Graduate Equity Analyst (2026 Start - Chicago)

Optiver’s Equity Options Trading team is looking for a Grad Equity Analyst to drive our fundamental research-driven trading. Ideal candidates are self-starters, have a competitive mentality, and are excited by the opportunity to bring their knowledge and skills to a growing team.

Having a determined and proactive risk-taking mindset is essential to perform well in this role. As an Equity Analyst, you will play a critical role on our team and have the opportunity to make a material impact to the firm’s PnL. You will sit directly on the trading desk, where you will be able to influence trading decisions and positions daily. In addition, you will have the ability to put research-driven trading positions in your own book from day one.

What you’ll do:

As Optiver’s Equity Analyst, you will be responsible for leveraging current events and your research experience to impact the team’s trading decisions. As a member of our team, you will work in close collaboration with Traders, Quantitative Researchers and Developers to creatively solve problems and identify new trading opportunities.

In this role, you can expect to:

• Be extensively trained via our Optiver academy program for Equity Analysts
• Identify fundamental-driven trade opportunities and work with traders to capture these opportunities, focusing on maximizing your impact on overall desk PnL
• Think probabilistically and perform scenario analysis for relevant upcoming events, catalysts and analyze time sensitive headlines for companies within your coverage sector(s) and predict their influence on volatility and/or stock price
• Assist in the growth of our fundamental research team through various avenues (i.e. creating processes, identifying new areas of inefficiencies and building industry networks to monetize fundamental-driven trading ideas)

What you’ll get:

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
• Highly competitive compensation package including performance-based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:

• Current student graduating with a bachelor’s or master’s between December 2025 and June 2026, or already graduated with 1 – 2 years of prior relevant experience
• Ability to start full time work August 2026
• Someone with a willingness to pursue the CFA program
• Has a genuine interest in financial markets and fundamental analysis
• Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Is superior with time management, organizational and multitasking skills
• Has the ability to work under the guidance of mentors and develop fundamental research-driven ideas
• Has strong analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills
• Possesses computer programming skills (preferred, but not required)
• Able to both think independently and work collaboratively
• A determined and resilient individual
• Has a willingness to learn new techniques/skills and teach others

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilising the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritise safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

*We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2026.