About
Cutting-edge technology lies at the core of IMC Trading. As one of the world’s leading market makers, IMC operates on more than 100 venues globally, providing liquidity in over 200,000 securities. With offices in Amsterdam, Chicago, Sydney, and Mumbai, IMC's teams of technologists and traders collaborate to design and develop the software, hardware, networks, and algorithms that power their trading strategies. IMC hires exceptional problem-solvers with an insatiable curiosity, challenging them to anticipate change and drive innovation that sustains long-term success. At IMC, ideas are recognized and rewarded based on merit, not hierarchy, ensuring anyone can make an impact from day one.
Their Story
IMC was founded in 1989 by two traders on the floor of the Amsterdam Equity Options Exchange. In an era when trading was conducted manually, IMC was one of the first firms to recognize the pivotal role technology would play in the evolution of market making. By investing in technology early, IMC helped shape the future of trading and established itself as an industry pioneer. That same entrepreneurial spirit drives IMC today, with a global presence and trading strategies that are primarily data and algorithm-driven. IMC, short for International Marketmaker’s Combination, continues to provide liquidity to financial markets worldwide through its cutting-edge execution platform.
Where Technology Meets Trading
IMC is not just a trading house—it’s also a technology firm. By continually developing tools to enhance productivity and performance, IMC ensures its traders and developers are equipped with the best resources available. This dual focus on talent and technology enables IMC to consistently bring value to the market, ensuring they stay ahead in a fast-paced and evolving industry.
Risk and Compliance
IMC’s sophisticated risk management and compliance infrastructure is integral to the firm’s strategy and day-to-day operations. They maintain a robust framework for managing risk and uphold the highest standards of regulatory and voluntary compliance. As the regulatory environment evolves, IMC continuously invests in systems, structures, and people to strengthen their controls and oversight. The firm supports well-regulated, resilient markets that foster competition and transparency, and proactively backs initiatives that align with these values.
Culture
IMC’s greatest asset is its people. The firm provides employees with both the responsibility and support they need to make a difference. Its flat structure fosters a culture of openness and collaboration, encouraging the free flow of ideas and knowledge. Whether someone has been at IMC for three days or three years, the best idea always wins. Beyond work, IMC is committed to creating a fun and engaging environment, with team-building activities, leisure events, and sporting opportunities. Through the IMC Foundation, employees are also empowered to contribute to a better society, extending their impact beyond the markets.
Values
At IMC, significant investments are made in both people and infrastructure, fostering an open culture that promotes teamwork and innovation. When someone has a good idea, IMC seeks to implement it right away. The following core values reflect how IMC operates as a firm:
Hiring talented people and giving them lots of responsibility
IMC’s employees are the cornerstone of its success. The firm hires talented individuals and gives them substantial responsibility, along with the support and freedom to make an impact.
IMC's culture is free from silos or invisible barriers, and the best ideas are recognized regardless of hierarchy. While celebrating success is important, IMC encourages employees to stay grounded and have fun throughout their work.
Making things happen today and making them better tomorrow
As an ambitious company, IMC is always prepared to take the next step. The firm dares to imagine how things could be and works to bring those ideas to life.
IMC continuously plans for the future, anticipating change and driving innovation. The firm understands that a good idea today may need to be rethought tomorrow, so it remains adaptable and forward-thinking.
Being here to stay
IMC is committed to long-term success. The firm plans and invests for the future, encouraging employees to take responsibility not only for their own actions but also for their colleagues.
As a participant in the financial markets, IMC understands its responsibility to the industry and its counterparties. To meet these obligations, IMC upholds the highest standards of compliance and risk controls. Furthermore, IMC acknowledges its role in society through the work of its IMC Foundations, contributing to the communities where its employees live and work.
Diverse people bring diverse ideas
IMC believes that diversity of thought is a key driver of innovation. The firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy is more than just a statement—it’s a core aspect of life at IMC.
With employees from over 70 nationalities (and counting), IMC understands that its success is built on the diversity of its people. The firm is dedicated to creating and maintaining a diverse, fair, inclusive, and safe work environment for everyone.
How they're different
Algorithmic Focus and Diverse Trading Styles
IMC is recognised as a leader in algorithmic trading, with a core emphasis on technology, data, and automation. Unlike firms that rely heavily on discretionary trading, IMC blends various trading styles—market making, quantitative trading, positional trading, and valuation-based trading—to meet any market condition. This combination allows the firm to be nimble in both short-term market-making and long-term valuation-based strategies, giving traders the flexibility to work in the way that best suits their skills.
Unrivalled Infrastructure
IMC’s lightning-fast execution systems are world-class, giving their traders access to cutting-edge technology that enables high-volume trading at a fraction of the cost of competitors. Whether in market-making or valuation-based trading, IMC’s infrastructure provides traders with a significant competitive edge by enabling rapid execution and efficient operations.
Global Education Program
IMC offers a comprehensive global education program for new graduate hires, providing them with the opportunity to learn and grow in their Amsterdam and Chicago offices. This unique program allows early-career employees to gain hands-on experience, collaborate with global teams, and immerse themselves in different market environments. It’s an invaluable experience that accelerates career growth and deepens technical expertise.
Relaxed, High-Performance Culture
While IMC shares the high-performance demands common in the trading industry, its culture is notably more relaxed and collaborative. Unlike some firms that may receive a 'toxic' label, IMC avoids such dynamics by fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. Employees are encouraged to share knowledge, collaborate across teams, and enjoy a healthy balance between work and personal life.
