Fundamental Equity Analyst New

Trading Interview; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Akuna Capital in Chicago seeks a Fundamental Equity Analyst to drive deep company research, earnings tracking, and event-driven ideas. You will develop differentiated views, build pricing and risk models, and leverage Akuna's data infrastructure to enhance the research workflow.

The role requires 4+ years of equity research, strong modeling skills, and Python expertise. Prior equity options experience is a plus, and a fast-paced, collaborative environment is expected.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of fundamental equity research experience; buy-side strongly preferred.
• Valuation and financial modeling skills with strong command of Excel.
• Equity options experience a plus.
• Python or other programming skills; fluency with AI tools in research workflow is a plus.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial self-starter ready to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to react quickly to rapidly changing market conditions and solve math/coding problems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep fundamental research on companies, industries, and events to develop differentiated views.
• Own the desk's information edge by tracking earnings, guidance, actions, and market-moving news.
• Analyze event plays focusing on timing, positioning, and price/volatility mappings.
• Pitch long/short, volatility, and event-driven ideas to the desk and defend them.
• Build models, sheets, and tooling powering research using AI and Akuna's data stack.
• Develop relationships with sell-side analysts and industry contacts to deepen research access.
• Learn to express fundamental views in options space alongside seasoned traders.

Skills

Fundamental equity research

Valuation & modeling

Excel proficiency

Python

Strong communication

Entrepreneurial self-starter

Quick problem solving (math/coding)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics/Engineering/CS

Tools

Python

Excel

Job description

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.

This description was published by Akuna Capital.

What you’ll do as a Fundamental Equity Analyst at Akuna:

Akuna's Relative Value desk is one of the firm's newest businesses and its dedicated position-taking desk. While Akuna's core business is providing liquidity, the Relative Value desk takes calculated risk: we express views primarily through volatility positions across index and single-name options, alongside directional exposure, backed by Akuna's proprietary pricing, execution, and data infrastructure.

• Conduct deep fundamental research on companies, industries, and corporate events to develop differentiated views the desk can trade
• Own the desk's information edge by tracking earnings, guidance, corporate actions, and market-moving news so the desk is informed before it matters
• Analyze event plays with a focus on timing, positioning, and how outcomes map to price and volatility
• Pitch long/short, volatility, and event-driven trade ideas directly to the desk and defend them in open debate
• Build the models, sheets, and tooling that power your research process, leveraging AI and Akuna's data and technology stack to multiply your output
• Build relationships with sell-side analysts, expert networks, and industry contacts to deepen the desk's research access
• Learn to express fundamental views in options space, developing a working understanding of volatility alongside experienced index and single-name traders

Qualities that make great candidates:

• 4+ years of fundamental equity research experience; buy-side strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related/equivalent field
• Valuation and financial modeling skills with strong command of Excel
• A genuine passion for investing and a desire to ultimately take risk and see your research end in positions
• Equity options experience a plus
• Python or other programming skills, fluency with incorporating AI tools into a research workflow a plus
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Entrepreneurial self-starter ready to work in a fast paced, team environment
• The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply.

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.