Life Changing - Derivative Trader Optiver Employee Review

5.0
4 Nov 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Top Derivatives Market Making Firm Globally. 2017 will be in its top few years in its 30+ year history, which is against the grain of the industry which is largely struggling in tough low volatility markets. Huge amount of built up knowledge across spectrum of electronic trading and options trading. Ahead of competitors in most key areas. Nowhere better to learn. Incredible pay. There may not be a consistently higher paying firm globally, in almost any industry. Think the current NBA*0.1 and you'll be close to the distribution. It's about output, not hours. No one cares about your hours unless you're a lower performer. Young and intelligent people. Only thing that can hold you back is your own ability, drive or mindset.

Cons

Consuming job, especially as a grad. It will be hard to think about much else for a while. Hard to answer the question, 'what will you do after Optiver?'. Competitors desperately want you, and are eager to take anyone who leaves. Though a side ways career step into another part of the industry or profession will come with a massive decrease in pay and significant decrease in decision making power. I guess this is a good problem to have while you're happy to be there. Company now at a size where you won't know everyone. Changes the culture somewhat.

Explore other reviews about Optiver

5.0
24 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

worked on a lot of different areas of the trading stack; often close with researchers learned about technical components for data driven trading saw my impact day to day

Cons

constant office renovations were a bit distracting, but was told it should be done in 2026

3.0
21 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good compensation, collaborative environment. Company also seems to aim to be at forefront of new tech such as AI

Cons

When HR mgmt is on record stating things like the company shouldn’t hire females anymore, it really makes you wonder how they make decisions on who should fill management positions

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