Trainee Trading Programme 2026

We’re hiring a Trainee Trader to join our Execution Services Department - a rare opportunity for ambitious, highly numerate school leavers to begin their career on a live trading floor. The programme will run for 24 months, with the aim of offering a permanent placement upon successful completion. At Peel Hunt, we combine a collegiate, supportive culture with a commitment to developing top talent and focusing on long‑term success.

As a Trading Trainee, you’ll learn directly from experienced market makers and gain hands‑on exposure to pricing UK equity markets, managing trading risk, providing liquidity across multiple instruments, and supporting real client execution.

About Execution Services

Execution Services is Peel Hunt’s trading and liquidity provision business. It sits at the heart of the UK equity market, executing trades and providing liquidity to investors every day across a wide range of UK listed companies. The team combines market expertise, technology, and risk management to deliver fast, efficient and high‑quality trade execution for institutional, retail and intermediary clients. Execution Services is a core revenue‑generating part of Peel Hunt and plays a critical role in supporting the firm’s wider research, corporate broking and capital markets activities.

What does a Market Maker/Trader do?

• Provide liquidity in UK equities (mainly small and mid‑cap stocks)
• Quote two‑way prices (bid and offer) to a range of clients and brokers
• Facilitate client trading flow while managing the firm’s risk
• Support Peel Hunt’s corporate broking and research franchise
• Manage risk arising from client trades and proprietary positions
• Respond to institutional, retail and intermediary flow
• Adjust prices dynamically as market conditions change
• Work closely with colleagues across Execution Services, sales trading and technology to deliver high‑quality execution outcomes

Trading Trainee Responsibilities

• Participate in on‑the‑job learning and formal training sessions to develop knowledge of Peel Hunt, financial markets and the trading environment.
• Shadow traders to understand decision‑making and trade execution.
• Support the trading team with day‑to‑day tasks and administration.
• Learn and apply basic trading principles under supervision.
• Monitor market news, trends and price movements relevant to the business.
• Assist with preparing reports and updating spreadsheets or trading systems when requested.
• Ensure accurate entry of trade data into trade systems.
• Support with risk/compliance related administration.
• Demonstrate curiosity, ask questions, build a strong foundation for a future trading career.
• Demonstrate sound conduct and uphold the key values of the firm at all times.
• Develop knowledge of the regulatory environment and the FCA conduct rules.
• Dedicate time and effort to completing studies, demonstrating commitment, self‑motivation and the ability to balance learning with responsibilities in the role.

Key Capabilities & Knowledge

• Interest in financial markets, economics and global news.
• Basic understanding of how markets work.
• Awareness of the importance of compliance, ethics and accuracy in trading.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and stay focused in a fast‑paced environment.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to new concepts and systems.
• Good communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Self‑motivated with a proactive attitude towards learning and development.
• Team player with positive and professional approach.
• Basic IT skills (MS Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Willingness to study towards professional qualifications.

This role may transition into an Apprenticeship once the formal qualification programme is confirmed.