Dean Curnutt
Dean Curnutt is the Founder and CEO of Macro Risk Advisors (MRA), a premier provider of global market risk analysis and execution services for institutional investors. He leads the firm’s mission to equip clients with sophisticated cross-asset risk insights and high-quality execution solutions to help them achieve superior risk-adjusted returns. A widely recognized authority on market risk, volatility, and macro strategy, Curnutt brings more than 25 years of experience in financial markets. Before launching MRA, he served as Managing Director and Head of Equity Sales Trading at Banc of America Securities, where he was part of the Global Equities Management Team responsible for setting the strategic direction of the division. Earlier in his career, he worked at Lehman Brothers in structured equity derivative products, where he specialized in designing bespoke OTC derivative strategies for hedge funds and high-net-worth clients. Beyond his leadership role at MRA, Curnutt is a frequent commentator on leading financial media platforms and a regular speaker at major industry conferences.
Dean Curnutt Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
-
Founder and CEO
-
Adjunct Professor of Finance
-
Managing Director and Head of Institutional Equity Derivative
-
Equity Derivatives Trader
Academic History
-
M.B.A., Analytical Finance with highest honors
-
B.A., Economics
EARLY CAREER
Dean Curnutt began his career in structured equity derivatives at Lehman Brothers, where he specialized in designing customized OTC derivative strategies for hedge funds and high-net-worth clients.
He later joined Banc of America Securities, where he rose to become Managing Director and Head of Equity Sales Trading, as well as Head of Institutional Equity Derivatives and Convertible Sales and Strategy.
At BofA, he led a team of 150 sales professionals across program trading, electronic trading, cash, risk arbitrage, equity derivatives, and convertible bonds.
Under his leadership, the equity derivatives team achieved the No. 1 ranking in overall listed options market share in 2007 and was named “2005 U.S. Equity Derivatives House of the Year” by Derivatives Week.
Curnutt has also shared his expertise as a guest lecturer at the graduate business schools of St. John’s University and the University of Chicago, contributing to the education of future finance leaders.
MEDIA PRESENCE
Dean Curnutt is a frequent commentator and thought leader in financial media and academic forums.
He has presented at prestigious venues including the University of Chicago, the New York Society of Securities Analysts, the CBOE Risk Management Conference, and the Risk Institute.
In 2007, he made history as the first derivatives panelist at the Barron’s Art of Successful Investing Conference.
His insights have been featured in major global media outlets such as Bloomberg, Financial Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NBC, Coinbase, Yahoo! Finance, Real Vision, Blockworks, Institutional Investor, and more, solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice on volatility, derivatives, and macro market trends.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Founder, MacroMinds Foundation
Vice Chairman of the Board, Jericho Project
Supporter, Susan G. Komen Foundation
Supporter, Harlem Children's Zone
Supporter, Leukemia Society