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ION Trading

Acquired by ION Group

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Mediocre at best - Anonymous employee ION Trading Employee Review

1.0
31 Aug 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It's hard to think of twenty words to fill the minimum requirement of 'Pros' section, but the Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) has good views from the 26th floor. Also, coffee is free, instant coffee anyways. If you have no other offers and/or options, accept an offer by all means, but start formulating your exit plan from day one. A long stretch at ION will count against you in your CV, as most clients whom deal with the company have a negative view of it. A politically savvy person can make a successful career at ION, but if you are not (be honest with yourself now), regardless of how technically competent you are, in the end ION experience will be detrimental to your further prospects.

Cons

A very demoralizing environment. Senior management and sales people treat client concerns with open disdain, and regularly refer to clients in derogatory terms. If you have worked in a Tier 1 organisation the lack of professionalism and complete lack of respect of clients and of colleagues will surprise you, as will the opaqueness of the organisation. Some individual team leaders do try to buck the trend, but that's an exception to the rule. The recent 'LEAN' initiative to change the culture is nothing more than a cosmetic initiative, and that is clear to even the slower members of a very mediocre organisation.

Explore other reviews about ION Trading

5.0
3 Aug 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Management really cares about the LDP and provide opportunities for the analysts to achieve their goals/improve their skill sets. We have many opportunities to travel to our international offices and ask for projects that are interesting and a good learning experience. I've had a good experience with other team members who are not part of the program as well. The office is more collaborative now and I think ION is trying to improve on past criticism/feedback.

Cons

Work load can be daunting at times and you may get different directions from several managers. However, if you ask questions and aren't afraid to take on challenges this can be a great way to constantly strive for more.

6
1.0
15 Jun 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The New York office is very nice, on the 50th floor and overlooks Central Park. There are some nice people working in the office there and everyone has a collective feeling of sympathy for their fellow colleagues.

Cons

You need to understand that if you join ION that you are sacrificing any chances of career advancement whatsoever. While no expense is spared when it comes to fancy offices, every expense possible is when it comes to employees. While starting salaries are reasonable, there have been no pay increases for years, and bonuses when given are tiny. The CEO insists on a hands-on approach to every single part of the company (including approving an order for more coffee!) and the result is that very little ever gets done. Benefits are awful for a company of this size (no 401k employer contribution, minimum contribution toward heath, etc). There is very little flexibility when it comes to hours or working remotely. Think very carefully before joining ION and signing that onerous non-compete which could basically put an end to your career in this industry unless you change your industry/profession entirely or are happy to stagnate in misery at ION. I would strongly recommend against joining. I would also point out what many on here have mentioned - there are a number of reviews below which are very clearly fake. If you read a review which jokingly refers to ION as a "Market Leader" or similar, you need to be aware that these have been written specifically to try and boost the dismal rating the company rightfully has on Glassdoor.

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