QuantFeed: Q3: Quarterly Review

In this edition, our primary aim is to explore the latest trends in hiring activity, underscore significant products and strategies, and provide valuable recruitment insights as we approach the final quarter of 2024.

General Hiring Activity

This update is particularly timely, as we have just returned from the United States, where we engaged with our client partners to evaluate year-to-date performance and outline plans for Q4 and beyond.

Our discussions with clients were enlightening, covering critical market updates, areas of achievement, and growth ambitions. We explored product and strategy blind spots where they plan to invest in order to enhance their existing operations, as well as their recruitment strategies and objectives for the remainder of the year.

As we have consistently highlighted, the market remains active. However, both clients and candidates are now adopting a more strategic approach following a period of significant hiring. Many organizations have expanded their workforce to capitalize on market opportunities and diversify over recent years, resulting in a mix of successes and setbacks, with some initiatives ultimately being scaled back.

With numerous platforms making substantial advancements in technology, infrastructure, and risk management capabilities, we anticipate that the next phase of talent acquisition will become increasingly focused and strategic.

Products and Strategies

As experienced headhunters, we take pride in providing a comprehensive and informed perspective on the products and strategies that leading firms are strategically pursuing. Here are some key observations:

• Futures: Firms seek to enhance portfolio diversification and manage risk more effectively by building out futures strategies, in addition to existing businesses, across a range of products and frequencies.
• Systematic Approaches: Systematic strategies remain a primary focus for hedge funds and prop trading firms, regardless of product, strategy, or location.
• Equity Statistical Arbitrage: This strategy remains a high priority for the majority of our clients as it provides opportunities for profit in various market conditions while managing risk effectively.
• Digital Assets: With the rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, some firms continue to explore investment opportunities in digital assets and related technologies.
• Machine Learning: Firms are increasingly seeking professionals with machine learning expertise to enhance their existing research pipelines.
• Fixed Income RV: Firms are keenly interested in fixed income relative value expertise, particularly individuals with yield curve modelling and trading experience.

There is demand across our hedge fund and prop-trading clients for Portfolio Managers, Traders, Alpha Generators, and Researchers with experience in the above products and strategies. We are actively recruiting for several senior positions in these areas.

Recruitment Analysis

As we anticipate a shift towards more focused and strategic talent acquisition, we advise those currently engaged in job searches and facing ownership periods to exercise patience. It may be prudent to await the bonus season and allow these ownership periods to expire. Should a compelling opportunity that aligns with your aspirations arise in the meantime, do not hesitate to express your interest. However, we encourage individuals to refrain from engaging with firms in the coming months unless such an opportunity presents itself.

Many organizations are entering their business planning phase for 2025, with these plans often contingent upon potential exits following bonus season. Therefore, maintaining discipline and patience is essential, as more concrete roles are expected to emerge at the end of Q1 or the beginning of Q2 next year.

We are observing an increasing number of senior and lead positions available, including opportunities for individuals to establish or join new teams within leading firms. Our clients understand that sourcing the right candidates for these roles is not a swift process. Timing is crucial, and we are here to consult with individuals on available opportunities and the most effective strategies for introductions.

Live Roles:

Quantitative Researcher/Trader (Europe)

Quantitative Trader - UK Natural Gas - Amsterdam

Quantitative Researcher - Execution Lead - London (New Build)

Quantitative Researcher - Systematic Equities - London or Dubai

Quantitative Researcher - ML Systematic Equities - London

Quantitative Researcher - Systematic Macro - London and Europe

Quantitative Researcher - D1 Equities - London

Quantitative Researcher/Trader - Delta One Futures - Amsterdam

Quantitative Trader - Crypto (DeFi) - London and Europe

Senior Risk Manager - Rates Vol - London

Quantitative Researcher/Trader (North America)

Senior Quantitative Researcher - Options MM (CME, VIX, Equity Index) - New York and Chicago

Quantitative Researcher - Equity Volatility - New York (New Build)

Quantitative Researcher - Futures - New York (New Build)

Quantitative Researcher/Trader - Futures Lead - Chicago and New York (New Build)

Quantitative Researcher/Trader - Equities Lead - Chicago and New York (New Build)

Quantitative Researcher - Systematic Macro - New York (New Build)

Trader - US Rates - Chicago (to work Asia shift)

Quantitative Researcher/Trader (Europe or North America)

Quantitative Researcher/Trader - HFT and MFT Futures and Equities - North America and Europe

Quantitative Researcher - Equities ETF - North America and London (New Build)

Quantitative Researcher/Trader - Systematic Global Macro Futures - North America and Europe

Quantitative Researcher - Fixed Income RV - North America and London (New Build)

Quantitative Researcher - HFT CME Futures/D1 - North America and Europe

Quantitative Researcher - Machine Learning - North America and Europe

Portfolio Manager:

Portfolio Manager - Systematic Crude Oil - London and Dubai

Portfolio Manager - G10 Linear Rates & Derivatives - New York

Portfolio Manager – Equity Vol – North America

Portfolio Manager – Crypto Assets – North America and Europe

Portfolio Manager - Systematic Index Rebalance - North America and Europe

Portfolio Manager - Equity Stat-Arb - North America and Europe

Portfolio Manager - Equity L/S (EU Markets) - Amsterdam

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