Junior Trader

About Akuna: 

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models. 

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore. 

What you’ll do as a Junior Trader at Akuna:

Our London Team are a mixture of mathematicians, statisticians and technologists that find solutions to problems. We create trading models and strategies scientifically by combining our quantitative expertise with an understanding of derivatives and financial markets. We are seeking a Junior Trader to join the team to apply their quantitative skills to exciting problems. You don't need a background in finance or trading, instead we look for maths and coding skills.

Our Traders are creative thinkers who can capture trading opportunities, convert ideas into solutions and pilot sophisticated strategies with mathematical and programming skills. As a Junior Trader you will:

• Manage trading strategies and improve profitability by converting ideas into quantitative models
• Implement trading signals that contribute to portfolio construction
• Develop a deep understanding of derivatives theory and financial markets
• Generate ideas on trading opportunities, product insights, risk management and trading systems

If this sounds interesting to you, apply now! We are looking for people who have innovative ideas, think analytically, and have an entrepreneurial mindset and want to make an immediate impact in our growing company and contribute to Akuna’s strategy portfolio.

Start dates: anytime 2026- Mid 2027 (earlier start date preferred)

Training: As a junior, you will be paired with a mentor to work together and we offer extensive training opportunities to learn about market making, our systems, and financial theories such as Options Greeks and Black Scholes methods. 

Requirements for this role:

• UK citizen or Permanent residences only
• University Degree and graduated, or graduating, between 2024 and June 2027
• Bachelor, Honours, Masters or PhDs in a STEM subject such as Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related degrees
• An understanding of advanced Mathematics: Calculus, Stochastic Processes, Linear Algebra, Statistics and Optimization
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis, numerical linear algebra, machine learning or convex optimization
• Intermediate programming skills in Python (C++ is a plus). For example, we’re looking for candidates who have completed coding coursework as part of their studies.
• Ability to process complex information quickly and accurately under pressure
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Financial experience or studies are NOT a requirement

Qualities that make great candidates:

• Distinction Average & proven strong academics
• Previous data science / ML coursework or practical experience
• Awards, prizes, medals, competitions, & scholarships
• Experience in research within an academic or professional environment
• Achievements outside of studies through your hobbies & interests

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note that level/title will be determined upon the conclusion of the interview process.