After more than four decades in financial services and governance leadership, I’m honored to share my professional biography. It reflects a career shaped by collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to integrity in every role I’ve held. As I continue to pursue meaningful board and advisory opportunities, I remain inspired by the people and organizations dedicated to making an impact.

After many rewarding years at the intersection of finance and engineering, I’ve had the privilege of working on investment strategies that marry data, ethics, and long-term value. I’m excited to share my professional biography, which captures my journey, values, and readiness to serve on boards where I can make a meaningful contribution. Here is my biography.

Over the past 30+ years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some of the most dynamic sectors in financial services—from broker-dealer strategy and fintech innovation to regulatory compliance and ESG investing. I've recently reflected on this journey to capture a comprehensive view of where I’ve been, what drives me, and how I aim to serve in board and advisory roles going forward. Here is my biography.

Cyril Morel is an accomplished executive whose career spans over 15 years at the intersection of real estate development, financial strategy, and global operations. As Principal and COO of Synapse Development, he has led over $250 million in assets under management, championing energy-efficient projects and pioneering technology-integrated real estate models. Known for his disciplined leadership and strategic decision-making, Cyril has delivered transformative outcomes across multiple sectors—from Passive House-certified multifamily developments in New York to LEED-certified hospitality projects in San Francisco. With a foundation built at the United Nations and refined through ventures in finance and proptech, he brings a rare blend of operational precision, global awareness, and impact-driven vision to every opportunity he pursues.

Avijit Barua is a results-driven investment professional with extensive expertise in quantitative equity strategies, risk management, and asset allocation. With over a decade of experience in portfolio management and a strong foundation in military leadership, he combines analytical precision with strategic vision to optimize investment performance. Currently serving as Portfolio Manager at OPERS, he has successfully developed and managed systematic equity strategies, ESG and Climate portfolios, and innovative risk management solutions. His expertise in derivatives, capital management, and financial modeling has contributed to outperforming market benchmarks and strengthening institutional investment capabilities. With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Avijit Barua continues to drive strategic growth in the financial industry.

The distribution of alternative investments is undergoing a transformative shift driven by investor demand for diversification, regulatory changes, and the rise of digital platforms. As high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and retail investors increasingly seek exposure to alternatives like private equity and real estate, distributors must adapt their strategies to meet evolving expectations. Leveraging segmentation, personalized marketing, and digital tools are key to enhancing client engagement and streamlining processes. Furthermore, innovations such as blockchain, tokenization, and AI are revolutionizing access and efficiency, making these investments more accessible. By integrating data-driven insights and focusing on client education, firms can navigate this dynamic landscape and unlock new growth opportunities.