Meet Brent, Quantitative Trader

• University: Nanyang Technological University
• Degree:  Bachelor of Engineering Science (Computer Science); Master of Science in Technology Management

Brent joined Optiver as a Quantitative Trading Intern in the summer of 2023 and has since launched his full-time trading career with the global market maker. In this interview, he reflects on his internship experience and shares how Optiver’s training programs, combined with his background in STEM, has equipped him to thrive on the trading floor.

Your background

Q: What first attracted you to apply for Optiver?

I first learned about Optiver through a career fair held at my university. I was drawn to the nature of the work, which strongly aligned with my interests. The internship training program stood out as a valuable learning opportunity, especially the combination of foundational financial theory and hands-on simulation trading, which provided a truly unique and immersive experience.

Q: What did you study in university and how is it relevant to your role at Optiver?

I studied Computer Science, which provided me with a strong foundation in data analysis and problem solving. Many of the data science and engineering principles I learned are directly applicable to trading, from analysing large datasets to deriving insights that inform our trading strategies. My technical background also enables me to approach problems from a quantitative perspective.

Q: What are some of the key skills required?

• Quantitative reasoning – Drawing logical conclusions from market behaviour and data.
• Curiosity – Being inquisitive about how things work and constantly seeking better ways to do them.
• Data analytics – Leveraging data to improve decision-making, identify inefficiencies, and enhance trading systems.

Trading internship experience

Q: What was your training like during the internship?

The internship began with two weeks of training in financial theory — starting from the basics and building up to the key concepts needed for trading. This was followed by four weeks of simulation trading, where I got hands-on experience interacting with the live Eurostock index options market. I also completed a project with the US index options desk, where I worked on solving a real trading problem.

Q: What skills did you develop as an intern that have been most valuable in your current role?

One of the most important things I learned was the value of being curious and proactive. At Optiver, asking questions and seeking out information is encouraged. During my internship on the S&P desk, a senior trader always made time to walk through project details with me and help me overcome any roadblocks, which taught me how powerful a collaborative and open environment can be.

Q: Did the internship prepare you for your full-time graduate role?

Absolutely. The internship gave me a strong foundation in core trading concepts, including option theory and market making. It also provided exposure to the types of projects and challenges a trading desk faces, which made the transition into a graduate role much smoother.

Q: What makes Optiver’s internship program unique, compared to other opportunities in the industry?

The training at Optiver is much more structured and intentional compared to other firms. They equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed, rather than leaving you to figure everything out through on-the-job exposure. It creates a strong foundation to build from, especially for those new to the trading industry.

Transition to full-time

Q: What do you do in your current role?

I currently trade commodity options, where I monitor and adjust our autotraders to align with our trading objectives. I also work on various projects focused on improving our trading strategies and pricing.

Q: What are some of the projects you are working on?

One project I’ve been focused on is improving our volatility pricing — specifically forecasting volatility over longer time horizons. This helps enhance our pricing accuracy across the term structure, especially for longer-dated options.

Q: What’s the culture like at Optiver, and has anything about it surprised you since joining?

Optiver fosters a growth-oriented environment that is feedback-oriented, and focused on continuous improvement, both individually and as a team. You do not need to be afraid of making mistakes, but instead focus on what you’ve learnt from your mistakes, and reflect on how you can be better from there. It is a safe environment for you to learn and grow.

I was pleasantly surprised by how open and collaborative the environment is. People are always willing to share their experiences and knowledge, regardless of their seniority. I had the impression that HFT firms were generally secretive about strategies, but at Optiver, knowledge is shared openly to help everyone grow and succeed.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Optiver?

I enjoy the collaborative and high-performance culture. I get to work with incredibly talented individuals who are all focused on improving how we trade. It’s a place where continuous learning and innovation are encouraged.

Q: What’s your advice for future applicants?

Take the time to strengthen your technical foundations, particularly in areas relevant to trading and data analysis. Reflect on your strengths and how you can add value to the team. Most importantly, stay calm during interviews and clearly articulate your thought process. All the best!

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