Mark Zhao

Mark Zhao, CFA, CAIA, currently serves as the Senior Director of Data R&D at Upgrade, Inc., where responsibilities include leading data acquisition and research for credit and fraud risk management. Zhao also contributes as an Advisory Board Member on the Analytics and AI Advisory Board at Experian. Previous roles include Director of Investor Analytics at LendingClub, where a dynamic machine learning analytical credit feedback loop was invented, and Quant R&D at Edelman Financial Engines, directing teams in product and algorithm development. Zhao co-founded Dear Panda, focusing on leveraging data and machine learning in the education technology space, and served as a Quantitative Analyst and Trader at Invesco Ltd., providing tailored investment solutions. Educational qualifications include advanced degrees from Stanford University, the University of Houston, Duke University, The University of Toledo, and a Bachelor's from Beihang University.