CFIS Catalunya students are invited to join the Optiver Trading Masterclass. Led by Optiver industry expert Robbert Pullen, this exclusive four-day programme takes you from the foundations of options theory to hands-on algorithm development and testing. Across three afternoon sessions, you’ll fine-tune your skills on Optiver’s simulated exchange, Optibook, blending academic insights with real industry application.

The programme will conclude with a final competition on Saturday, 7 February, giving you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice and experience what it’s like to trade in a competitive environment.

You’ll walk away with:

• A strong understanding of financial markets, options theory, and algorithmic trading — no prior financial background required
• Hands-on experience using a simulated market exchange, offering insight into what it’s like to work as a trader at a leading global market maker
• The skills to design and optimise a Python trading algorithm using real financial market data
• A certificate from Optiver, awarded upon successfully completing the Trading Masterclass and participating in the final algorithmic trading competition

Course overview

• Market making theory: Foundations of market making, including options theory, evolving to practical data analysis and Python algorithm design.
• Hands-on practice: Build and optimise Python-based trading algorithms in Optibook, our real-time simulated exchange.
• Competitive challenges: The course concludes in a competitive event where you’ll deploy your Optibook algorithms against those of your peers. This event replicates the high stakes and rewards of real trading, giving you insights into the day-to-day life of a trader. An exciting prize awaits the winning team!

Eligibility criteria

• A registered CFIS Catalunya student studying a STEM-related subject
• A strong aptitude in mathematics
• Basic coding proficiency – participants will use Python for this challenge
• No prior backgrounds in financial markets is required

Key dates

• Course duration: 3 – 5 February from 14:00 – 17:00
• Final competition: 7 February 14:00 – 17:00
  

Application deadline: Monday 19 January, 12:00

Apply now