My client is seeking Desk Strategists. The Desk Strategist adds value to the Firm by providing the trading and sales desk with superior analytical skills. Desk Strategists will collaborate with the traders on risk analysis, risk reporting, and value added trading strategies. Desk Strategists are responsible for the creation of product valuation models, trading strategy analytics, and risk and valuation tools to be used by traders and fellow Desk Strats to better understand risk and to better identify market opportunities. .

Responsibilities include:
1)Determine and create the valuation and risk management models that will feed the firm’s books and records for positions that are currently on the books or about to be purchased or bid upon.
2) Creating models and strategies that the desk will use to drive trading decisions.
3) Monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of current valuation and risk models and championing and enacting new developments as needed.
4) Collaborating with traders to analyze and advise on managing the risk of the positions currently on the books.
5) Collaborating with traders to analyze and identify revenue positive trading opportunities.
6) Collaborating with the traders and structurers on the design of new products.

Skills Required

1) Strong skills in applied mathematics, basic knowledge of mathematical finance, basic knowledge of financial markets. A Masters degree in Computational Finance, a Masters degree in Mathematical Finance, or a Ph.D. in finance or economics, or a Ph.D. in mathematics or a computational science is strongly preferred. (Specific knowledge of Emerging Market activities, credit dynamics, or mortgages is a plus.)
2) Strong hands on technology skills are a core requirement (C++ programming and statistical packages such as SAS or Matlab). The successful candidate will have demonstrable success
3) Ability to discuss and market ideas is required. Strong communication & collaboration skills are necessary.
4) Market inquisitive’ nature and strong desire to be commercially relevant through the development of financial analytics and the application of analytical skills to find and risk manage trading positions. The candidate must be able to couple knowledge of mathematical finance, empirical statistics, and market knowledge to identify revenue enhancing/risk reducing trade opportunities.
4) Experience in designing and implementing analytics which have gained widespread use on one or more trading desks is extremely desirable.
5) Candidates for senior level roles must have a good track record of marketing successful strategies to the trading desk and their clients as well as having demonstrable experience of designing and structuring various trades for clients and traders.
6) Candidates for senior level roles must have demonstrated leadership skills and a track record of mentoring and directing highly skilled quantitative professionals in the development, implementation, and adoption of analytics that have had a revenue positive impact on the business.

- Advanced degrees in quantitative fields (Math, Physics, Computer Science, etc) and/or finance.
- 5+ years of experience of working as desk strategist.
- Some knowledge of credit products and credit market.
- good communication skills

For further information please contact John Meadowcroft on 020 7780 6700 / 020 7025 0420, or alternatively via e-mail John.Meadowcroft@AnsonMcCade.Com