Trainee - xVA Trader

Apply advanced mathematics to derivatives pricing, portfolio optimisation, and counterparty risk analysis while supporting trading activities and developing quantitative solutions for global financial markets.

Responsibilities

Apply Advanced Mathematics to Real Trading Decisions

Join a Front Office xVA Trading team and work alongside traders, quants and developers on derivatives pricing, exposure modelling and portfolio optimisation.

Launch Your Career on a Front Office Trading Desk

Are you passionate about quantitative finance, derivatives pricing, and financial markets? Do you want to join a leading global investment bank and gain exposure to a highly specialised trading environment from day one?

We are seeking an exceptional xVA Trader Trainee to join our Front Office team, working alongside experienced xVA traders within the Fixed Income & Currencies business. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly analytical graduate to develop expertise in derivatives valuation, counterparty risk, capital optimisation, and quantitative modelling while contributing to real trading and pricing activities across global markets.

You'll work at the intersection of trading, quantitative research, risk management, and technology, helping drive the development of sophisticated pricing tools and optimisation solutions used across multiple asset classes.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Trainee, you will:

• Support xVA traders with daily pricing and trading activities

• Assist in the valuation of derivatives across interest rates, FX, credit and other asset classes

• Help explain pricing methodologies and valuation assumptions to sales and trading teams

• Monitor xVA workflows and collaborate with support functions to ensure efficient execution

• Contribute to portfolio optimisation initiatives designed to reduce CVA, capital and funding costs

• Partner with Quantitative Research and Development teams to enhance pricing models and risk management tools

• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of optimisation solutions

• Analyse counterparty exposures and valuation adjustments to support business decision-making

• Participate in strategic projects led by senior members of the team

Profile required

What We're Looking For

We're particularly interested in candidates with a strong quantitative academic background and a genuine interest in financial markets.

Essential

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in a highly quantitative discipline

• Strong academic background in:

  • Mathematics

  • Applied Mathematics

  • Financial Mathematics

  • Quantitative Finance

  • Financial Engineering

  • Physics

  • Statistics

  • Engineering

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to work independently within a fast-paced Front Office environment

• Strong attention to detail and intellectual curiosity

Highly Desirable

• Coursework or specialisation in:

  • Options Pricing

  • Derivatives Modelling

  • Stochastic Calculus

  • Quantitative Finance

  • Financial Engineering

  • Mathematical Finance

  • Risk Management

• Knowledge of derivatives pricing concepts and valuation methodologies

• Understanding of counterparty risk, exposure modelling or xVA concepts

• Familiarity with financial markets and products

• Experience with Python, C++, R, MATLAB or similar quantitative programming languages

Why Apply?

This role offers a rare opportunity to:

• Work directly with Front Office traders and quantitative specialists

• Gain hands-on experience in derivatives pricing and risk management

• Develop expertise in xVA, a critical area of modern investment banking

• Contribute to cutting-edge pricing and optimisation projects

• Build a strong foundation for a career in Trading, Quantitative Research, Structuring or Risk

Who Will Thrive Here?

We're looking for intellectually curious individuals who enjoy tackling complex quantitative problems, are excited by financial markets, and want to apply advanced mathematical concepts to real-world trading challenges.