We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Bonds Rates Trader with a focus on developed markets to join a dynamic trading team at a leading hedge fund. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in trading government bonds, interest rate products, and other related fixed-income instruments across developed market economies. This role is suited to someone with experience from a multi-strategy hedge fund or an investment bank who thrives in fast-paced, high-performance environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Active Trading: Execute discretionary trading strategies in developed markets (e.g., US Treasuries, European Government Bonds, JGBs) across bonds and interest rate derivatives, such as swaps, futures, and options.
- Market Analysis: Continuously monitor macroeconomic indicators, monetary policy trends, and market sentiment across major developed economies to identify profitable trading opportunities.
- Risk Management: Maintain and manage a risk profile in line with the firm's risk tolerance and trading mandates. Proactively hedge exposure to interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks using appropriate instruments.
- Idea Generation: Develop and pitch trade ideas in government bonds and rates products, including relative value, directional, and arbitrage strategies based on fundamental, technical, and quantitative analysis.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other portfolio managers, quants, and research teams to enhance trading strategies, share insights, and collaborate on cross-asset opportunities.
- Execution: Efficiently manage execution of trades while minimising transaction costs and optimising risk-adjusted returns.
- Compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant internal and external regulatory requirements.
Key Requirements:
- Experience: 5+ years of proven experience trading developed market bonds and rates products at a hedge fund or investment bank.
- Product Expertise: Deep understanding of interest rate markets, including government bonds (sovereign debt), interest rate swaps, futures, and options in G7 economies.
- Track Record: Demonstrated ability to generate consistent profitability, with a clear record of successful risk management.
- Analytical Skills: Strong quantitative, macroeconomic, and financial analysis skills to interpret global economic trends, central bank policies, and other factors influencing rates markets.
- Execution Skills: Experience with high-frequency trading systems and electronic trading platforms. Familiarity with best execution practices in various fixed-income instruments.
- Risk Management: Excellent understanding of risk management techniques, including scenario analysis, stress testing, and VaR.
- Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field. Advanced degrees (e.g., CFA, MBA) are a plus.
- Soft Skills: Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in a team setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience trading across both developed and emerging markets, while focusing predominantly on G7 nations.
- Familiarity with algorithmic trading models or quantitative trading strategies is advantageous.
- An existing network of counterparties, brokers, and sell-side contacts within fixed-income and rates markets.
