About
Optiver is a leading proprietary trading firm dedicated to making markets more efficient, transparent, and stable for all participants. With close to 2,000 employees across offices around the world, Optiver is united in its mission to provide liquidity, competitive pricing, and reliable risk management. The firm is a prominent market maker, actively trading across multiple exchanges globally in options, futures, equities, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income, and commodities.
Trading at the core
At the heart of Optiver's operations is trading. The firm trades thousands of financial instruments worldwide using its own capital and taking on its own risk. As a market maker, Optiver continuously strives to improve the markets by offering the most competitive prices possible. The firm refines and optimises its proprietary trading strategies and algorithms to price thousands of instruments with precision, navigating the ever-changing market landscape. Optiver traders are nimble and decisive, traits essential to thriving in such a dynamic environment.
Collaborative and Inclusive Environment
Optiver’s collaborative culture encourages teamwork and collective problem-solving. Employees support and challenge one another to deliver their best, working together to tackle the most complex trading challenges. This inclusive approach ensures that the firm’s best work is achieved through collaboration.
A place where your ideas thrive
In Optiver’s high-performance environment, employees are surrounded by colleagues who share a passion for problem-solving. The firm’s intentionally flat structure promotes curiosity, freedom of thought, and the opportunity to challenge conventions. No matter the role, employees are given significant responsibility early on, fostering a culture of innovation and growth from day one.
Potential over expertise
Optiver values potential over industry knowledge, seeking out the strongest academic minds who are insatiably curious and driven to succeed. The firm recruits problem solvers from all academic disciplines, with a particular focus on STEM and quantitative/technical degrees, ensuring that its teams are equipped with the best thinkers, regardless of prior industry experience.
Values
Commitment to Doing the Right Thing
Optiver is dedicated to acting with integrity in everything it does, continuously striving to improve the markets for all participants.
Aiming for Excellence
The firm’s belief in continuous improvement drives Optiver to pursue excellence in every aspect of its work, pushing individuals and teams to be their best.
Collaboration Drives Success
Optiver achieves its best results through collaboration. The firm’s success is built on teamwork and collective problem-solving, ensuring that working together remains at the core of its culture.
Challenging the Status Quo
Optiver embraces critical thinking, self-reflection, and open feedback. The firm values diverse perspectives and encourages individuals to question conventions and seek innovative solutions.
Taking Ownership
Optiver empowers its employees to take ownership and initiative. The firm values entrepreneurial thinkers and action-takers who are willing to make a difference and drive success.
How they're different
Global Training Program in Amsterdam
Optiver offers a comprehensive global training program for new graduate traders, held at their headquarters in Amsterdam. This immersive experience equips employees with the foundational knowledge and skills to succeed in trading, while also fostering global connections across the firm. The program provides an excellent starting point for early-career professionals looking to rapidly develop in a high-impact environment.
High-Performance Culture
Optiver operates with a high-performance culture that pushes employees to excel. The firm is relentless in its pursuit of continuous improvement, encouraging individuals to challenge themselves and reach their full potential. This fast-paced, results-driven environment is ideal for those who thrive under pressure and are motivated by the opportunity to make a significant impact from the start.
Collaborative Culture with a Flat Structure
Despite its high-performance demands, Optiver fosters a deeply collaborative culture. The firm’s flat hierarchical structure ensures that ideas flow freely across all levels, and junior employees are empowered to contribute just as much as senior staff. This openness encourages innovation and fosters an inclusive, team-oriented environment.
