Platinum & Partners — Quant & Systematic Recruitment
Specialist Quant Trader & Systematic Trader Recruitment
Quant Traders sit at the intersection of quantitative research and live execution — running systematic strategies, managing risk in real time and optimising execution across markets. The best quant trader roles are never advertised publicly. Platinum & Partners places Systematic Traders, HFT Traders, Execution Traders and Electronic Trading Specialists at the world's leading HFT prop desks, systematic hedge funds and market makers. Founded by Tabby Kaan with 100% quant and systematic focus — every mandate led personally by Tabby.
A Quant Trader at a systematic fund or prop desk is responsible for executing and managing systematic trading strategies in live markets. This includes: monitoring automated trading systems, managing real-time risk, optimising execution algorithms, analysing transaction costs and market impact, and working closely with quant researchers to translate signals into live P&L. At HFT firms, quant traders focus on ultra-short-term strategies, market making and order book dynamics. At systematic hedge funds, they may manage portfolio-level execution and risk for systematic PMs. The role demands both quantitative ability and fast decision-making under pressure.
Live market data from Platinum & Partners mandates. London unless stated. Contact Tabby Kaan for role-specific benchmarks.
| Level | Base Salary | Total Comp (incl. bonus) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / Graduate Quant Trader (0–2 years) | £70,000 – £120,000 | £100,000 – £250,000 | Profit share structures; year-1 guarantee common at HFT firms |
| Mid-Level Quant Trader (2–5 years) | £120,000 – £250,000 | £250,000 – £600,000+ | P&L share 10–20%; performance bonus dominant component |
| Senior Quant Trader (5–10 years) | £200,000 – £400,000 | £500,000 – £2,000,000+ | Significant P&L share; partnership tracks at prop firms |
| Lead / Head of Trading (10+ years) | £300,000 – £600,000+ | £1,000,000 – £5,000,000+ | Firm-level economics; equity/partnership at leading firms |
New York typically runs 15–25% above London. Singapore is narrowing the gap rapidly. Figures based on Platinum & Partners placement data 2025–2026.
A Quant Trader executes and manages systematic trading strategies in live markets. At HFT firms, this involves ultra-short-term market making and microstructure-based trading in microseconds. At systematic hedge funds, quant traders manage execution, risk and position monitoring for systematic PMs or collaborative research teams. The role combines quantitative analysis, real-time decision-making and deep understanding of market microstructure. Unlike a quant researcher who develops signals, a quant trader is responsible for live P&L and execution quality.
In 2026, mid-level Quant Traders in London with 2–5 years of experience earn £120,000–£250,000 base with total compensation (including P&L share) of £250,000–£600,000+. Senior quant traders at top HFT firms earn £200,000–£400,000 base with total packages of £500,000–£2,000,000+. New York typically runs 15–25% above London. HFT prop firms in Chicago and Amsterdam offer partnership tracks that can significantly exceed these figures. For current benchmarks, contact Tabby Kaan at tabby@platinumandpartners.com.
Rarely. HFT prop firms and systematic hedge funds are extremely discreet about hiring — they protect information about their trading strategies, systems and team composition. The overwhelming majority of quant trader roles are filled through trusted specialist networks. Platinum & Partners maintains direct relationships with trading leadership at London, Chicago, New York and Amsterdam's leading HFT firms and prop desks, giving candidates access to roles that never reach job boards.
A Quant Trader focuses on execution and live trading — implementing strategies, managing real-time risk and optimising fill quality. A Systematic Portfolio Manager owns a capital allocation and is responsible for the overall strategy P&L, including research, signal generation and risk allocation. At some funds, particularly smaller ones, the roles overlap. At larger multi-strategy platforms, they are distinct: the PM develops and owns the strategy, while the quant trader handles execution and intraday risk management. PMs are typically compensated on net P&L with a payout ratio; quant traders may be on a base plus P&L share or profit-sharing structure.
Speak to Tabby Kaan directly. Retained, exclusive and contingency mandates — 48–72 hours to initial longlist. London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong and global systematic investment centres.
Register confidentially with Platinum & Partners. We never circulate your CV without permission. Direct access to the off-market roles at the world's best systematic funds.
Tabby Kaan — Founder & Managing Partner | tabby@platinumandpartners.com | +44 (0)203 941 9113