At a Glance
- Tasks: Support traders in executing and managing interest rate trades in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic London-based Hedge Fund with a collaborative trading culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Direct exposure to trading strategies and clear career progression within 2-3 years.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience with top traders and develop your skills in financial markets.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or STEM; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our client, a London based Hedge Fund, is seeking a highly motivated and detail oriented Junior Trader Assistant to support the Interest Rates trading desk in London. This is an excellent opportunity for a Junior Trading Assistant to gain direct experience in a fast-paced trading environment, working alongside traders and PMs, understanding key market positions and contributing to trade execution and management of interest rate products across the markets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide day-to-day support to traders and PMs on the Interest Rates trading execution.
- Assist with trade execution, IR trade booking, and accounting for notional, rates and market strategy.
- Monitor market movements, with a focus on interest rate products (e.g. bonds, swaps, futures).
- Maintain and update pricing models and spreadsheets.
- Liaise with Trading Operations – Middle Office, to ensure smooth trade flow and Counterparty risk management.
- Support traders in identifying market opportunities and managing operational risk exposure and management.
Prerequisite Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or a STEM related field – ideal 2.1 and above.
- Strong understanding of Financial Markets; with prerequisite knowledge of Interest Rates Products is advantageous.
- Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in Excel; programming skills (Python/VBA) are a plus.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure, this is a desk based role.
- Effective communication and ability to manage Trader and PMs and counterparty queries.
This is a unique opportunity to join a London based Hedge Fund and take on a Junior Trader Assistant position on the Interest Rates trading desk in London. Exposure to a dynamic trading floor environment, working with some of the best PMs in London, understanding IR trading and strategies. Opportunity to work alongside experienced traders and clear career progression within the trading function post 2 to 3 years in the front office IR Pod.
Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 base salary plus benefits + bonus.
Working Model: 5 days in the office – support the traders and PMs directly.
Right to Work: UK Full Right to Work – please note no Dependent Visas and Post Study Student Visas and our client can’t formally sponsor. We kindly ask applicants to respect this requirement.
Please apply early and send across your CV and ensure you highlight your prior IR Rates experience as candidates matching the brief will be invited for screening call and introduced to our client for interview.
Junior Trader Assistant - Rates employer: Black Swan Group
Contact Detail:
Black Swan Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Trader Assistant - Rates
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance world. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and the role thoroughly. Understand their trading strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills can support their interest rates desk. Practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel and any programming languages you know, like Python or VBA. Bring examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences to solve problems or improve processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and interests. Plus, applying directly shows your commitment and makes it easier for us to connect you with potential employers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Trader Assistant - Rates
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Trader Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience you have with interest rates products and financial markets. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your numerical and analytical skills! If you've got proficiency in Excel or any programming skills like Python or VBA, make them pop in your application. We love seeing candidates who can bring those skills to the table.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter or application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since this role involves liaising with traders and PMs. Make your points quickly and effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you into the screening process. We’re excited to see what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Black Swan Group
✨Know Your Interest Rates
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of interest rate products like bonds, swaps, and futures. Understanding how these instruments work and their market dynamics will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who can contribute meaningfully to the trading desk.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since proficiency in Excel is crucial for this role, practice your spreadsheet skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss any relevant projects or experiences where you've used Excel, especially if you've worked with pricing models or data analysis.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Prepare to showcase your analytical skills during the interview. You might be asked to solve a problem or analyse a market scenario. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to think critically under pressure, as this is essential in a fast-paced trading environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is vital when liaising with traders and PMs. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You may also want to prepare examples of how you've successfully managed queries or collaborated with others in previous roles.