Financial trader
Job description and typical activites in the job
Financial traders buy and sell shares, bonds and assets for investors, including individuals and banks. They make prices and made trades, seeking to maximise assets or minimise financial risk. There are three types of trader: proprietary, flow (market) and sales. Flow traders buy and sell products on the financial markets for the bank's clients.Sales traders take instructions directly from clients, placing orders and advising them on market developments and new financial ventures. Traders sit at workstations in a dealing room, tracking market movements. Markets can move rapidly and trading can be hard work. The role combines speaking with colleagues, making phone calls and making instant decisions. Traders also use their own technical analysis. Much of the job is based on independent thinking. Independent thought, especially in proprietary trading, adds value to any team. During the first year the trainee performs relatively menial tasks such as data analysis and administrative duties before being trusted to be responsible for the firm's money.
Entry requirements and salary
A degree in the following will maximise your chances in becoming a financial trader, economics, accountancy, politics, maths, usiness, sciences, finance. Range of typical starting salaries: £30,000-£45,000, plus a small signing-on bonus.Range of typical salaries for experienced traders: £45,000-£150,000.Typical salary for an associate with experience selling credits is £140,000 in a top tier bank or £230,000.