Chicago Data Night: Jarvis Alexander, CFA (FINRA)

Please join us for our monthly Chicago Data Night, cohosted by Drive Capital, ChiData and the Data Science Institute, Practitioners, academics, and aficionados within the Chicago area are all invited to be part of a community at the intersection of industry and academia, brought together by a mutual interest in data. Each month, guest speakers will cover a specific data-related topic.

Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Admission is free, and we strongly encourage an RSVP to attend.

Meeting Location
Drive Capital, Fulton East Building
215 N Peoria St
Chicago, IL 60607

AGENDA
5:30pm: Networking Reception
6:00pm: Welcome Remarks
6:05pm: Guest Speaker
6:50pm: Q&A
7:00pm: Networking Reception
7:30pm: Event Concludes

Title: From Dashboards to Intelligence: Designing Analytics Systems That Support Judgement

Abstract: When analytics systems influence consequential decisions, description is not enough. The question is not simply what happened, but what it means — and what action, if any, is warranted. In this talk, Jarvis Alexander examines how integrating the intelligence cycle into analytics design reframes the role of data in regulated environments. Rather than beginning with collection and exploration, effective systems start with direction: articulating the precise risk question, identifying the governing rules or principles, defining the relevant context, and designing indicators that serve as proxies for potential harm. Drawing from experience building analytics frameworks within financial regulation, Jarvis will discuss how data reflects the output of processes rather than the full reality of human behavior — and why clarity of purpose must precede technical implementation. The session will also explore the growing role of generative AI in supporting analytical workflows, while emphasizing that technology augments, rather than substitutes for, human judgment.

Bio: Jarvis Alexander is a Director within FINRA’s Strategic Intelligence and Analytics organization, where he leads a team of data analysts focused on developing analytics that generate actionable intelligence to support investor protection and market integrity. His work centers on designing structured frameworks that integrate the intelligence cycle with data analytics, translating complex regulatory questions into scalable, systematic approaches.

Prior to joining FINRA, Jarvis held client-facing and operational roles within the financial industry, holding multiple securities licenses. He began his regulatory career as an examiner and progressed into analytics leadership, combining market experience, examination methodology, and a research-oriented mindset.

Throughout his career, he has led cross-functional initiatives spanning sales practice, fraud detection, money laundering, and operational risks, integrating diverse data sources, analytical techniques, and data governance considerations into cohesive analytical frameworks.

Jarvis holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a CFA charterholder.