Quantitative Research & Trading

Quantitative Research & Trading

Selby Jennings: A leading specialist talent partner for Quantitative Research & Trading

Selby Jennings is a leading specialist talent partner for Financial Sciences & Services. Our global Quantsteam provides top-tier talent solutions for quant analysts, offering permanent, contract, and multi-hire options across three continents. With nearly two decades of experience and an unrivaled network, we excel in securing the brightest minds, from systematic traders and modelers to portfolio managers and risk analysts.

Our expertise goes beyond talent acquisition. We advise enterprises on streamlining processes, upskilling workforces, and staying cutting-edge with flexible working models. For quant professionals, we provide expert insight on benchmarking benefits packages, salaries, and guide them through career moves.

With accolades like winning 'Best Executive Search - Quant' in the European Quant Services Award 2021, we are committed to helping clients secure top quant talent. Whether you seek exceptional quantitative talent or are a quant professional on the lookout for new opportunities, Selby Jennings is here to connect you with industry-leading firms worldwide.

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Benefits of working with Selby Jenningsโ€™ global Quants team

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We are a specialist talent partner. Among the many benefits of working with Selby Jenningsโ€™ global Quants team are:

20 years of experience

Extensive knowledge: Our global Quants team has nearly 20 years of experience in this niche sector

award-winning recruitment experts

Our award-winning talent experts offer guidance in the Quants space across three continent

Global recruitment team

Our Quants team places, on average, over 300 professionals globally each year

Recruiting for a portfolio of clients globally

An unrivaled growing portfolio of global clients, both big and small

Do not miss out on securing your desired Quants professionals or securing your next Quants professional role in a Quant's workforce.

Quantitative Research & Trading Jobs

C++/ Java Software Engineer

Requirements: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field from a Top-25 CS program Proven experience as a Front-Office developer working on electronic trading platforms with specific exposure to SOR, DMA, Dark Pool Liquidity, and algorithmic execution. Proficiency in a wide range of web development technologies and languages, including JavaScript, React, Node.js, and Python in addition to professional experience in C++ OR JAVA Experience working at a reputable HFT/Proprietary Trading firm Responsibilities: Platform Development: Collaborate with the development team to conceive, develop, and enhance our specialized AI-driven research platform. Front-End Development: Construct and maintain user-friendly, responsive web interfaces, dashboards, and data visualization tools for quantitative analysts and traders. Back-End Development: Build robust, scalable, and high-performance server-side components supporting the trading platform's execution, data processing, and analytics. AI Integration: Contribute to the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms into the platform, providing data-driven insights and predictive analytics. Data Management: Implement solutions for efficient data storage, retrieval, and management to handle substantial volumes of financial data. Collaboration: Work closely with quantitative analysts, traders, and data engineers to understand their requirements and translate them into technical solutions.

US$200000 - US$650000 per annum + + bonus
New York
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Independent Remote Portfolio Manager

After successfully navigating a challenging 2023 a long-standing Quant Trading firm we are partnered with has received a large capital allocation to onboard, support, and scale up multiple new Portfolio Managers. The sweet spot for them is Sharpe > 3 and are highly interested in cross-asset futures, FX, and vol based strategies - though it is worth noting they are looking into other areas as well. Key Points of their setup: - Full IP Protection - Remote flexibility - Transparent cost structure - Highly competitive salary + PnL split - Open to team moves - Live track record required If you or your trading team would be interested in a conversation to learn more about this trading setup or similar please apply.

US$150000 - US$250000 per year + + PnL Split
New York
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C++ Team Lead

Responsibilities: Participate in the development and improvement of the back-end distributed system, enabling continuous company-wide risk and Profit&Loss calculations. Collaborate closely with Quants and Quant Developers worldwide to develop pricing and risk analytics for our proprietary pricing library. Contribute to the development of proprietary pre-trade analysis and market analysis tools for Portfolio Managers. Essential Requirements: Significant experience in C++ development (Expert understanding of the C++11/ C++14/C++17 standards is essential). Prior experience in leading / managing a team. Experience in developing and maintaining a back-end distributed system. Experience with a source control system (Git preferred). BSc in computer science or another quantitative field (M.A. degree is a bonus). Excellent communication skills. Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment. Detail-oriented, organized, demonstrating thoroughness and strong ownership of work. Additional Valuable Skills (Nice to Have): Experience with CI/CD. Familiarity with Linux platforms. Experience with Fixed income analytics pricing & risk analytics. Experience with Docker/Kubernetes. Experience with financial mathematics and statistics. Experience in the financial sector.

Swiss Franc300000 - Swiss Franc500000 per annum
Geneva
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Senior Software Engineer

Selby Jennings is working with one of the most successful proprietary trading firms in the world. This firm trades a broad range of asset classes, instruments, and strategies in financial markets globally. Currently, they are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join their Core Development team and work on their real-time market data technology. This technology is vital for making informed trading decisions, executing trades quickly and efficiently, and providing an edge over competitors. The Role: You will be responsible for creating and optimizing scalable, multi-tiered applications and infrastructure. This may include other duties as assigned or needed. They are looking for someone who will be able to solve difficult technical problems in a fast-paced and energetic environment. The ideal candidate has: At least 5-8+ years of programming skills using C++ in a Linux environment Strong understanding of computer systems e.g. operating systems, CPU architecture, networks, performance optimization, etc Experience in Object-Oriented design and multi-threaded programming Experience in creating/supporting cross-platform multi-threaded applications. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ideally some experience in developing low latency systems. Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field Reliable and predictable availability

US$350000 - US$600000 per year
Austin
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Treasury Trader - Tier 1 Hedge Fund

Responsibilities: Execute trades in treasury securities, government bonds, corporate bonds, and other fixed income instruments to achieve desired investment objectives. Monitor market conditions and analyze economic data to identify trading opportunities and risks. Develop and implement trading strategies to generate alpha and minimize portfolio risk. Manage relationships with counterparties, brokers, and other market participants to ensure optimal trade execution and access to liquidity. Work closely with portfolio managers and research analysts to provide market insights and support investment decision-making. Monitor and analyze portfolio performance and attribution, and communicate findings to internal stakeholders.

Negotiable
Hong Kong
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Macro Platform Engineer

A top Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund in New York is looking to hire a Python Engineer to their Trading Data Team. The fund manages more than $15B in total assets under management, and runs fundamental and discretionary Equity and Global Macro strategies. The fund is known for their strong historical performance, internal investments into technology and innovation, and positive, employee-focused work culture. The individual will be a key engineer in building out a state of the art platform that data scientists, quant researchers, and investment teams can leverage to source macro trading investment data. The role will be quite hands on and will involve significant interaction working with the front office. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of experience, strong technical skills with Python and AWS, and experience working with front office trading or investment teams. Responsibilities: Work closely with the broader engineering team to build and scale a high quality investment data platform Develop solutions that leverage cloud-based data and distributed computing technologies Develop an understanding of data requirements and utilization for systematic investing to help with design decisions Consult with portfolio management teams to understand their infrastructure and tech requirements Help drive the fund's cloud strategy and approach Create high performance solutions to loading/serving large amounts of investment data Qualifications: 5+ years of experience in Software Engineering Computer Science Degree Excellent coding skills in Python Strong knowledge of cloud and working experience with AWS Experience working closing with investment/trading teams A passion for data and creating high quality data products

ยฃ200000 - ยฃ250000 per year
New York
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Data Scientist

Selby Jennings is working with a leading Market Maker who wants the top 1% of engineering talent in the space. They are seeking strong Data Scientists and/or Machine Learning Engineers to join their Data Strategies Group. This group is responsible for applying mathematical and statistical models to the financial markets, combining rigorous research and advanced technology to systematically identify and execute on investment opportunities. They use world class analytics to track and predict the financial and economic performance. Their success relies on applying the best minds and techniques to unique and unmined datasets more quickly and more intelligently than the competition. Team consists of a diverse group of extremely talented individuals with PhDs in computer science, economics, engineering, and math, and with prior work experience in tech startups, investment banks, management consultancies, national laboratories, and academia. They rely on close collaboration with portfolio managers and analysts to ensure that the forecasts we deliver generate alpha for their investors. The Role Apply statistical and predictive modeling techniques to analyze large data sets Analyze new data sets and determine statistical relevance to financial metrics Produce forecasts that can be applied to quantitative and discretionary investment strategies Role Requirements: PhD degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics or Econometrics. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research utilizing large data sets Programming experience in any of the following: Python, SQL, R, MATLAB, C++, Java, C#, Perl Understanding of financial markets and alternative data Accountabilities: Genuinely interested in understanding what factors drive a company's financial performance and how these factors are priced in financial markets Programming experience Detail oriented Ability to digest and synthesize large and unstructured data sets Organized and able to present ideas Can independently develop and test ideas related to alpha generation Strong work ethic Assertive yet willing to work within a team and take on any task Creative, strong work ethic and works efficiently Professional demeanor Able to present, communicate, and is approachable to team members and management Has self-reliance and uses good common sense Is able to build strong company relationships and build out network with peers and sell side analysts

Negotiable
New York
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Commodity Quant Analyst

A $25bbn+ Commodity Trading Firm in the NYC area is looking for a Commodity Quant Analyst to assist their power and gas trading teams. The firm has cemented themselves as one of the largest and most successful commodity trading funds over the last 10+ years and are looking to further increase heacount in their quant business in order to spearhead new initiatives. The firm is committed to further embedding advanced data science and machine learning methods that will provide a competitive edge to their strategies and are actively seeking someone who can provide novel approaches in order for them to actualize these projects. The fund offers incredible growth potential for the people within their business, autonomy to explore new technologies that can further drive performance of strategies and a flat structure that encourages collaboration across multiple teams within the firm. The ideal candidate will have: 2+ years experience working as a Data Scientist, Quant Analyst, Quant Developer and/or Quant Researcher in the commodities space Previous experience in power/gas is not a must but interest in these markets is necessary Advanced Python skillset Experience working with various data science/ml methods (leveraging ML on financial data is a big plus) Advanced STEM degree Strong communication skills/desire to work in a team environment

US$200000 - US$400000 per year
New York
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Trade Support Engineer

Our team is partnered with a proprietary trading firm in Chicago that has been in business for decades. This firm leverages cutting edge technologies to trade equities and futures at a mid frequency rate. This firm is seeking a Trade Support Engineer to join their team, playing a dynamic role in supporting and automating their Linux based trading platforms as well as providing support to Traders and PMs. This is an excellent role for someone who is looking for visibility into trading and has a desire to continually improve their technical skillset. Qualifications 3+ years of relevant experience Bachelor's degree in technical or financial study Strong experience with Python and/or Bash Experience supporting Unix/Linux systems Experience with SQL

US$100000 - US$170000 per year
Chicago
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Quantitative Developer (Global Hedgefund)

Job Title: Quantitative Developer Top Global Systematic Quant Fund Job Title: Quantitative Developer - Top Global Systematic Quant Fund Location: Hong Kong Company Overview: My client are a leading global systematic quant fund, known for our exceptional growth and competitive position in the finance industry. With a strong track record of success, we employ cutting-edge technologies and employ a highly skilled team to drive our investment strategies. We are currently seeking a talented Quantitative Developer to join our Hong Kong office and contribute to our continued growth and success. Position Summary: As a Quantitative Developer, you will play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the trading technological infrastructure that supports their quantitative investment strategies. You will work closely with our portfolio managers, researchers, and fellow developers to design, implement, and optimise high-performance trading systems. The role offers an exciting opportunity to leverage your expertise in Python, C#, or C++ programming languages while engaging in complex problem-solving within the quantitative finance domain. Responsibilities: Collaborate with portfolio managers and researchers to understand and translate their quantitative strategies into efficient software solutions. Design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable, and high-performance trading systems and infrastructure. Implement and enhance trading algorithms, risk management tools, and data analysis frameworks. Optimize code and algorithms to ensure maximum performance and efficiency. Conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure the reliability and accuracy of developed software. Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements in quantitative finance, technology, and programming languages. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and continuous improvement in trading systems. Qualifications: Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field. Strong programming skills in Python, C#, or C++. Proficiency in multiple languages is a plus. Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles. Knowledge and interest in quantitative finance, statistical analysis, and machine learning. Experience with distributed computing, parallel processing, and high-frequency trading systems is desirable. Familiarity with financial data sources, such as Bloomberg, Reuters, or other market data providers. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Why Join Us: Join a top global systematic quant fund with a proven track record of success and strong growth. Work alongside a talented team of experienced professionals in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and quantitative finance strategies. Enjoy a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits. Take advantage of ongoing professional development opportunities and career advancement potential. Experience the vibrant and dynamic city of Hong Kong, known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving finance industry. Application Process: To apply for the role of Quantitative Developer, please submit your resume below. Successful candidates will be contacted for further interviews. We appreciate all applications, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining their team.

Negotiable
Hong Kong
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Quantitative Trader/Researcher

Join a globally recognized high-frequency trading (HFT) firm that specializes in cash equities and futures. Our client is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise in navigating the fast-paced world of financial markets. NYC, CHI, CA, or Remote Position Overview: We are currently seeking exceptional Quantitative Traders and Researchers to join our client's HFT team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry and contribute to the development and implementation of innovative trading strategies focused on cash equities and futures markets. This is a unique opportunity for individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment and are driven to push the boundaries of what's possible in high-frequency trading. **Key Responsibilities:** Collaborate with research teams to develop and optimize high-frequency trading strategies tailored to cash equities and futures markets. Utilize advanced quantitative techniques and mathematical modeling to analyze market data and identify profitable trading opportunities. Implement and maintain trading algorithms within a high-performance computing environment, ensuring optimal execution and risk management. Monitor market conditions and algorithm performance in real-time, making adjustments as needed to adapt to changing market dynamics. Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory developments, and technological advancements to enhance trading strategies and maintain a competitive edge. What you will do: Improve current and create new fully systematic futures strategies Deploy, run, and manage strategies + performance Work with development team to optimize strategies and tools Collaborate with other traders and researchers to maximize the platforms reach and returns Who you are: 3+ years in the prop trading space (ideally within futures) Experience putting on and managing risk Strong programming ability in Python (C++ is a plus)

US$200000 - US$700000 per year
New York
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HFT Quantitative Trader

What you will do: Improve current and create new fully systematic futures strategies Deploy, run, and manage strategies + performance Work with development team to optimize strategies and tools Collaborate with other traders and researchers to maximize the platforms reach and returns Who you are: 3+ years in the prop trading space (ideally within futures) Experience putting on and managing risk Strong programming ability in Python (C++ is a plus) B.S./M.S./PhD in quantitative field from a top 25 university

US$175000 - US$225000 per annum + Percent split/discretionary bonus
Chicago
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Quants News & Insights

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Key Insights & Takeaways from QuantMinds 2023

โ€‹โ€‹Selby Jennings' talent acquisition experts from Europe, the USA, and Asia attended QuantMinds 2023 in London in November - the world's leading quant finance event. Alex Morris, Vice President - Quantitative Analytics at Selby Jennings Europe, shares his key takeaways from the event, including current and future market trends and their impacts on hiring.What trends have you seen and heard about at QuantMinds that will continue to have an impact in the coming year?QuantMinds, as always, was an excellent chance for some of the very best in the industry to discuss the latest advancements. Machine learning, volatility, portfolio optimisation and more were discussed at length. I think it was a trickier year than expected for the majority of investment banks. What happened to big players such as Credit Suisse earlier in the year had a large shock effect on the market. Weโ€™re still waiting to see the full implications, but as a result, most investment banks are still finalising their hiring plans for next year. Larger hedge funds and prop shops, however, have relied on diversification to continue growing in both headcount and AUM. They are getting increasingly better at identifying markets from which to gain additional market share. Weโ€™ve seen buy side firms branching into new frequencies, strategies, and asset classes. On the whole, there are ambitious growth plans for 2024. What is the impact and potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in finance?Machine learning has been one of the hottest topics discussed at QuantMinds over the past couple of years. Speakers have discussed its utilisation for a wide range of projects. Its potential can be harnessed for automating BAU processes, derivative pricing and alpha generating strategies.What was more hotly debated this year, however, was the governance processes that will need to be introduced simultaneously. Machine learning can sometimes result in undesirable outcomes, and many in the industry are asking to which degree a human overlay should be needed. What are some of the biggest challenges companies are facing when hiring talent in quants?Securing top talent in the quant space is getting increasingly competitive. Itโ€™s an incredibly candidate-driven market and firms will do everything they can to retain their employees. Compensation packages are amongst the most competitive in the industry, non-compete periods can be in excess of 12 months, and counter offers are made for almost every candidate. It was pleasing to hear that improving diversity within teams remains a big priority for most of the hiring managers that attended. It of course can be tougher within the quant space than other areas, but examples of effective initiatives are ensuring a diverse interview panel, using non-biased job advertisements, and creating an empathy-driven culture to attract and retain a diverse workforce. What are your key takeaways for hiring managers from this year's QuantMinds conference?With the diversification plans, as touched upon previously, competition for talent within certain markets is becoming increasingly fierce. More firms are now competing for the same revenue generating candidates, and thus itโ€™s important to do everything possible throughout interview processes to get alpha generators onboard. In order to make yourselves as attractive as possible to candidates, ensure to lean on your talent partner for guidance. They can offer insight into how youโ€™re perceived in the market, how competitive your compensation structure is, and for each candidate can tune into the specific motivational factors impacting a decision.Looking to hire? Are you looking to hire the best talent in financial sciences & services? Contact Alex Morris for more information, or request a call back and our experts will get in touch with you. โ€‹ โ€‹

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Quantitative Analytics Salary Guide Europe 2023

โ€‹In Europeโ€™s financial services sector, thereโ€™s a consistent demand for professionals in Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading. Requirements for professionals across front and back office, covering the entire lifecycle from coding and validation to derivative pricing and automating functions, is astronomically high.Having guidance on salary and industry trends is crucial for hiring managers and professionals alike. Our latest salary guide offers in-depth information on compensation, broken down by job roles and experience levels. Donโ€™t miss these essential insights - download your copy of the Selby Jennings Quantitative Analytics Salary Guide Europe 2023 here:โ€‹ โ€‹

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The Great Return: From Crypto Back to Traditional Finance

In recent years, the financial world has been rocked by the meteoric rise of cryptocurrencies. A lot of talented quants and traders, attracted to crypto's volatile prices and potentially massive returns, shifted their attention away from traditional markets and dove headfirst into crypto native funds. However, the tides seem to be shifting once again, and there's a noticeable migration back to the world of traditional finance. Why? Let's delve deeper.The Similarities in Pricing EnginesFor those who might not be well-versed in the intricacies of the financial world, pricing engines are essential tools used by traders to make quick buy or sell decisions based on a myriad of variables. These engines are especially vital in areas such as electronic FX (foreign exchange) trading.Interestingly, many of the pricing engines used in electronic FX trading are quite similar to those employed in the crypto market. This makes the transition between the two markets relatively seamless for quants and traders, so when the dynamic crypto market turns, the familiarity with traditional finance pricing engines might draw them back.The Volatility of the Crypto MarketWhile volatility can be profitable for traders, it can also be perilous. The crypto market, in particular, is known for its extreme fluctuations, sometimes swinging by double-digit percentages in a single day. This kind of uncertainty can be exhilarating for some, but draining for others. The fatigue from such intense volatility might be one of the reasons driving traders back to the more stable, albeit less exciting, realm of traditional finance.Regulatory ConcernsThe crypto world has always existed in a kind of regulatory gray area. As governments and financial institutions around the world grapple with how to classify and regulate cryptocurrencies, traders and funds operating in this space are constantly on their toes. This regulatory unpredictability can be a significant source of risk and stress, making traditional markets with established regulations appear more attractive.The Quest for StabilityDespite the potential for massive profits in the crypto world, the allure of stability and a steady paycheck can be tempting. Traditional finance, with its established institutions, regular trading hours, and relatively predictable market movements, offers a level of security that the 24/7 rollercoaster of crypto trading might not.Broader Market DynamicsWhile the crypto market offers a limited (though growing) number of assets to trade, traditional markets, including FX, commodities, equities, and bonds, provide a diverse array of opportunities. This breadth can be appealing for traders looking to diversify their strategies and risk profiles.It's essential to recognize that while there's a noted shift of quants and traders moving back to traditional finance, this doesn't signify the decline or dismissal of cryptocurrencies. The crypto market is still young, evolving, and undeniably influential. However, this migration underscores the enduring appeal and resilience of traditional financial markets. As the landscape of global finance continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these migrations and intersections between the old and new financial worlds shape the future.If you're a firm or individual looking to harness the expertise of quants professionals, especially during these dynamic times, we have the right resources for you. Toby Hill, our seasoned expert in matching financial talent with demanding roles, is at your service. To get started and discuss your requirements, please request a call back by completing the form below.Request a Call Back

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The Real Alpha: Unleashing Talent in Quantitative Finance Hiring

โ€‹Demand for Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading professionals is always increasing in the financial services industry. It can be a challenge for hiring managers without the right talent partner to attract and retain the best Quants, meaning having guidance on salary and industry trends is crucial in getting the right workforce in place for the years ahead.Similarly, professionals with the right skills and expertise in Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading can find themselves in a position of too much choice, with a wide range of attractive opportunities all vying for them, meaning many professionals are curious about whether their salaries and bonuses match their peers.Discover talent challenges and opportunities across Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading, which includes insights on: A comprehensive overview of the Quants space Strategies for successful hiring of QuantsSalary overviews for the US, Europe, and APACA bonus chapter on women in Quants Key takeaways for those hiring and professionals considering their next move Download โ€˜The Real Alphaโ€™ now. โ€‹

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Expanding Quants Talent in the UK

The United Kingdom's status as a global financial hub relies on its ability to attract and develop top talent in the field of Quantitative Finance, commonly known as Quants. As the financial industry becomes increasingly data-driven and technology-centric, the demand for skilled Quants professionals continues to rise. Expanding the Quants talent pool in the UK is not only crucial for maintaining the country's competitive edge but also for driving innovation and economic growth. In this article, we will explore the importance of expanding Quants talent in the UK and discuss strategies to achieve this goal.Strengthening Academic ProgramsOne of the primary avenues for expanding Quants talent in the UK is through strengthening academic programs. Collaborations between universities, industry practitioners, and regulatory bodies can help design and update curricula that align with the evolving needs of the finance industry. This involves integrating courses on advanced mathematics, statistical modeling, computer science, and financial theory to provide students with a comprehensive skill set required in the Quants field.Additionally, universities can establish partnerships with financial institutions to offer internships, apprenticeships, and research opportunities. Such programs provide students with practical exposure to real-world financial scenarios, fostering a seamless transition from academia to the industry. By enhancing the quality and relevance of academic programs, the UK can produce a steady stream of highly skilled quants professionals.Promoting Continuous Professional DevelopmentExpanding Quants talent in the UK also necessitates a focus on continuous professional development. The fast-paced nature of the finance industry demands that Quants professionals stay updated with the latest methodologies, technologies, and regulatory changes. Encouraging and supporting ongoing learning and professional certifications ensures that existing Quants talent remains relevant and adaptable.Financial institutions and industry organizations can play a pivotal role in this regard by offering training programs, workshops, and conferences tailored to the specific needs of Quants professionals. Collaborative initiatives between industry leaders, professional bodies, and academic institutions can provide access to cutting-edge research, industry insights, and networking opportunities, creating a culture of lifelong learning and growth.Fostering Industry-Academia PartnershipsStrong partnerships between the finance industry and academic institutions are essential for expanding Quants talent in the UK. Financial institutions can contribute to curriculum design, offer guest lectures, and provide industry projects or case studies that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Simultaneously, universities can establish career centers, organize job fairs, and facilitate networking events that connect students with potential employers in the finance industry.Collaborative research programs between academia and industry can also drive innovation in the field of Quantitative Finance. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application, these initiatives can yield valuable insights and advance the state-of-the-art in Quants methodologies.Encouraging Diversity and InclusionExpanding Quants talent in the UK should prioritize diversity and inclusion. Historically, the finance industry has faced challenges in achieving gender and ethnic diversity in Quants roles. To address this, efforts should be made to eliminate unconscious biases and promote equal opportunities for underrepresented groups.Financial institutions can implement diversity initiatives, such as mentorship programs and scholarships, to attract a diverse pool of talent. Collaboration with professional organizations focused on diversity in finance can also provide networking opportunities and support systems for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. By embracing diversity and inclusion, the UK can unlock a wider range of perspectives and experiences, leading to enhanced innovation and problem-solving within the Quants field.Partner with Selby Jennings to Unlock the Potential of Quants Talent ExpansionExpanding the Quants talent pool in the UK is crucial for driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the finance industry. By partnering with Selby Jennings, a trusted talent consultancy specializing in the financial sector, organizations can access our extensive network, industry expertise, and tailored hiring strategies. At Selby Jennings, we understand the unique needs of the finance industry and can identify and attract top Quants professionals who align with your organizational objectives. To unlock the potential of Quants talent expansion, request a call back today and take the first step towards securing the niche talent available.

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How the AVP of Selby Jennings supports diversity in Quants

Konza Akhtar has seen many countries in her life. She was born in Pakistan and grew up in Hong Kong, then pursued her masterโ€™s degree in psychology in the UK. It was in London that she realized she loved working with people and joined Phaidon International as one of the first post-Covid hires.ย At Selby Jennings, Konza found a surprising use for her psychology degree in talent search. Two and a half years on the job, she is now moving into her first management role as Associate Vice President, specializing in placing Quants professionals in the research & trading, portfolio management and buyside/hedge fund space.What are you proudest of in your career?โ€œIโ€™m really proud of being a market specialist, and consulting senior quantitative portfolio managers in the hedge fund space. Sometimes, these professionals appear in the news, so being able to work with them and gain their trust and respect is what I am most proud of.โ€ย Why do you think itโ€™s important to celebrate International Womenโ€™s Day, especially in the workplace?โ€œI think it is very important to have a day like International Womenโ€™s Day that acknowledges what women have faced in the workplace, as some of the barriers we deal with are different compared to others. International Womenโ€™s Day starts conversations, and conversations are the first step in making changes.ย โ€œI attended the International Womenโ€™s Day celebrations last year at Phaidon International and felt the day was exceptional. The panels that were held felt like a safe space to share struggles and it was great to see the organization acknowledge it as well and appreciate the day. There have been so many changes since then, such as the Future Female Leaders Program and the Women In Sales awards, as well as developments across brands. We know and feel Phaidon International cares and is addressing the challenges we face as women.โ€How do you encourage gender diversity internally in your brand?ย โ€œIโ€™ve noticed that Iโ€™m starting to raise awareness in meetings, educating others on struggles they may not have considered. Addressing it first is a big step.ย โ€œI also support when weโ€™re interviewing consultants to come work for Selby Jennings. If weโ€™re hiring a female candidate, I think itโ€™s important that they can see someone like them in the business already, demonstrating to them that we have fostered a workplace that is diverse and that anyone can succeed.ย โ€œWhen we see others being successful, it shows that it is possible, so I hope Iโ€™m a proven point of success and an example to other women.โ€How do you encourage gender diversity in your sector?โ€œAt QuantMinds International 2022, I took part in a panel on diversity, and I was so impressed with the number of people that turned up from leading banks that were freely speaking about diversity and the struggle they find in sourcing diverse talent.ย Being able to contribute to that discussion was amazing. I provided context guidance, advice and afterwards I had attendees coming to me asking for solutions. I want to continue to be part of these conversations and help wherever possible to improve the situation.โ€What advice would you give your younger self?โ€œIโ€™d tell my younger self that itโ€™s okay to not have everything all sorted out. You might not be married by a certain age, or have a house or kids. Youโ€™ll probably feel younger than you are and you might never really know how to adult, or it may feel like that!ย There are no rules and you donโ€™t have to do anything you donโ€™t want. I wish I was able to have been unapologetically myself, so donโ€™t let comments get to you. If you have been called too direct or too punchy, donโ€™t internalize it, just continue to be yourself.โ€For more interviews with the inspiring women at Phaidon International, please visit our hub here.

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The Future of Quants

โ€‹โ€‹Interested in how to attract, retain and promote quantitative talent? Or keen to find out as a Quants professional whether your pay matches your peers?Quantitative expertise in financial services is a highly sought-after skill, and there is no doubt that the job markets for Quants is going from strength to strength.Naturally, many professionals are curious about whether their salaries and bonuses match their peers. For hiring managers grappling to stay competitive to attract and retain talent, having guidance on salary and industry trends is crucial in getting the right workforce in place for the years ahead.Discover the latest report on โ€˜The Future of Quantsโ€™, covering the talent challenges and opportunities across quantitative research & trading, which includes insights on:The 5 hot trends in Quants to know about10 key strategies to retain Quant talentโ€‹Salary & bonus guidance across the US, Europe & APACโ€‹โ€‹Download your copy by completing the form below:โ€‹

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Quants Global Market Report 2021

โ€‹With an extremely active hiring market and an increase in demand for specialist talent, our Quants Recruitment team has produced a Global Market Report 2021 to share key insights and trends from across the industry.โ€‹This market report discusses insights on:โ€ข Execution stratโ€™s and High-Frequency Tradingโ€ข The continued growth of Systematic Fixed Income Tradingโ€ข How Quant firms are diversifying their business mixโ€ข The growth of digital assetsโ€ข Geographic trendsโ€ข Compensation reportsโ€‹Complete the form below to download the full report:

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quantitative-research-and-trading

What Should We Be Teaching the Next Generation of Quants?

โ€‹โ€‹Oliver Cooke, Managing Director of North America, has been invited to QuantMinds Americas to moderate the much-anticipated panel, โ€œWhat should we be teaching the next generation of quants?โ€ The panel will discuss the future of quant talent and skills, as well as exploring how quant modeling compares across different sectors. Looking ahead to the event, Cooke shares some key themes that he looks forward to hearing more about from the esteemed panel. Quantitative finance has evolved dramatically in the last 30 years. Quants have gone from a group of individuals operating in a think-tank style environment, fairly separate from the front-office, to being a key extension of any trading desk, client-facing and the most sought after talent in the market. One of the key developments that came out of QuantMinds International in Vienna, this past May, was how ubiquitous machine learning and AI techniques have become in any quant's day-to-day. Although many of these techniques have been around for decades, they are now have become more mainstream. There are even examples of applying AI techniques to more traditional quantitative problems such as option pricing. Itโ€™s clear that any up-and-coming quant should be educating themselves and actively practicing machine learning and AI techniques as they will only become more relevant in the future.The rise of the 'Quantitative strategist' (or 'strat') was pioneered by the likes of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley more than 15 years ago. Almost every bank now has a quant 'strat' team or has that model as part of their entire approach to quantitative support. What does that mean? That quants are a true extension of the trading desk. That they need to have a high level of quantitative skill, alongside computer science ability, topped off with true business understanding and soft skills to work with the trading desk to implement their solutions. Having both technical and soft skills is becoming essential in order to be a top quant in the industry. Finally, quants have the opportunity to help firms solve wider business challenges through the use of data and analytics. We are lucky enough to have an amazing, world-class panel of practitioners joining us for panel discussion at QuantMinds Americas. In particular, Afsheen Afshar and Shimon Senderowitz have been at major organizations such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Blackrock. In these groups, they have been using quantitative and data science techniques to solve key business challenges. This shows the wider impact quants can have both within finance and beyond, solving organizational challenges, talent challenges, efficiency and operational challenges. This means that the options for up and coming quants to apply their skillset in different ways is vast and will only become bigger in the future. QuantMinds Americas will bring together experts from banks, investment managers, regulators, Silicon Valley, academia and beyond, to learn, network and share expertise on the future of the quant industry. Attendees will hear about the latest breakthrough research, as well as the biggest issues facing the industry, from some of the worldโ€™s most revered quant thought-leaders.Registration for both QuantMinds Americas, and the co-located RiskMinds Americas is now open. Click below, and enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on your registration for either event. โ€‹-----------------About UsSelby Jennings is a leading specialist recruitment agency for banking and financial services. For more than 15 years, we have given clients and candidates peace of mind that the recruitment process is in expert hands. Our continual investment in best-in-class technologies and consultant training enables us to recruit with speed, precision and accuracy. Today, Selby Jennings provides contingency and retained search recruitment across 11 offices in 6 countries.ย Contact usย to find out how Selby Jennings can help you.

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quantitative-research-and-trading

The Growth of Quants in Investment Banks

โ€‹Picture an investment bank drawn in a โ€˜Whereโ€™s Waldo?โ€™ style. Youโ€™ve got traders, finance, the legal team and management; human resources and an IT team hammering away at their keyboards. Where would you expect to find quantitative analysts (quants)?Ten years ago, quants would have been tucked away on trading desks, inputting data into Excel spreadsheets and working through it manually to uncover patterns and statistics. Their findings would help traders to confirm the right price and most promising investment options.Skip forwards a decade and the role of the quant has changed substantially. For the most part, they are now incorporated into risk management teams, instead of being on a trading desk. There are more of them, they are a more diverse group and they use new tools to carry out different tasks. They are in considerable demand and much valued by financial organizations. What brought about this change?Why are there more quants?The last decade has seen a breath-taking speed of technological development. Analytic software combined with increased opportunities to gather data have led to Big Data: more information, collected more quickly. There are sophisticated tools to integrate, sort and process this data into state-of-the-art models.Electronic modeling now means that trading can be carried out by computers, based on an algorithm calculation of the most favorable moment to buy and sell. If algorithms are often the brawn behind hedge funds, investment banks, asset management services and private equity firms, quants are the brains: they program the algorithms that make the system work.Quants are also used more and more in the business of risk, helping to calculate probabilities and statistics using advanced modeling. This enables risk management teams to keep on the right side of an increasing volume of laws and procedures needed to manage risks appropriately.There are now many more quants employed in this reformulated role, shifting from revenue generation to risk management. Banks require quants for a range of functions including the valuation aspects of derivatives and pricing.A more diverse quant workforceAnother notable change in the last decade is the increasing diversity of the quant workforce. Although this STEM-related field used to be dominated by men from a similar background, intake is now much broader and includes many women. Female quants talent is much in demand by banks seeking to improve the diversity of their teams.As with other STEM areas, fewer women studying related subjects such as Math and Physics means this female talent is hard to find. When female quants are recruited to firms, employers have an additional incentive to keep them motivated and committed to the role, in an effort to retain this highly sought after talent.The use of models and tools: a systematic or discretionary approach?The development of algorithms, machine learning and related tools has transformed the nature of quantitative analysis. Quants need to ensure that data is interpreted and presented in the best possible way, but there is very little inputting and processing done through human labor any more.This has led to a divergence of opinion in the best way to approach investment decisions. As Leda Braga, a high-flying quant known as the โ€˜Queen of Quantsโ€™ has said, trading is now dominated by two approaches to decision-making: systematic and discretionary.A discretionary approach to trading is based on the traderโ€™s own thought processes and decision-making skills. Systematic trading uses technology to indicate the best investment strategies, using algorithms to process reams of data. Quants are essential to the systematic approach, which is gaining in popularity.However, the discretionary approach is still very common, particularly because people tend to respond more vehemently to an error made by an algorithm than an error made by a human. As Braga observes: โ€œWe scrutinize the algos with a lot less tolerance than we scrutinize human action.โ€What does it take to be a good quant?To be successful as a quant, strong analytical skills are a must. Most professionals have advanced computer programming abilities, typically using SQL for database management and perhaps an object-oriented language such as Python or R to clean, sort and process data.Quants usually have advanced degrees in a STEM subject, such as computer science, mathematics or physics. A PhD in one of these subjects is common.ย  There is also increasing popularity of financial engineering masterโ€™s degrees such as financial engineering or quantitative/mathematical finance.Could your team benefit from having a quant on board? Emailinfo@selbyjennings.comto learn more about what they could do for your business.ย ------------About UsSelby Jennings is a leading specialist recruitment agency for banking and financial services. For more than 15 years, we have given clients and candidates peace of mind that the recruitment process is in expert hands. Our continual investment in best-in-class technologies and consultant training enables us to recruit with speed, precision and accuracy. Today, Selby Jennings provides contingency and retained search recruitment across 11 offices in 6 countries.ย Contact usย to find out how Selby Jennings can help you.

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