xl4hf is a video based blog on Excel and how it is used in a financial environment. It is shorthand for Microsoft EXceL for(4) Hedge Funds. You can ask questions and make comments on any content, and also catch up on the technology with up-to-date articles, tips, and shortcuts.

The idea came about because there is actually very little on the web about this juncture: either Excel geeks talk about the technology for its own sake--without reference to how it can be used, or financial professionals write and speak about particular trading or analytical approaches, taking the technology for granted. Here these two should come together.

Ideallly, xl4hf is meant to:

• provide editorial-type fact-based opinions on topics related to hedge funds and technology
• become a platform for the discussion of relevant and fundamental issues
• inspire to delve into the nuances of how Excel can best be used in a trading environment
• cut through complexities to help everyone get more out of Excel

My name is Luke Szyrmer, and I work for BFT Linedata in London, a provider of hedge fund portfolio management software. I have supported, extended, taught and developed on a number of spreadsheet applications including Excel over the last 14 years, while my educational background is in Economics and Finance. I've also had significant experience as a software developer. All of this experience is available to you at the click of a mouse, because I  would like to explore these ideas here with you.

Welcome!