Quant Society: Head of Algorithmic Trading

I am Arne, currently studying Computational Finance.

I would like to nominate myself for the position of Head of Algorithmic Trading, as I have extensive experience and knowledge in this field. Having interned at Optiver, one of the world’s leading electronic market makers, in 2024, I gained real-world experience developing and refining trading algorithms. During my time there, I worked on adjusting algorithms to trade in real-time options markets to generate PnL, as well as developing a strategy to exploit high-frequency pricing arbitrage between EU stock auctions and their corresponding ADRs.

In addition, I placed in the top 5 in three global algorithmic trading competitions: Ready Trader Go by Optiver, and IMC Prosperity in both 2024 and 2025. These challenges attracted thousands of competitors and required in-depth market knowledge, advanced strategies, and algorithm optimization to outperform others and exploit market inefficiencies.

I aim to use my knowledge to organize events on market making and algorithmic trading, enabling Quant Society members to better participate in such competitions and to prepare for future interviews. Having already organized similar events during my undergraduate studies, I am confident that I have the skills and experience to make a significant contribution to the Quant Society and to serve effectively as Head of Algorithmic Trading.

With a background in Computer Science, having taken modules such as Advanced Programming, Parallel and HPC, and AI, I have the technical foundations required for algorithmic trading. Following my summer internships as an eFX developer (working on the development and testing of the eFX electronic trading platform) in the SRT development team within the Quantitative Technologies Services division, I have developed a deep curiosity about algorithmic trading strategies and technologies that enable the structuring and execution of trades in real time. 

Having shadowed FX and equity algo traders, I believe algorithmic trading is best understood and learned through practice. Therefore,  as the Head of  Algorithmic Trading, I would love to organise and run interactive algo trading workshops and challenges, enabling participants to develop and test their algo trading strategies. I would focus on both the technical and strategic/mathematical aspects of algorithmic trading to facilitate the well-rounded development of the Society's members. Finally,  I aim to leverage my connections with the algo trading teams in RBC Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank to bring in guest speakers with real industry experience across a range of products.