The Details

About Us

Mako has an established history in using technology and a deep understanding of pricing and risk management to provide liquidity on global exchanges. Our innovative and entrepreneurial approach ensures that we play a leading role in shaping the future of trading and technology.

What really differentiates us from the rest? We think it is our integrity and the value that we place on our people and relationships.

A Unique Programme for Aspiring Traders
Mako’s Graduate Trader Programme is an immersive and structured programme specially designed to give our graduates the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and experience of the industry and options markets. The holistic programme runs for an 18- month period and covers the markets in which Mako operates as well as fundamental option theories and risk processes.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Work in a Fast-Paced Real-Time Trading Environment
From the outset, Graduate Traders are introduced to our fast paced and dynamic trading environment and are assigned stimulating and interactive projects to build upon their knowledge and understanding.

You will initially complete our specially designed rotational training programme to teach you about all aspects of trading and will then be assigned to the desk which best suits your skillset and approach to trading.

Learn From Highly Experienced Traders
As a Graduate Trader you will be working closely with our Senior Traders, giving you the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced in the business. In addition, you will participate in classes covering a rigorous syllabus of options theory and attend regular mock floor-trading sessions in a collaborative and unique environment.

Rotate Across a Wide Range of Product Areas
Graduate Traders rotate across different desks giving the added benefit of exposure across the markets in which the market making team operates. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain an understanding across a wide range of products.

Add Value
Innovation is key to our business and Graduate Traders have the opportunity to add value from the outset. Mako’s structure encourages a culture of exploration, challenge, and learning.  Working on various projects throughout their rotations and having access to a wealth of knowledge across the business. This is the ideal environment for sharing knowledge and generating ideas to drive our business forward.

What we need from you
A trader can come from any background and there are many ways to solve the problems they face, but what all successful traders have in common is an ability to make logical decisions under pressure and to be able to react quickly to changing circumstances. Additionally, we are looking for:

• An ability to demonstrate a competitive edge; Mako is a very collegiate environment, but the market is not.
• An enthusiasm to learn about our business and make your own mark
• A very high demonstrable level of mathematical ability.
• Programming ability – e.g. familiarity with VBA and Python.
• An upper second-class degree in an STEM based subject or equivalent.
• Options theory is not required but is desirable.

We are Mako
At Mako, we are welcoming, inclusive and collaborative. We work fast and smart in a supportive and dress-down environment that allows colleagues to be themselves and achieve great things. We have a flat structure that offers unrivalled engagement with senior leadership and career development opportunities alongside a fantastic benefits package, including:

• Private health and dental insurance
• Unlimited annual leave, flexible working and family friendly policies
• Generous pension scheme
• Free access to the Mako gym
• Employee wellbeing guidance and support
• Opportunity to become involved in the rewarding work of the MAKO foundation

Recruitment process

1. All applicants will be sent an aptitude test to assess their mathematical, verbal and spatial reasoning, and their time management. The test will be 37 questions and candidates will have 15 minutes to complete it. We believe that this gives all applicants an equal opportunity to succeed and creates a level playing field regardless of background or education.
2. Candidates who pass the test (currently ~10% of applicants) will be reviewed and interviews will be offered to suitable candidates.
3. Candidates will be interviewed by the Graduate Recruitment team as a first stage.
4. Candidates will be interviewed by the trading team as a second stage.
5. Offers will be made to successful candidates.