Institutional Trader

Think you need to be a numbers genius to work at Optiver? Think again. We’re looking for people who are analytically sharp and competitive, but who also have high EQ, strong communication skills and an entrepreneurial mindset — people who know that great decisions are not just about the numbers, but about the people behind them.

This exclusive event gives early-career professionals rare access to Optiver’s Amsterdam trading floor and a direct route into Institutional Trading. Over one Friday afternoon and evening, you’ll join us while markets are open and see how your quantitative foundation and confidence in high-stakes conversations could translate into a role on the desk.

Our Institutional Traders come from backgrounds spanning broking, asset management and technology. Discover how those strengths come together on some of Optiver’s largest orders, combining insight from brokers and direct counterparties with sharp analysis and close collaboration with Screen Traders to negotiate the best possible p

Strong performance may lead to a full-time offer to join Optiver as an Institutional Trader in February 2027.

Our Institutional Traders come from backgrounds spanning broking, asset management and technology. Discover how those strengths come together on some of Optiver’s largest orders, combining insight from brokers and direct counterparties with sharp analysis and close collaboration with Screen Traders to negotiate the best possible price at speed.

• When: Friday 13 November 2026, 14:00 – 20:00

• Where: Optiver Amsterdam Headquarters

• Application deadline: Applications close at 17:00 CET on 19th October

An afternoon and evening of learning, decision-making and trading in action. Throughout the event, our Institutional Traders will show you how the role really works and see how you rise to the challenge. Expect to think fast, learn quickly, and get a real feel for the desk.

• Open the black box: Get an inside look at how Optiver's Institutional Trading desk operates, and how we trade large orders with counterparties around the world.

• Get hands-on: Take part in trading exercises and market simulations that mirror real-world scenarios.

• Think under pressure: Sharpen your instincts in fast-paced decision-making games.

• Read the room: Take on relationship, stakeholder and negotiation challenges that test the communication side of the role.

• Compete: Go head-to-head in competitive challenges, in small rotating groups throughout the day.

• Pathway to a career: Demonstrate your potential during the event, and you may receive a direct offer to join Optiver as an Institutional Trader.

• Experience Optiver first-hand: Get a feel for our Amsterdam office and the buzz of a live trading floor.

• Spend time with our traders: Meet the Institutional Traders you'd be working alongside and start building connections that could shape your next move.

• Meet like-minded peers: Connect with a select group of professionals