Quants: The Alchemists of Wall Street

In the financial world, quants refer to the mathematical and computing wizards responsible for building complex models in the engine room of the global financial system. They are often involved in high-frequency and automated trading. During the financial crisis, the products designed by these quants brought Wall Street to its knees.

This documentary examines how the financial system has become increasingly dependent on mathematical models attempting to quantify human and economic behaviour and the huge risks they entail.