Trader Assistant / Trader

Job Title: Trader

Department: Trading Operations

Location: London

Reports To: Head of Trading

Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Trader to join our Trading Operations team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that key operational and trading processes are completed, documented, analyzed, and improved in line with business growth. We are looking for someone who brings fresh ideas and uses their initiative to drive change and innovation within our team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals eager to learn and take on challenges within an international consumer banking environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Master System and Process Knowledge: Acquire a deep understanding of the bank's trading systems and processes to ensure seamless operations.

Efficient Transaction Management: Oversee the mass processing of various transactions, including trades, deposits, dividends, transaction reporting, and ISA subscriptions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Data Integrity and Management: Conduct thorough reconciliation, data verification, and cleansing to maintain high data integrity standards.

Execute Trades: Skillfully execute trades on Bloomberg MTF and Tradeweb MTF platforms, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Relationship Cultivation: Build and maintain strong relationships with market makers and counterparties to facilitate effective trading operations.

Optimize Operational Processes: Regularly review and refine key operational processes and data in collaboration with the Head of Trading to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Process Evaluation: Assess processes for scalability, risk, and compliance, ensuring they align with business objectives and regulatory standards.

Strategic Relationship Building: Develop and nurture relationships with market counterparties and vendors to support and enhance trading activities.

Ensure Data Accuracy: Maintain up-to-date and accurate stock and market counterparty data to support informed trading decisions.

Maintain Trading Handbook: Oversee the maintenance of the Trading Handbook to ensure accurate and efficient trading operations.

Track Trading Performance: Manage the trading TCA metric file to monitor and evaluate trading performance effectively.

Drive Product and Process Innovation:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop innovative products, ensuring the trading team has the necessary tools to manage new offerings.
• Lead projects from conception through to implementation, ensuring successful delivery.
• Work both independently and collaboratively to develop new products and services, including creating testing schedules and orchestrating effective team meetings.
• Present new products to senior management during weekly product cabinet meetings and participate in quarterly governance meetings to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and business objectives.

Qualifications:

Certifications and Exams: Candidates must already possess the CISI Level 3 Certificate in Securities or an equivalent qualification, covering essential regulatory and securities knowledge required for executing trades.

Experience: Prior experience in trading, investment banking, or a related financial services role is preferred. Experience with specific asset classes (e.g., equities, fixed income, derivatives) may be required.

Skills:

Technical Skills: Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis, with strong quantitative and analytical skills. Familiarity with trading platforms and financial software. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL is mandatory.

Soft Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work under pressure, and strong attention to detail and risk management skills.

Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of UK financial regulations and compliance requirements relevant to trading activities, including those set by the FCA.

Innovation and Initiative: Demonstrated ability to bring fresh ideas and use initiative to drive change and innovation within the team.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications, experience, and how they plan to bring fresh ideas and drive change in this role.