Xin Wan: Crypto Research, Quantitative Finance and Trading, Growing up in China and navigating life and career in the USA

Xin's podcast ⁠ which we refer to.

AI generated Notes

Summary:

In this conversation, Xin describes his experience with the education system in China. He grew up in Nanjing and attended a series of academically competitive schools. Xin's parents prioritized education, which led to frequent moves to be closer to good schools. Xin describes his kindergarten as strict, with teachers who would yell at students and even physically punish them. In elementary school, Xin focused on math and coding competitions, which prepared him for high school. In high school, Xin attended a prestigious school that had different paths for students to choose from, including STEM competitions, guaranteed entry to top universities, or studying abroad. Xin chose to study abroad in the US, which he felt aligned better with his personality and interests. Xin shares his experience of navigating the Chinese education system and applying to US universities. He discusses the challenges of choosing a path and the pressure to excel academically. Xin explains the unique system in China where students have to sign an agreement to not participate in the college entrance examination if they choose to study abroad. He also talks about the importance of TOEFL and SAT scores for Chinese students applying to US universities. Xin reflects on his own application process and the role of luck in getting accepted. He discusses the lack of exploration and agency in the Chinese education system and the difficulty of adjusting to a new culture and language in the US. Xin reflects on her experience as a Chinese student in the US and the challenges of fitting in. He emphasizes the importance of not holding oneself to external expectations and finding one's own definition of success. Xin shares his journey in the finance industry, starting with an investment banking internship in Hong Kong and his subsequent job in New York. He discusses the role of a quant trader and the skills required for the job. Xin also talks about the value of pursuing a master's degree and the opportunities it provided for self-reflection and exploration. In this final part of the conversation, Xin discusses his transition from AQR to Uniswap and his role as a researcher. He shares his experience at AQR, the differences between AQR and SIG, and the challenges he faced in his role. Xin also talks about his decision to switch to a full-time crypto job and his interest in the crypto industry. He explains his approach to decision-making and the importance of finding the right metrics to optimize in life. Xin mentions several books and podcasts that have influenced his thinking and helped him in his personal and professional development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:46 New Chapter

06:32 The Education System in China

12:34 Moving for Good Schools

20:57 Elementary School Experience

27:43 Challenges and Pressures

36:07 Choosing to Study Abroad

41:23 Navigating the Chinese Education System and Applying to US Universities

51:14 The Role of Luck in the Application Process

55:18 The Lack of Exploration and Agency in the Chinese Education System

01:05:07 Challenges of Cultural Adjustment and Language Barriers

01:12:46 Navigating External Expectations and Defining Success

01:16:00 The Role of a Quant Trader in Finance

01:19:03 The Value of a Master's Degree

01:26:01 Opportunities for Personal Growth in the US Education System

01:49:24 The Challenges and Differences in Roles

01:56:38 Switching to a Full-Time Crypto Job

02:00:33 Optimizing Metrics in Life

02:07:01 Continuous Learning and Improvement

02:14:47 Influential Books and Podcasts