How does mathematical expertise help in energy markets – and even outside of working hours? This is what experts working on MET International’s trading floor, Josephine Chong, Alice Leitão and Nyasinga Onyancha reveal to us on the International Day of Mathematics.
Mathematics is all around us – this is definitely a statement that Alice, Josephine and Nyasinga agree with. Maths, a science all three studied at university, helps them to navigate their professional tasks in the energy industry, allowing them to analyse and predict market movements more effectively. Additionally, it helps to cope with the obstacles they bump into in their everyday lives.
In fact, this is precisely what attracted Josephine Chong, Credit Risk Manager, to mathematics in the first place. “It appears in all sciences and also in our daily life. I was curious to understand why it is present everywhere, and the best way to find out was to actually learn more about it” she says.
For Alice Leitão, Business Intelligence Analyst at MET International, MET Group’s trading arm, maths just makes life easier: “My mathematical perspective helps me break down problems into smaller steps, and find structured solutions, allowing me to handle challenges in a clear and organized way.”
The mathematical background of Nyasinga Onyancha, Lead Structured Power Trader, encourages a more rational approach to life’s challenges. “It has trained me to analyse situations logically rather than relying purely on emotion. Moreover, the fact that mathematics underpins virtually every aspect of life made it particularly fascinating and meaningful to me,” he explains.
Quantifying risks can be crucial
Maths is a real blessing when it comes to working for European energy company MET Group. In risk management, for example, the ability to deal with complex problems, analyse them systematically, and quantify risks is crucial for Josephine. Even if the specific formulas and theorems are not directly used, mathematics has equipped her with the logical and structured mindset to do just that.
For Nyasinga, as a trader, the mathematical rigor is crucial in successfully managing MET’s trading positions. “Understanding how to model and evaluate financial and real options mathematically enables us to identify the optimal value for contracts within our trading portfolio, directly influencing strategic decision-making,” he states.
Alice uses her mathematical expertise to analyse data, perform financial analysis and solve problems. “I apply the logical thinking that maths provides me to identify and correct errors, improve workflows and ensure data accuracy.”
A unique blend of logic and creativity
Another key topic the three MET experts agree on is the beauty of mathematics. Nyasinga believes that the real beauty lies in its clarity: “Mathematics allows you to deeply understand the essence of complex concepts through clear, structured reasoning.” Josephine sees it as a unique blend of logic and creativity, where innovative approaches to problem-solving are very much encouraged. Finally, Alice loves how maths helps us to understand patterns and explain things clearly.
Artificial Intelligence has appeared in all areas of life, including the energy industry where algorithmic trading has become common practice. Are the MET colleagues worried that the ever-growing presence of AI will destroy the beauty they so much appreciate? Yes and no.
Nyasinga believes that AI has enormous potential to simplify tasks, enhance efficiency, and improve our quality of life. “Ultimately, technology itself is neutral – the impact depends on how we, as humans, choose to implement and manage it.” Josephine is also optimistic and agrees that “it is up to the creator how it should supplement us in our daily work and life”.
Alice, however, is more cautious. Even if she is excited to see how much AI can make work easier, at the same time she is concerned about how far it will go – especially when it comes to jobs, privacy, and the ethical side of how it is used.
