Optiver has exciting news for students with serious coding skills. We’re inviting STEM students to join Ready Trader Go, a coding competition that dives into the fascinating world of algorithmic trading. While working in pairs, you’ll go head-to-head with participants from across Europe and the UK. And there’s a major reward on the line for the duo with the cleverest code. Up for grabs is a first place prize of €30,000 for the team with the best performing algorithm on Optiver’s simulated exchange.

At Optiver, we’re passionate about knowledge sharing, so Ready Trader Go kick-starts with competitors learning everything they need to know about market making. Equipped with this information and a solid grasp of coding, it’s time to get building. Ready Trader Go takes place over four weeks, which include three qualifying rounds and a grand finale. After each round, competitors will be tasked with optimising their algorithms in an effort to climb the leader board. After round three, only the top eight teams will make it into the finals. Do you have what it takes to program under the pressure of the markets?

Ready Trader Go is an excellent opportunity to experience the dynamic and fast-paced world of algorithmic trading. This unique challenge will push the limits of your creative coding, testing and refinement abilities. The competition also incorporates many important aspects of the work we do at Optiver: collaboration, high-performance development, strategic thinking, technical innovation and competitiveness. If you’re ready to feel the rush of tech-driven trading and discover your future improving financial markets – it’s time to Ready Trader Go.