysius College – Sixth Form from 2015 to 2017, studying Maths and Physics at the advanced level and English, Geography, Computing, and Systems of Knowledge at the intermediate level. His secondary education was also at St Aloysius College from 2010 to 2015, where he obtained O’Levels in subjects including Physics, Maltese, Geography, English Language, English Literature, Maths, Religion, German, Environmental Studies, Computing, Accounting, Music, and Italian. Additionally, Karl has completed a PowerBI: Dashboard in a Day course with EY.

🏢Work Experience:

Karl Lewis has accumulated diverse professional experience across multiple roles. Since November 2022, he has been serving as a Quantitative Business Analyst at Bank of Valletta plc, where he is responsible for developing quantitative models, such as the Internal Climate Stress Testing Model and the Balance Sheet Optimization Model. He also ensures model governance, drafts internal policies and procedures, and conducts periodic model reviews. Before this, Karl worked as a Mathematician at Green Jade Games from July to November 2022, where he formulated mathematical models for games, maintained PAR Sheets, and participated in game design meetings. From July 2020 to June 2022, he was a Data Analyst & Input Intern at Curmi & Partners, focusing on data cleaning operations, assisting in the KYC process, and performing general office administration. Karl also gained experience as a Customer Services Agent at Paddy Power Betfair between July 2018 and March 2020, handling bets, verifying documentation, and adding debit/credit cards for customers. His early professional experience includes working as a Personal Assistant at Ta’ Marija Restaurant from May 2016 to November 2017, where he provided customer service, managed reservation bookings, handled cash controls, promoted the restaurant on social media, and managed SEO and website updates.

🏆Awards and Achievements:

Karl Lewis has a strong passion for music and football, with notable achievements in both areas. He holds a Piano & Music Theory Diploma (MQF Level 5) and has completed Grade 5 in Jazz Improvisation (MQF Level 3), Grade 6 in Jazz Knowledge & Understanding (MQF Level 4), and Grade 8 in Violin (2016). His musical talents have led him to perform in various shows and events, including Beerfest, Notte Bianca, Students’ Fest, Strummin’, Malta School of Music Concerts, SAC Soiree, and SAC Fest. In addition to his musical pursuits, Karl has been active in football, playing with the Mosta and Mgarr Youth Nurseries and participating in amateur 8-a-side and 11-a-side leagues.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Long- and Medium-Term Financial Strategies on Equities Using Dynamic Bayesian Networks

Year: 2024

Prof Dr. Ahmed Ghezal | Stochastic Volatility Modeling | Excellence in Research

Prof Dr. Ahmed Ghezal, Department of Mathematics, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center of Mila, Algeria

Ahmed Ghezal, born on September 21, 1987, in Ain M’lila, Algeria, is a Teaching Researcher holding a University Habilitation in Applied Statistics (May 2018) from USTHB and a Ph.D. in Mathematics specializing in Applied Statistics (May 2015) from UMC. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics in Probability and Statistics (January 2012) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with a focus on Probability and Statistics (June 2009) from UMC. Ahmed has been an Associate Professor Class A at Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center-Mila since May 2018, focusing on studying the probabilistic and statistical properties of linear and nonlinear time series models. His research interests encompass causality and invertibility, autocorrelation structure, higher-order moments, estimation methods, and asymptotic properties of estimators in time series models. 📊

🎓 Education:

Completed his University Habilitation in Applied Statistics from USTHB (May 2018), focusing on Markovian and periodic regime change time series models. Prior to this, he earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics with a specialization in Applied Statistics from UMC (May 2015), where his research delved into asymptotic statistics in Markov-switching bilinear regime change models. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Probability and Statistics (2012) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from UMC.

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience:

Currently serving as Associate Professor Class A at Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center-Mila since 2018, and previously as Associate Professor Class B from 2015. He started his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the same university in 2012. Ahmed’s secondary education took place at Chihani Bachir High School in Teleghma, Mila.