Direct Access Trader

Barclays UK; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading financial institution as a Direct Access Trader in London, where you will gain hands-on experience in trading across Equity and Fixed Income markets. This role involves executing trades, managing client relationships, and contributing to product development. Ideal candidates will have trading experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure. You will play a crucial role in delivering exceptional market access to clients while upholding the company's values of integrity and excellence.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of trading experience across Equity and Fixed Income securities.
• Excellent people skills and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to develop products and manage trading risks.
• Execute client deals and negotiate with approved counterparties.
• Stay updated on market news and manage internal client orders.

Skills

Trading Experience

Multitasking

Relationship Building

Communication Skills

Job description

Join us as a Direct Access Trader. This role offers an exciting opportunity to gain experience in the end-to-end lifecycle of Equity, ETF, and Fixed Income markets. You will be immersed in Private Bank dealing and trading platforms, learning trade execution mechanics and supporting internal and external clients. Additionally, you will contribute to market commentaries for broad distribution.

As you grow, you'll become a key member of the trading team — a specialist across market and asset classes, providing high-quality execution advice and handling transactions confidently. Over time, you will develop into a Direct Access coverage specialist, working closely with active Private Bank clients to deliver exceptional market access and execution.

To be successful as a Direct Access Trader, you should have:

• 1–2 years of trading experience across Equity and Fixed Income securities
• A practical, well-organised approach with multitasking skills and adaptability
• Confidence to work independently and remain calm under pressure
• Excellent people skills, relationship-building, and team collaboration abilities

Additional valued skills include:

• A logical, structured approach with strong written and oral communication skills across all levels
• High integrity and trustworthiness due to handling sensitive information

You may be assessed on key skills such as risk management, controls, change management, business acumen, strategic thinking, digital skills, and technical expertise.

This role is based in London.

Purpose of the role

Transform innovative ideas into successful market launches, managing and executing orders from PBWM business areas, ensuring professional client deal execution through direct negotiation with approved market counterparties, meeting best execution obligations in line with policies.

Accountabilities

• Collaborate with teams across departments to develop products, considering market demands, customer feedback, and regulatory requirements, adhering to deadlines.
• Address trading and operational risks through detailed project planning and risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, providing updates and resolving concerns.
• Develop and deliver training and documentation for internal teams to support product knowledge and customer support.
• Oversee data migration to new systems and ensure seamless platform integration. Execute client deals professionally, negotiating with approved counterparties.
• Lead pilot programs, analyze customer feedback, and refine products pre-launch.
• Stay updated on market news and primary market issues to manage internal client orders and communicate with sales and syndicate teams.
• Support customers with issues related to new products, working to resolve them efficiently.
• Maintain relationships with market counterparties through regular service meetings to improve offerings.

Assistant Vice President Expectations

• Advise, influence decision-making, contribute to policies, and ensure operational effectiveness. Collaborate with other functions.
• Lead complex tasks, set objectives, and coach team members. Conduct performance appraisals and determine rewards.
• If in a leadership role, demonstrate leadership behaviors: Listen, Energize, Align, Develop.
• For individual contributors, guide team through structured assignments, identify cross-functional needs, and suggest new directions.
• Consult on complex issues, support risk mitigation, and develop policies to strengthen controls.
• Manage risks and controls related to work performed.
• Collaborate across areas to support business strategies and activities.
• Analyze data from multiple sources to solve problems creatively.
• Communicate complex or sensitive information effectively.
• Influence stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.

All colleagues are expected to embody the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship, and to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset: Empower, Challenge, and Drive.