It’s two weeks until the winner of the inaugural Financial Markets Book of the Year is announced at Apex Invest Middle East in Abu Dhabi.
Hosted by Apex Group, in partnership with Global Custodian, the prize celebrates authors who advance understanding of how global markets develop.
With five titles shortlisted, we take a brief look at what each book is about and what particularly captured the judges’ attention.
The shortlist
Among the submissions were practical frameworks for institutional allocators, explorations of the changing cryptocurrency landscape, and reflections on the enduring principles of modern portfolio theory. Each title brought a distinct perspective, offering depth, clarity, and relevance for financial practitioners navigating today’s complex markets.
The books under consideration for this year’s prize were:
- Pioneering Portfolio Management: An Unconventional Approach to Institutional Investment – David F. Swensen (2000, Simon & Schuster)
- More Money Than God: Hedge Funds and the Making of a New Elite – Sebastian Mallaby (2010, Bloomsbury Publishing)
- The Intelligent Asset Allocator – William Bernstein (2000, McGraw-Hill Professional)
- Founder vs Investor – Liz Zalman and Jerry Neumann (2023, HarperCollins)
- Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor’s Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond – Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar (2017, McGraw-Hill Professional)
Pioneering Portfolio Management – David F. Swensen
The judges viewed Swensen’s seminal work as a touchstone for institutional allocators. His articulation of the Yale endowment model – patient, diversified, and grounded in alignment – was acknowledged as an enduring guide for how large funds manage risk and opportunity. Mark Kerns described it as “exceptionally well written and enduringly relevant,” while Jaspreet Randhawa stated that it “sets the benchmark for fiduciary rigour”. Overall, Swensen’s book received plaudits for its blend of intellect, structure, and practical wisdom.
More Money Than God – Sebastian Mallaby
Mallaby’s history of hedge funds drew praise for its storytelling and scope. Tracing the industry’s evolution from early pioneers to modern power players and showing how innovation, conviction, and occasional chaos have shaped the markets, More Money Than God was described as “a class apart” by Fabian Vandenreydt, “a masterclass in narrative finance” by Jaspreet Randhawa, and “incredible” by Jonathan Summers. All in all, Mallaby impressed with his indispensable account of one of finance’s most influential eras.
The Intelligent Asset Allocator – William Bernstein
Considered to be a classic that remains strikingly relevant by the judges, The Intelligent Asset Allocator strips investing down to its essentials: diversification, discipline, and time. Ardal Loh-Gronager described it as “a classic, no-nonsense guide to rational, evidence-based investing”. While more technical than others on the list, Bernstein’s book was popular for its precision and clarity, as well as its enduring lessons on rational portfolio construction, with Sandrine Reynaud hailing it as “very easy to read for all levels of knowledge in finance”, while Richard Schwartz described it as providing “a useful antidote to “irrational exuberance” in personal investing.”
Founder vs Investor – Liz Zalman and Jerry Neumann
Zalman and Neumann’s lively exchange between a founder and a venture capitalist gives rare insight into both sides of the startup journey. Its unique highlighting of the gender divide in the VC world found favour with judge Virginie O'Shea, who described it as “engagingly written with an interesting structure”. Mark Kerns found it to be “topical in an era when many fintechs are experiencing various challenges covered in the content.”
Cryptoassets – Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar
Finally, Burniske and Tatar’s Cryptoassets came in for praise for offering one of the first structured frameworks for evaluating digital assets. Fabian Vandenreydt described it as filling “a void in providing a structured analysis of the various types of digital assets and where they fit in an innovation/investment portfolio.” Admired for being comprehensive yet readable, the judges hailed Burniske and Tatar for their sound introduction to a fast-changing market. Ardal Loh-Gronager found that it “blends traditional financial thinking with crypto-specific insights, helping readers move beyond speculation to informed strategy.”
Join us in Abu Dhabi
Out of a packed field, the Financial Markets Book of the Year will be announced at Apex Invest Middle East, taking place November 22-25, 2025, at the Hilton Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Join us as we honour ideas that shape finance – and the thinkers defining its future.
The multi-day event brings together allocators, fund managers, and policymakers from across regions to discuss how cross-border capital is reshaping private markets.
Complimentary access is available for vetted limited partners, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with global investors, explore emerging trends, and build lasting connections in an exclusive, curated setting.
Click here to apply and join us in Abu Dhabi.
