Advice for a jr.quant risk analyst (drop-out, and low gpa)

Apologies for how long this is:

I've been working as a junior quantitative risk analyst at a small, less prestigious firm in Toronto for 2 years. While I've performed well and expect to be promoted to senior analyst soon, the compensation is low, and growth opportunities are limited. However, this job like most also required applicants to have a masters degree (which I do not). I joined this firm in my third year at the University of Toronto, where I was pursuing a theoretical mathematics specialist program. The program is rigorous, modeled after Harvard's undergrad math program, and includes graduate-level material. Unfortunately, U of T's tough grading and having 2/3 years of my classes online dropped my GPA from 3.5 to 2.7.

Outside of work, I've started an AI startup focused on financial research and reporting, which takes up most of my free time. Recently, I interviewed for a jr quant risk position at a quant prop trading firm but struggled with the timing of the online assessment, even though I found the content manageable. I haven't taken a test in two years, which affected my performance. However, I feel that I am an oppurtunity away from a dream job. I wouldn't mind staying in risk, but would prefer to do quantitative research in the long run.

I dislike my current company and its limited prospects, but I'm having trouble landing another quantitative risk job or similar roles (I would like to move out of risk, but it isn't the priority). I am debating finishing my undergrad and doing it in math/stats to try to get into a top graduate program; with a long run plan to land a job at a more prestigous firm. However, it feels a bit backwards as the oppurtunity cost is quite high, and a lot of the classes I would be taking stuff I already know. I am unsure if it would be better to try and transfer to an easier school (would take more time) and aim to get a high gpa.

Ultimately, I need help moving forward.

• Is going back to school worth it for the masters, and if so am I better off transferring? or,

• Should I continue working and applying?

Thank you so much.