ETF Trader

Who are you?

You’ve always had a passion for tech and even thought you’re now a screen trader you’ve always tried to incorporate some of your previous programming experience because a) it’s just a lot more efficient and b) because you still like to code. You probably studied a STEM subject at school but didn’t really fancy being a full time developer or quant as your other passion is the markets and trading. You’ve been trading ETFs for a while now and you have a pretty good handle on the market, who’s doing what and why. You can use this market insight to incorporate into your trading strategies and are on top of your game.

Yes, sound like me. So what?

As mentioned you can see the evolution of the market and know that the direction of travel in ETF’s is more automation. You look around at the other traders in your team that can’t or won’t entertain a systematic strategy and feel the overall direction of your companies strategy is wrong. The market is changing and you want to change and adapt with it.

OK, that does sound interesting, tell me more.

We are working with a major player in the high frequency trading industry. They are dominant in most exchange traded instruments however are noticeably absent (well in any kind of meaningful way) from the ETF market. This is about to change. They are investing in building out their ETF business and replicate the predictive ability they have on other markets within ETFs. They need to hire an ETF trader who understands the market microstructure and nuances to research and build out the systematic trading strategies.

Erm I haven’t got experience researching or building systematic strategies?

That’s fine. They have an army of quants and developers to work with however, and this is where the coding experience comes in, you do need to be reasonable technically competent as you will be conducting your own analysis in Python.

Any other requirements?

Well obviously you need to have considerable experience pricing and trading ETF. You need to understand the mechanics of the ETF market as well as the market movements and flows. You will have developed successful trading strategies and/or been involved the creation & redemption process. Also, as mentioned able to conduct analysis in Python.

Sound like me but that’s going to be hard to build out…

Yes, it is going to be a challenge but they are prepared for that. It’s also a massive opportunity to join this firm at the beginning of their ETF journey. No legacy platforms, process or defined structure around responsibilities. This is your chance to use all of your knowledge and build something from scratch in a well established and successful business.

OK, it does sound interesting but I have a non-compete

Of course you do. That’s to be expected. This is a multi-year project so they are comfortable with waiting for the right person.

How do I get in touch?

You can ping me an email at s.grainger@gslsearch.com or use the link below to book time into my diary.